Contending with the Horses

I am very cautious about catering to any sense of self-pity either in my own life or in those to whom I minister. I learned many years ago that the feelings of self-pity are like a ravenous beast that can never be satisfied. The more it is fed, the greater will be its appetite.

The walk of faith and faithfulness can, at times, be one of struggle and uncertainty. While we can always be certain of the faithfulness of our Lord, difficulties in ministry, struggles of economic survival, and/or conflicts in relationships can cause us to become focused on failure or defeat rather His faithfulness. When we look away from the Lord to anything else, the specter of what seems to be overwhelming opposition becomes blunting to our vision causing us to wonder if it is “worth it all.” Such considerations provoke thoughts and feelings of self-pity.

Based on my counseling experience, I believe that people in Christians service fall by the wayside due to weariness in service more than any other factor. Weariness in service is the direct result of many of the following factors (as well as others not mentioned):

1. Financial difficulties. The idealism of many pastors often leads them to accept pastorates where the local people either can’t or won’t offer an equitable salary. An otherwise gifted and powerful pastor can wilt under the strain of the struggle to meet his financial demands when his salary is too small. His choice to accept a particular pastorate in spite of the financial shortfalls offered is usually based on his faith that God will supply. If that supply doesn’t come, he will tend to falter under the weariness of the way.

2. Family struggles. Conflict in the home has the potential of deadening the spirit of any servant of God. It is hard to offer optimum service when one is faced with a struggling relationship with spouse and/or children.

3. Apathy or resistance to one’s ministry. Regardless of whether one is a pastor or serves in other capacities, his endurance will be hampered by the resistance of his constituency to his proffered leadership.

4. Illness or other physical debilities or conditions. It is very difficult for fight in the battles into which his ministry takes him and at the same time fight the inner battles associated with illness or disability.

5. Loss of vision. The greatest struggle that one faces is quite often the result of an accumulation of the above listed issues or many others too numerous to mention—the loss of vision. When one loses his vision he will lapse into a “what’s the use” kind of mentality usually struggling with his sense of self-worth, the value of his efforts to the Kingdom, and/or a loss of confidence in God.

Few people that I know of have faced the struggles and misunderstandings that Jeremiah endured. He understood the impact of his message and pulled no punches in what he had to say.

He questioned whether we could face the horsemen if we falter before the infantry. On the field of battle, the hordes of the enemy never let up. It is up to us to find the right posture, weaponry, armor, and field of battle while in warfare. We can and will be the victors if we refuse to give way in the face of the enemy’s onslaught.

All of the components listed above as well as a multitude of others are certainly challenges to our faith and faithfulness but offer no excuse for us to falter. Our Father’s resources, strength, protection, and leadership are always available to us when we are standing faithful on the field of battle.

It is a mistake for one to give way to feelings of self-pity at any point in his life but it is particularly hazardous when he is on the battlefield. Victory doesn’t come to the faint hearted or to him who is doubleminded.

Victory is reserved for those who stand and keep on standing. The only encouragement they require comes from their commander in chief when He says, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” So, dear friend, don’t give up or get down. Get up and go on regardless of the inner turmoil or outer conflict. Joy comes in the morning.

Jeff

• Jefferson H. and Norma R. Floyd, CO-directors • Jubilee International • P. O. Box 572 • Noblesville, IN 46061