23 May 2018

The One In Which I Put My Preacher Hat On

Reposted by request.

One thing I've learned over a lifetime of following the Lord is that the rewards for attentive service are far greater than otherwise. So why then do we waver, waxing and waning with the passage of time, after promising to be a faithful servant?

Jesus said, "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." (Matt. 26:41, Mark 14:38 NIV) We waver when there is no immediate assignment, when we feel unused, or just bored by what we perceive as inactivity.

What we should do in those times is to press in, in prayer, and seek His face. "But what does that mean, Reverend?" you may ask. It means to spend time conversing with Him, in His presence. Not because of what He can do for us, but because we want to be with Him.

It's all too easy to drift away, to let our love grow cold, when nothing immediate seems to be happening. It's easy to think we've been set aside, or even been ignored, when there seem to be no opportunities or excitement. Mountaintop experiences are always exciting - but we must also go through valleys to reach the next mountain.

It's very fulfilling to be of service, doing things like setting up or taking down seats, sound systems, tuning instruments, etc. It's exciting to lead the people in praise and worship. It's really exciting to preach (that's the gravy part, for a preacher) and pray for people and watch as they are healed, and freed from various problems.

The behind-the-scenes stuff is not nearly as exciting, but is equally important. The prayers and preparations all enable the public things that the congregation sees.

But what happens when the Lord tells you that He's putting you "on the shelf", so to speak? It's easy to become discouraged, or bored, or resentful. But that's the time when you need to press in even more, to seek Him and His will for you ... and to keep the lines of communication open.

After all, if you're no longer paying attention, how will you hear when He says it time to go back to work?

So let me encourage you, if you're in a dry season, to remain faithful and constant. It's not easy, but it's worth the struggle. And the struggle makes us even stronger.

After all, if life is just peace and contentment, how would we ever be able to withstand adversity?

7 comments:

LindaG said...

That is something our parents, schools and colleges could be teaching, instead of 'everyone gets the same trophy'. Though I do sort of understand it.

Glad you put your preacher hat on, Reverend. Thank you.

drjim said...

Always good to get encouragement as we struggle through life.

Rev. Paul said...

Linda, the Progressives who now dominate so-called "higher education" firmly believe that the Nanny State can & will take care of us. Never mind that it clearly cannot.

Jim, I concur ... and I should probably do it more often.

Toirdhealbheach Beucail said...

Thanks Reverend. Much needed.

Rev. Paul said...

You're welcome, sir.

Old NFO said...

Well said, Rev!

Rev. Paul said...

Thank you!