That thing...

You know that thing.

You procrastinate

You feel you never get your work done

You don’t enjoy nursing home visits

You are weak in the Greek

You are challenged with personal discipline

You are uncomfortable in hospital visits

You are dogged by doubt

You are fearful in one on one Bible studies

You forget to pray about those who ask you to pray for them

You aren’t sure how to handle benevolent calls

You get compassion fatigue real quick

You struggle to forgive people who say something hurtful to you

You are chased by an adiction

You question everything

You struggle to control your temper

You over-promise and under-deliver

You strive against laziness

You gossip

You are challenged with an overly unhealthy ego

You are jealous of the opportunities of others

Yeah, you know that thing. Yes, that one. It bugs you, Makes you feel less as a minister and a preacher, and sometimes even as a Christian. I doubt any preacher grapples at any one time with all of these but all of us probably battle at least one of those above. And while I would never minimize sin or dismiss personal weakness, there is something you need to hear. 

You are not alone. Many preachers of the past faced these same challenges and sometimes lost more than they won in the battle.

You are not alone. Many other ministers are your fellow travelers in this. We must learn to encourage each other.

You are not alone. You have a Father above who ever remembers that you are dust and is patient and forgiving over and over. 

Take heart; you are not alone.