Still Preaching

It started thirty years ago. Two Oklahoma preachers got together to spend a couple of days working on sermon planning for the following year. The following year, another friend joined us, and then another, and after a few years, two more joined the group. This week is our annual meeting, and it is always one of the highlights of my year.

These preachers are like most other preachers I have known through the years. They have health concerns, family issues, struggles with their leadership, general church problems, and typical life events. But they keep on preaching. They preach when tired, hurting, sick, and emotionally drained. They work, visit, pray for, and spend time with members when they feel the need to be with family.

Preachers in previous generations and those during Biblical days faced all of these problems and, at times, wondered if they would lose their lives. After Jesus washed the feet of these chosen men, He reminded them of something essential for us to remember today. “A slave is not greater than his master, nor is one who is sent greater than the one who sent him.” (John 13:16) The point is that if Jesus dealt with life (and death), then so will His followers.

We have to choose how we will handle the difficulties of this life. The Lord wants us to know that we do not walk alone. He wants us to know He is with us and His Family is with us. He wants us to keep working for Him. And He wants us to keep preaching. The church needs us to endure even during the most challenging seasons of our lives. If you are struggling right now, reach out to someone in God’s family willing to help you carry your burdens.

Thank you, brothers, for the fact that you are still preaching.