READING: 2 Corinthians 11:1-13:14, Acts 20:7-12
I am privileged to work with young men and women preparing for different roles in ministry. I’m always excited to see their zeal for that work as they look forward to doing full-time ministry. And, it’s fun to tell them of some of the great life-changing experiences I’ve had as a pastor and professor.
It’s harder, though, to tell them about the potential of pain ministry brings. Ministry pain can be anguishing—as the apostle Paul understood. As he prepared to go to Corinth another time, he feared he would find quarreling and disorder still going on. Moreover, he was concerned that he would find church members who still had not “repented of the moral impurity, sexual immorality, and sensuality they practiced” (2 Cor 12:21).
If he found those things there, Paul would mourn that his work had not led to change in these lives. He would grieve their sin more than they did. In fact, Paul used the word “humiliated” to describe his heart in this situation; God would bring him low by the conditions in the church—and that would not be easy for Paul. He would learn the power of God in his weakness, but such is nevertheless one of the pains of ministry.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Have you prayed for your pastors today? Or for other pastors in your area?
DAILY PRAYER: “God, I lift up those who lead us today. Let me not be a source of pain for them.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Acts 20:13-21:36
