Where I Am Needed

"And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, "Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?" But when Jesus heard that, He said to them, "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick." (Matthew 9:11-12) As a pastor, I am among those who are sick spiritually. Not that I am anyone special, but I was given a special ministry.
At times this ministry is overwhelming. I know probably more than anybody in the congregation the hurts, the needs, because it is my work to know, and to offer encouragement from God's Word. There are times, I want to retreat from it, and do, because the expectations become very heavy. But when I realize how important my work is, it challenges me anew. The apostle Paul wrote in Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and fall short of the the glory of God." We are all sinners, needing the great physician to mend our brokeness. Oh how important it is for us as spiritual leaders, to help our great physician, get the medicine of God's Word to people who really need it. I am nothing of myself, except a spiritual vessel, that carries what is needed to those who thirst for insignt from God, for their lives. There are those times that I look around, to find a place of refuge for me, a place where I can hide, and not be so burdened with the cares, and needs of others. But then I look up at my ordination certificate, and see the words "MINISTER OF CHRIST" and it reminds me that I am the Lord's special tool of encouragement. That where I am, I am needed.
As spiritual leaders, the resources are there to help us when the task gets heavy. We need to take advantage of what is given to us freely, so we can be always ready, to make a difference for Jesus in people's lives.
Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see,
That we are your instruments of grace, and mercy.
May the burdens of others, never be too much,
That we fail to reach out, with the Shepherd's touch __GP
(GP)