Discouraged in Ministry? Remember these Three Things:

A friend in ministry texted me the other day about his frustrations in ministry.  He was feeling like he wasn’t the right guy for the job (even though I knew he was exactly the right man for the job) and he talked about thoughts of giving up.  I wished I could reach through my HTC One and give him a huge hug.

We’ve all been there right?  Frustrated.  Discouraged. 

If you’ve ever done any kind of ministry - whether it is teaching Sunday School, leading music, serving in missions or outreach, or even full time pastoral ministry – you know that frustration can easily set in.

When that happens you may be tempted to quit.  And in fact sometimes there is a time to move on.  But before you do, please remember three things:

1. Discouragement is normal.  Ministry is hard.  It always was.  It always will be. Learn to deal with it.  I do not say this glibly.  You will have times when things go smoothly and ministry brings great joy and fulfillment, but from the first disciples who had to deal with being betrayed by one of their own number, or found themselves running ragged looking after widows, to the present day, we see that ministry is a challenge.  In my experience the most rewarding things in life usually are hard won.

2. Discouragement is a spiritual battle.  You understand that if you let discouragement get to you that the Enemy wins, right?  The Devil has very little power over us that we do not give to him ourselves.  I think that’s why in one place Peter, who knew a lot about the trials of ministry, told his contemporaries (and by extension us) to resist the Devil. In 1 Peter chapter five we find an encouragement to the “shepherds of God’s flock.” 

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.” 1 Peter 5:6-9  

3. Discouragement will pass.  It will.  Honestly.  If you resist the nagging lies of the Enemy, keep your eyes focused on Jesus and His Mission, and keep moving forward in the direction that God wants you to go, this time of discouragement will pass.  Don’t make any rash decisions during this time.  Learn from them.  Grow from them.  But do NOT give up.  God’s mission here on earth is far too important to quit.  God knows you aren’t perfect (see 2 Cor. 4:7) and still you are His plan. 

So keep going!  Don’t quit!  And just wait and see where God takes you next.

- A

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7