Dear Discouraged Pastor,
Oh Pastor,
Ministry can be so hurtful. Just know that I understand and that I'm praying
for you. Also know that God loves you so much and that He has not forgotten
you.
Don't make any decisions about your ministry today. But as your family has been
hurt, why don't you talk to them about your ministry and see if they have any
ideas or directions for you. It would be great if you could pray about it as
a family.
Also, there are other ways to be in the ministry besides pastoring, however,
your call is between you and the Lord. Why don't you ask Him to either confirm
your call, or to provide other opportunities and direction.
However, don't let bitter controlling people take your call away from you. Seek
God on this and I am confident he will guide you through.
I myself have had very discouraging times as a Christian author and speaker.
Once my one of my employees ran away with one of my Christian publisher's employees,
my publisher was so angry they vented their frustrations on me, even though
I had nothing to do with 'the affair.' I lost a four book contract and it looked
as if God could never use me as an author again. As that was my calling, I was
heartbroken.
However, God used this ministry holocaust to redirect my path. Today my ministry
has taken a new direction. Yes, I still write books, (with a new publisher),
but now I also reach out to encourage other authors and people of the church
online. That would never have happened if I had not had a 'bump' in the road.
What I'm trying to say is, give this situation to God. Then allow Him to turn
it into good. Let Him surprise you with how He will do that. For God wastes
no circumstance. And just as Joseph couldn't understand why he was thrown into
a pit, God used that pit as a stepping stone for a greater purpose. God has
a great purpose for you as well. Know that He has a plan and trust in Him.
Praying for you pastor!
Linda
To read my story, click here.
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