God strengthens us as we pour our hearts out to him in prayer and as we hear his voice in his Word. Then the joy of the Lord is our strength.
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I’ve met a few people who walked across the United States. It would be easy for me to start a journey like that tomorrow, but I’d also quit tomorrow. Starting is easy. Endurance is the hard part.
The same is true for pastoral ministry. I’ve been in ministry for more than 20 years now. I’ve been discouraged, disappointed, and tired. I’ve scrolled through job postings, played out scenarios in my head of a different life, and brushed up my résumé. I’ve been hurt and wondered if it wouldn’t be better to move on. I’ve seen friends leave ministry and I’ve wondered if I was a fool for staying.
