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"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all, yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
(1 Corinthians 15:10)
Recently, I interviewed Pastor Todd Kaunitz for our REvangelical podcast ministry. It will be aired this weekend, so be sure to check it out! You will be blessed and encouraged. Todd is the lead pastor of New Beginnings Baptist Church in Longview, Texas. God has His hand on Todd and is using him to reach many in east Texas. Ashley and I got to spend some time with Todd and his wife, Adrian, while we were on a trip to Washington DC a few years ago. They have three children and are such a blessed and delightful family.
Todd shared with me how last year he hit a low point in his ministry and needed a fresh touch from the Lord. Yes, even pastors get weary and need encouragement; I should probably say, especially pastors get weary and need encouragement! You may be thinking, "But how is that? Here you have a pastor who has led his church from 400 people to 2400, planted another campus, is reaching people, etc., so how could he be discouraged and need uplifting?" Leading your family and a church during normal and calm days is challenging enough, but throw in a world-wide pandemic with all the stressors that brings as well as a polarizing political battle that pits Christians against each other with the pastor in the middle, and well, I think you can see how that would be rather challenging.
I like Matthew West's new song, Truth Be Told. Some of the lyrics are:
Lie number one: you're supposed to have it all together
And when they ask how you're doing
Just smile and tell them, "Never better"
Lie number two: everybody's life is perfect except yours
So keep your messes and your wounds
And your secret's safe with you behind closed doors.
Truth be told, only Jesus had it all together when He walked upon the earth. Not you, not me, not even the great Apostles of the Christian faith were perfect or worry-free. Paul told the church at Corinth that it was only by the grace of God that he was what he was. Perhaps you are a pastor or spiritual leader and you are feeling the heavy weight of responsibility of leading a church or ministry during a pandemic. I am with you, and it is not easy! But you are not alone. God loves you, and I am quite sure you are doing far better than you think. There are many more for you than against you. Share your burdens with the Lord in prayer and also with another brother in Christ. Ladies, I encourage you as well to pray often and confide in a close friend who will walk with you and help you through your painful days. Transparency is so needed today. A burden shared is half as heavy.
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