Right now God is doing an awesome work at Palm Valley Church. Lives are being changed en masse, people are inviting Jesus into their heart during every service, more people are stepping up to serve than we’ve ever seen, and there’s just an awesome feeling on campus during the weekends. I love my job.
On the flip side today was one of the most depressing days I’ve had in 15 years of ministry. Right now a lot of people are struggling, and it hurts my heart. 4 people stopped me on the patio yesterday and asked for prayer because they’re losing investment homes, and they’re worried about the impact. Today I learned of 2 more good friends who are facing the loss of their homes. Another good friend called me to tell me he’d been let go at his job this morning, adding to 2 others who were let go last week. I hurt for people who are hurting. As a pastor I love the people in our church, and I hate to see them struggling. Yet I rest in the promise that the Lord has their situations in the palm of His hand, and He will not let them go.
At the leadership level I have a responsibility to continue to lead the church where God has called us to go; and we’re facing some real challenges. I feel like God is stretching and growing me in incredible ways. Growth is always uncomfortable, yet necessary and rewarding. I want to be the man, the husband, the father, the pastor God wants to develop me into. To steal a line from my message yesterday, I’m “tuning in to Him” to see what He’s doing through this.
Overall, please know that I’m not freakin’ out. I just sense that right now a lot of people at Palm Valley need real leadership and encouragement, and solid answers about how to live through times of uncertainty. This teaching series couldn’t have come at a better time. Palm Valley’ers, please know I’m praying for you. It’s times like this that God will develop our character and draw us closer to Him; as well as each other. I felt so much peace this weekend as we talked about the foundation for our lives, Jesus Christ, and the knowledge that it is exactly what we all needed to be reminded of.
You don’t want to miss the upcoming weeks at Palm Valley as we continue to talk about how to live with certainty in uncertain times. I’ll be bringing some very practical advice from the Bible about how to make it through the tough times in life.
I also decided to write this post to help other pastors. I know that there are a ton of pastors out there feeling the same way today, and I want to encourage you. Be strong and courageous, and continue to lead your church through these tough times. I believe all of our churches will come through this stronger, refined, and better equipped to reach our world with the good news of Jesus Christ!
