Nancy and I enjoyed some beautiful, covered bridges in the northeast not long ago and I was reminded again of the vital responsibility with which spiritual leaders are entrusted. Recently, I had the privilege of chatting with a young lady who shared a powerful testimony of almost leaving the church and her faith entirely but had heard something her pastor said in a service that struck a chord in her heart and helped her through a hard time. Some of my pastor friends have had people come up after a service and thank him or her for something said that most of them were convinced was never said! Truly, the Christian life can be difficult, and we all need an encouraging word at times. So, pastor…please don’t quit.

Many believers who are in spiritual leadership have had thoughts of quitting at one time or another themselves. Faithfulness, especially in pastoral leadership, can often be thankless and full of spiritual battles. Far too often, faithful ministers must bear the brunt of unfaithful ones who make the news, while feeling disrespected and unfairly treated themselves. It can even be hard finding encouragement in Galatians 6:9 (KJV), “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” Sadly, we fail to see all the good that God is doing “through” us. But He IS working! So, pastor…please don’t quit.

God has entrusted you – not by accident – not as an afterthought – to be a bridge in your community. A bridge from hopelessness to hope; hurting to healing; discouragement to encouragement; spiritual death to life. An old cliché says: “Bridges are meant to be walked on.” But that doesn’t make it any easier. Jesus told us in John 15:16 (KJV), “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” Your role right where you are is so vital…and is no accident. God doesn’t make mistakes. So, pastor…please don’t quit.

Even people you can’t see, but are watching from afar, are praying you don’t fail. Fight the good fight; pray when you don’t feel like it; and worship as if lives depended on it…because they do.

God’s richest blessings,
Marshall