2 Cor. 4:16-18
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Surely the apostle Paul, of all servants of the Lord, knew what it was to face adveristy for the cause of Christ. He was committed to sharing the gospel, seeking to see men converted from a life of sin to a life of santification in the Lord. However, much of his ministry was met with great opposition. It seems that everywhere he went, there were those who sought to undermine his ministry and hinder him in the work he was called to do.
It would be an understatement to say that Paul was often weary in the journey. I am sure that he knew what it was to suffer physical exhaustion, as well as mental and emotional fatigue. Surely there were days when he was tempted to give up or at least slow down, but we never see that temptation heeded or given in to. He remained committed to the Lord. Even though the outward man, the physical body, suffered pain and fatigue, his inward man, or spirit, was renewed day by day. Each time he felt as if he could no longer endure the physical demands of ministry, God renewed His spirit and gave him the strength and desire to press on in the journey.
This past week was as demanding physically and emotionally as any I can remember. There are times in our lives when we get weary in the journey. There are days when it seems as if it is a sturggle just to put one foot in front of the other. There are seasons in which we feel as if we do not possess the strength or the wisdom to endure. It is during those times that the Lord always provides exactly what we need.
Even though ministry and life itself can be demanding and a bit overwhelming at times, it is still the greatest honor and privilege to be used of the Lord. As I consider the busyness of the past week I rejoice that God has chosen me to have a small part in His kingdom work. I had the privilege and opportunity to serve the Lord by giving of myself for the needs of others. Even though the outward man grows weary, the inward man is renewed day by day!
I know that each of us who follow the Lord have had times when we felt as if we have more to do than we could possibly accomplish, but He always provided the strength we needed to fulfill our obligations. Ministry may be demanding, but it is also rewarding. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve the King. I wouldn't trade what the Lord has called me to do for the most lucrative position in the world. There is a peace and contentment that comes with serving the Lord.
Some reading this post may not be in full time Christian service like a pastor is, but the principle remains the same. Whatever God has called you to do, wherever He has placed you, is a miraculous thing. Have you ever pondered the idea that God has chosen to use you in whatever capacity He has? It may be that you are a Sunday School teacher and you feel as if no one really notices or appreciates the effort that you put into studying and preparing your lesson. That may very well be the case, most may never realize the sacrifices you make to teach that class, but rejoice that God has allowed you a place of service in His work! It is an honor and a privilege to be used of God in any capacity.
I am not worthy of the place that I have been called to stand, but I am thankful for the opportunity. I want to do all that I can to put forth the effort necessary to honor my Lord and fulfill my obligations. There is no greater joy than being used of the Lord in some aspect of ministry.
So the next time you are tired and weary because of the busyness of Christain service, rejoice that you had the opportunity to grow tired being used of the Lord.
Preacher Chris
For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. [17] For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; [18] While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
Surely the apostle Paul, of all servants of the Lord, knew what it was to face adveristy for the cause of Christ. He was committed to sharing the gospel, seeking to see men converted from a life of sin to a life of santification in the Lord. However, much of his ministry was met with great opposition. It seems that everywhere he went, there were those who sought to undermine his ministry and hinder him in the work he was called to do.
It would be an understatement to say that Paul was often weary in the journey. I am sure that he knew what it was to suffer physical exhaustion, as well as mental and emotional fatigue. Surely there were days when he was tempted to give up or at least slow down, but we never see that temptation heeded or given in to. He remained committed to the Lord. Even though the outward man, the physical body, suffered pain and fatigue, his inward man, or spirit, was renewed day by day. Each time he felt as if he could no longer endure the physical demands of ministry, God renewed His spirit and gave him the strength and desire to press on in the journey.
This past week was as demanding physically and emotionally as any I can remember. There are times in our lives when we get weary in the journey. There are days when it seems as if it is a sturggle just to put one foot in front of the other. There are seasons in which we feel as if we do not possess the strength or the wisdom to endure. It is during those times that the Lord always provides exactly what we need.
Even though ministry and life itself can be demanding and a bit overwhelming at times, it is still the greatest honor and privilege to be used of the Lord. As I consider the busyness of the past week I rejoice that God has chosen me to have a small part in His kingdom work. I had the privilege and opportunity to serve the Lord by giving of myself for the needs of others. Even though the outward man grows weary, the inward man is renewed day by day!
I know that each of us who follow the Lord have had times when we felt as if we have more to do than we could possibly accomplish, but He always provided the strength we needed to fulfill our obligations. Ministry may be demanding, but it is also rewarding. I am blessed to have the opportunity to serve the King. I wouldn't trade what the Lord has called me to do for the most lucrative position in the world. There is a peace and contentment that comes with serving the Lord.
Some reading this post may not be in full time Christian service like a pastor is, but the principle remains the same. Whatever God has called you to do, wherever He has placed you, is a miraculous thing. Have you ever pondered the idea that God has chosen to use you in whatever capacity He has? It may be that you are a Sunday School teacher and you feel as if no one really notices or appreciates the effort that you put into studying and preparing your lesson. That may very well be the case, most may never realize the sacrifices you make to teach that class, but rejoice that God has allowed you a place of service in His work! It is an honor and a privilege to be used of God in any capacity.
I am not worthy of the place that I have been called to stand, but I am thankful for the opportunity. I want to do all that I can to put forth the effort necessary to honor my Lord and fulfill my obligations. There is no greater joy than being used of the Lord in some aspect of ministry.
So the next time you are tired and weary because of the busyness of Christain service, rejoice that you had the opportunity to grow tired being used of the Lord.
Preacher Chris
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