Discouragement

As I was listening to my son Phil’s Christmas message from Isaiah 49 recently I noted an experience in the life of Christ described prophetically that has particular significance for people in vocational ministry. Isaiah 49 describes the coming Christ as the Servant of the Lord. In verse 4 the Servant is quoted as saying, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with God.”

It is startling to note that Jesus during the course of his life on earth experienced a sense of failure and futility in his work for the Father. He was after all altogether man as well as altogether God and he was tempted in all points as we are. So, it shouldn’t surprise us that he entered this very human experience familiar to pastors and missionaries. His experience in the garden as he prayed “not my will, but yours be done” may have been one of those moments. There are seasons of ministry when we are tempted to give up because it seems as though we are accomplishing nothing of value or it is too difficult. How do we keep those feelings from sidetracking us from doing God’s will?

After stating his discouragement, the Servant went on to say “Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with God.” Jesus dealt with his feelings of discouragement first of all by reminding himself that he was about the Father’s business and his final reward was with God. It is important to ascertain we are in God’s will and then entrust our work to him. What we do in ministry we do for God not the applause of men.

He goes on to say, “I am honored in the eyes of the Lord and my God has been my strength – he says: it is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” (Isaiah 49:5b-6). He also brought to mind the fact that he was honored to be called to do the work of the Father and that God was his strength. When my perspective is clearest I realize I am not doing God any favors by serving him, it is a profound and undeserved honor to be called into his service. He did me the honor of calling me into ministry. Even when the results seem unsatisfying to me it is a privilege to serve him.

He also notes that in the view of the Father he has received a call encompassing more than might be expected. He would be a light to the Gentiles as well as Israel. It wasn’t till after his death and resurrection that the message went out to the Gentiles. When we do not see the results we hope for remember there are unexpected results we cannot always observe. One of the benefits of enduring ministry is that you see results in later years from early years of ministry you could not have anticipated. God’s word does not return void and the seed of his truth planted through your ministry will bring a harvest over time. God is always doing things we cannot see and often he is working through us in ways we do not comprehend.

You may be riding the wave of exciting visible results from your ministry or you may be in a season of still waters when you are toiling at the oars with little tangible progress. If you are riding the wave, enjoy the ride and keep your balance through humility and deep devotion to God. Jesus was riding a wave at his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, but the wave hit the shore line and he found himself alone in a garden pouring his heart out to the Father as he wrestled with the completion of his calling.

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12: 2-3). Be encouraged as you enter 2012. God is with you. God is for you. God will use you according to his purpose as you faithfully walk with him.

CHRISTMAS AND FAMILY

This time of the year is a great opportunity to gather the family together, create memories, and grow deeper in our love for one another. Next to our relationship with God our families should be the most valued relationships we have. Loretta and I celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary November 29th and I am very grateful to God for bringing us together. Much of life comes and goes, but family is constant. When I resigned from Radiant Church after 22 years as Pastor I noticed that many ministerial relationships faded. Of course, it was important that I detach from relationships within the church to avoid interrupting the new pastor’s leadership. When I pastored Bethel Church in San Jose, CA one fellow minister told me he wanted to be my friend as long as I was pastoring Bethel. His unexpected comment revealed a normally unspoken but understood reality that many relationships are the product of one’s profession or position.

After moving to CA, Loretta and I would sometimes ask each other, “do you feel at home yet?” In one conversation she said to me “wherever you are is home for me”. It was one of those moments when I realized how very important Loretta is to me. Loretta and my sons are my best friends and greatest encouragement whether I’m “on other’s radar or under their radar”. We all need healthy human relationships that remain through all seasons of life. Relationships built on commitment to one another and love for one another – in sickness and in health; in good times and in bad. This time of year is a reminder of the first advent of our Savior and His immeasurable commitment to and love for us. For me it is also a reminder of the priceless gift He has given me in my family. I pray your family relationships will be enriched and your marriage filled with love, grace, joy and peace.

Some of our ministers have lost family members to death in the last year; one of the greatest heartaches in life. I pray God will grant each one comfort in this Christmas season.

Have a wonderful Christmas!