Ministering Through The Rain

"April showers bring May flowers."  Isn't that how the saying goes?

In life it takes some cloudy, dreary times to cause you to appreciate the sunshine and its warmth. I imagine that some of you who read these words are feeling the effects of cloudy times. Perhaps your family is going through a difficulty, or "joy robbers" in your congregation are draining your mental resources. If you're like me, some days you don't feel like you're making much difference, and the clouds of discouragement hover around you. 

Well, to paraphrase the apostle James, "It's OK if there is a little rain in our lives — because the rain tests our faith and in turn causes flowers to grow. Don't resent the rain or even a flood. Through these experiences, not only will you grow stronger in the truth, but you will also see firsthand the fruits of your labor in His time."

How do you successfully work through rainy periods?

1. Pace yourself.
2. Be around positive people.
3. Have a dream.
4. Settle unresolved conflicts in your family.
5. Maintain consistent time with Christ.
6. Read an encouraging book every few weeks.
7. Don't forget that God called you, and He will sustain you.
8. Make the most of your days off.
9. Minister to those whose problems will put yours into the right perspective.
10. Remember that the mountains are still behind the clouds. In Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak dominates the landscape. You can see Pikes Peak from anywhere in the city, but at times the clouds lay low, obscuring the mountain. I recall what an old pastor told me at the beginning of my ministry: "Behind the clouds, the mountain is still there, and one day soon you will see it again."

I hope that as you reflect on your life in the ministry, you can see God's hand during the rainy seasons.

By the way, we've enjoyed the comments you have been posting lately.  Please keep them coming!

Comments

[Catherine]

What a nice blog, Pastor.

I just surfed over from FOTF's email to read this.

[Robert Jacobs]

Thank you so much for the blog on the rainey days. We are experiencing those days now but God is so good and the mountain is still there. Your words of
encouragement are refreshing to my soul.

[Henry Luckel (Bivocational in Colorado Springs)]

H.B., I came to your blog from your weekly Pastor's Briefing. For a long time I have been encouraged by the fact that you are there for us. Your wisdom and gentle heart carry many of us through rain, storms and even hurricans in our lives. Thank you for all you do.
Last year, about this time, you spoke to a group of Bi-Vocational pastors in Denver. Your impact on that small group of people is and has been much greater than you can imagine.
I would love to hear more on unity between the denominations.
Thanks again for your obidence.

[WeeMin]

Hi HB, Great blog and thanks for always having the intention to bless and encourage others. Certainly the heart of a pastor.