Most of us are forgetful people. Even leaders of God’s church tend to forget truths we desperately need to cling to when the work becomes hard. Perhaps you forget, like I do, that:
- You are never alone. Never. Ever. Not even for a second. Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). No matter how lonely the work is, He is with you.
- You can have the laborers you need for your team. Jesus told us to pray for workers when we need them (Luke 10:1-2). Do what He said.
- You can gain wisdom if you ask. All of us need God’s wisdom, and James told us how to get it – ask (James 1:5). Take the Bible at its word, and trust God to give you wisdom.
- You can forgive those who hurt you. Jesus told us to forgive others (Mark 11:25), and God enables us to forgive as He requires.
- God will meet your every need. He may do it in ways you had not considered, and He will operate according to His timing – but He will take care of you (Phil. 4:19).
- God knows your pain. In fact, He knows everything, including the secrets of your heart (Psa. 44:21, 1 John 3:20). You have the privilege of running to Him with your deepest hurts.
- The Word you teach and preach will not come back empty (Isa. 55:11). It will always accomplish its purpose, even if the results are not immediate. The Word has power.
- God can change the knuckleheads in your life. That’s what He did with the disciples – He turned uneducated, untrained, arrogant, divisive, fickle men into heralds of the gospel who gave their lives for Him. He still changes lives that way (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
- Your failures need not be final. Simon Peter fell, but Jesus welcomed him back (Mark 16:7, John 21:15-20). Christ is a forgiving God.
- You’re on the winning side. Jesus Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords who will reign forever (Rev. 19:16). Nothing you face today, no matter how hard it is, will change this fact.
Christian leader, remember these lessons – and press on today.
Thank you for this timely reminder of God’s grace.
He is indeed gracious. Thanks, J.R.