Sometimes We Have To Slow Down

Pastors, you are called into a marvel work but that does not exempt you from experiencing difficulties.  It can be challenging to encourage others to embrace change, live closer to the Word of God, and to make a Godly difference to those outside of the church.  We are all called to make a difference in this world but if not careful, we can be so bogged down by the “little things” that can get us “sidetracked” from doing the simple things we are called to do.  Being sidetracked can lead to stress or frustration, which gets our eyes from trusting God.  When this happens, joy, peace, and clarity often take a backseat to issues, problems, disagreements, etc.  I am not saying you must ignore these but there are times when we have to “let go” and allow God to undertake and lead us.

While issues, problems, or conflict may interrupt our daily lives, we cannot allow these to drive or take over what you are called to do.  An article in Psychology Today states that this can cause us to be more impulsive or defensive rather than analytical. 

A study from the University of Nebraska has labeled this as The Amygdala Hijack: When we are faced with difficult situations or stress, your brain's center (the amygdala) takes over. It shuts down the prefrontal cortex—the "thinking" part of your brain responsible for logic and planning.  In other words, it can sabotage what you are called to do. 

One of my most favorite chapters in the Bible is found in Mathew 18.  While many people will break the chapter into multiple segments on helpful instruction on how to handle disagreements or the power of prayer when two or more agree, I have found this chapter to be an integral part of my life.  It gives me peace and clarity when things arise.  I have had countless times when God has come through for me in ways that that were much better than what I could think or imagine.  He has taken care of me on issues like being falsely accused, conflict with someone, disagreements in understanding a vision, managing finances or others in my care, or times when there does not seem to be a solution. 

I know that we all ask God to undertake for us but too often we try to use our own knowledge or ideas to bring a quick solution that is not as good as what God may do for us.   I remember a pastor telling me that he could not pay his tithes to his District because the church needed his tithes.  First of all, when someone thinks and acts this way, they are removing God from the solution. Secondly, it handicaps our thinking, takes us captive, and prevents us from walking in peace and joy.  In other words, things can “rob us” from walking in joy and peace by carrying the load ourselves. 

I have seen pastors who were bound due to a disagreement with someone in the church.  I remember one of my friends who experienced this.  He did not allow this person to “derail” from doing what God was directing him to do.  He kept loving that person and eventually, through his walking example of love, this person realized that his ideas were very selfish, childish, and admired the pastor’s consistent walk without fighting him by force. 

Unlike any other occupation, God is giving you a vision, message, or direction for your church.  God does not give this responsibility or vision to anyone else.  The devil would love to keep us bound with the “little things” that can keep us from walking in joy.  Let me remind you, It is the little foxes that spoil the vine.  Next time when you seem overwhelmed or frustrated, let me encourage you to slow down, take a deep breath, turn things over to God, and see what He can do.  Read over Mathew 18 over and over again and place this in your spirit to understand we are not the only one that has to bring a solution or carry the load to make things happen.  Prayer can move mountains and there is power through His name.

If you seem overwhelmed or feel as if the joy has left your ministry, perhaps you need to talk to someone or get away.  Give us a call.  God wants to restore your joy if you will allow Him to do so and to learn the lesson that I have learned many years ago by allowing me to look at this being a great opportunity for God to undertake instead of me worrying, being stressed, and not being joyous of what God has called me to do. 

Pastors, we love you and thank you for all you do for the Kingdom of God.