This morning, I thought about people who have left the ministry. I understand that everyone has a different reason for making this choice and my intention is to examine 2 of those reasons. Some people leave ministry because of offense and other people leave because the “burden is too heavy”.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls” (Matthew 29:11).
The first issue that should be addressed is the heart. Your heart should always be Godward. People and their expectations are heavy. I can imagine, that ministry can be heavy, but Jesus says, “take my yoke upon you”. The ministry belongs to Jesus, not you. Where is your heart? I know that you’re tired. I know that people can be a mess, but always lean on Christ and you will find rest in depending on Him.
Church has become a place of tradition. Many of us attend because we “have” to, not so much because we want to. We have jobs to do and some of us are in error because we feel as if things will fall apart if we don’t show up. This is a heart issue. Show up for God first. Take His yoke upon you and rest. Your claim to fame is not about works. You need to be right in the sight of God.
“There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out” (Luke 13:28).
Save yourself first! On a airplane, the stewardess always instructs people to put the breathing mask on their face first, before they try to help other people. Make sure that God is pleased with you instead of puffing yourself up off of the praise of others.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 30: 28-30).
Ministry and serving is heavy when we forget that Jesus tells us to lean on Him. When people get on your nervous, lean on Jesus. When you are tired and want to give up, lean on Jesus. When depression sets in and you feel alone, lean on Jesus.
Forget the people and lean on Jesus. The masses belong to Him, not you. Their failures and successes are not yours because you lean on Jesus.
I pray against weariness. I pray that you don’t get tired of doing what you know God has called you to do. I pray that your heart and mind is always Godward. I pray that we are quick repeaters and quick to forgive others. I pray that we will receive the grace to forgive ourselves. No one is perfect, but we are all loved.I pray that we will place our burdens, concerns, and complaints on the alter of the Lord. I pray to seek God. People are a trip, but God is consistent. Lord, I thank you for being faithful when I want to give up. I thank you for hope, when I feel hopeless. I thank you for placing people in my life who love me without judgement. I pray for your servants today God. I pray that you will cover those who are growing tired. I pray peace over those who the enemy is trying to drown in sadness. I pray breakthrough for those who are waiting on you. God you are good and you are faithful. You are perfect love manifested. I thank you for making me in this place.In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
Comments
Post a Comment