The Apostle Paul wrote to the church at Corinth and addressed the false apostles seeking to damage the church. He referred to his background and experiences, and then added this statement:
2 Corinthians 11:28 And, apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxiety for all the churches.
Paul experienced external suffering, but here he speaks of internal suffering as well. He had the daily pressure of anxiety for all the churches. God used him to establish many churches, and he felt responsible for them. Many who came to faith were being persecuted, and some were compromising their faith because of the attacks of the false teachers.
One unique thing to those who serve in ministry is the constant pressure we feel from our anxiety regarding the people we serve. All faithful shepherds feel it and it is constantly with us. The family who is on the brink of collapse, the dear saint who is on the doorstep of eternity, the brother who is struggling through overcoming addiction, the parents who are broken over their wayward child, all contribute to this anxiety. A shepherd watches over, feeds, cares for, and protects a flock of sheep in the fields. In the same way, an undershepherd of Jesus does so for the people of God. Not to mention the pressure of regular church life regarding many practicalities we deal with. Add to that the occasional (or no so occasional) conflict that arises in churches where we become mediators. For most of us, our thoughts are constant, even when we lie down to sleep at night or even when we are taking a day off and spending time with our families. The work of the ministry always feels undone- the unmade visit, the phone call you remember you need to make, the sermon that needs to be ready because Sunday is coming, are all realities.
What keeps the pastor going in the midst of the daily pressure of ministry?
First, a strong confidence in the sovereignty of God is essential.
Isaiah 46:10 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.
When I go to sleep at night, I rest on what has been called the pillow of God’s sovereignty.
Second, knowing that God cares far more than I do, brings me peace.
Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Not one can fall to the ground outside of our Father’s care.
Third, I need a keen awareness of my weakness.
Paul wrote, If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. 2 Corinthians 11:30
I am weak, God is strong. I can’t, but God can. I am nobody’s Messiah. There is only one Messiah, and his name is Jesus. We do well to remember this, and also share the load with others. No pastor should go it alone. We need to build a culture of care in our churches with a team approach to meeting the needs of the people. The body of Christ is the strongest when it is ministering to and caring for one another, and reaching out to those who are lost.
Each of these things practically help us to serve faithfully. That said, the pressure is still constantly present in our lives. Paul knew it, and those of us in ministry know it.
I thank God for the promise of Psalm 55:22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.
