Women's Focus Ministries: Sunday Writing.... 10/16/16

Good Morning,\
Today's devotional was written by Jan Andersen. The title is, "STRUGGLING SERVANTS." She writes about us as God's struggling servants, as well as pastors and their special job and struggles.

Have a great Sunday!
God bless,
Corinne and Jan

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sunday Devotional

"STRUGGLING SERVANTS"

written by

Jan Andersen

We all struggle in one way or another - physically, mentally, or spiritually. Physical issues affect us all. It might just be feeling tired and not wanting to get out of bed in the morning, hitting that snooze button just "one more time." Or it could be as serious as a terminal illness, making us nauseous and zapping all strength from our bodies. Mentally we also all run into problems, from minor forgetfulness, or difficulty learning something, to Alzheimers or dementia for others. And then there is our spiritual life. Some struggle with simple things like remembering to pray even when we are tired, all the way to those struggling with faith itself. None of us are immune to these issues.

These things have touched everyone's life. Even those in ministry full time have their problems. Pastors can struggle with the same things as their parishioners. But they also have other struggles unique to their office in ministry. First of all they have some lofty qualifications set forth in the Bible. They are to be above reproach and manage their household well: devoted to his wife, in control of his children, God's faithful steward, humble, not quick-tempered or quarrelsome, sober, gentle, peaceful - not violent, not greedy, hospitable, not domineering, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, able to teach, spiritually mature, respectable, and a good example. (see Titus 1:6-9, 1 Timothy 3:1-7, and 1 Peter 5:3) Those are some pretty tough expectations. After meeting the qualifications, then there are the responsibilities, such as preaching, teaching, overseeing, reproving, rebuking, exhorting, and equipping the saints in their care. Then place on top of that, the responsibility for the souls entrusted to their care. Pastors will have to give an account of the people to God:

Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV) Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.

Illustration of the Bible Verse Hebrews 13:17

Pastors are not immune to struggles. Most are desiring to be good shepherds, and they need your support and encouragement and prayers. Also realize that the pastor's job is to equip us, the people, to do the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12). Each of us is responsible for sharing our faith with others to bring them into the flock. Jesus is the perfect Shepherd and the only one able to completely fulfill everything required. Thankfully he forgives each of us when we struggle to be his good servants.

Heavenly God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip us with everything good for doing your will. Work in us what is pleasing to you. Help us to build up the shepherds of your flock here on earth and to share the good news of forgiveness and salvation with others to bring them into the fold. Have mercy on your struggling servants and hear our prayer, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen. (based on Hebrews 13:20-21)