“UNHINDERED!” That is the title of a new sermon series I began Sunday. It is also our theme for the next six months as our family of faith goes through a process to discover God’s direction in dealing with five challenges that are hindering our evangelism and growth as a family of faith.
Hindrances come in all shapes and sizes. Sunday I faced one that is common to all of us. It’s called fatigue. In addition to all the usual holiday activities, the past week was unusually busy for me. Our daughter got married Saturday. That is emotionally draining for a dad. But weddings are also a lot of work…probably too much work. When the cleanup following the reception was complete, it was time to head home and entertain out of town family…on New Year’s Eve. Then Sunday morning came!
I was exhausted. Not exactly the best condition in which to stand in the pulpit and explain to the congregation some of the challenges we need to address. As a Pastor, doing something like that is always a big deal.
After the service I went home, ate lunch and crashed. Today I’m beginning to feel normal again.
I realize that facing and overcoming challenges are often like my Sunday morning experience. If we wait until the perfect time to face them, we likely never will. Perfect moments are few and far between. We have to overcome them when overcoming them is needed for success in life, ministry, career, etc. If we keep waiting until we feel like it, the very challenges that are hindering us win.
One more thought. The Bible says that God will sustain us…when the need is real. We may need to rest afterward, but in those important moments He is always faithful. He sustained me Sunday morning and He will sustain our family of faith on this journey we now begin.
Happy New Year,
Pastor Steve Hogg
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