Walking: In the Pastor's shoes

    Have you ever put yourself in someone else's shoes? Let's try the Pastor's shoes on today, shall we?

I love my pastor! He has been in my life for over twenty years now.  He has been a counselor, a father figure, a spiritual leader, a brother, and I call him my friend. It is truly is an honor to serve and grow with him. 

My pastor has been through some very turbulent times in the journey and on the path the Lord has set for him. I think to myself sometimes, "How in the world would I be able to handle what he handles?!" I've come to realize that he doesn't handle things in and of himself. (Big revelation, right? Lol.) Please understand what I am saying though, the issues and problems that our pastors deal with can be tremendous!

There are times when I feel like my heart will split apart for what my pastor is having to deal with.

1 Kings 3:23-28 NIV 

(Tough choices)

The king said, “This one says, ‘My son is alive and your son is dead,’ while that one says, ‘No! Your son is dead and mine is alive.’ ” Then the king said, “Bring me a sword.” So they brought a sword for the king. He then gave an order: “Cut the living child in two and give half to one and half to the other.” The woman whose son was alive was deeply moved out of love for her son and said to the king, “Please, my lord, give her the living baby! Don’t kill him!” But the other said, “Neither I nor you shall have him. Cut him in two!” Then the king gave his ruling: “Give the living baby to the first woman. Do not kill him; she is his mother.” When all Israel heard the verdict the king had given, they held the king in awe, because they saw that he had wisdom from God to administer justice. 

Two women fought over this newborn baby, and Solomon had a decision to make. Now, I don't know any pastors that have had to make a decision in the physical like that, but pastors have to make tough spiritual decisions like that sometimes. Have you ever had to confront a friend that was in sin or doing the wrong thing, or a multitude of people? How about having to preach funerals of good people, young people who have passed before their time? Have you had to choose God above your family? Life is sweet, but not always easy. Our pastors are in the line of fire. Satan will stop at nothing to take down a pastor that "seeks God's face" and preaches the truth of Jesus Christ! It's only by the grace of God and his magnificent wisdom that humble, godly men are able to "withstand the wiles and fiery darts of the devil!"

Now, the question is, what are we doing to support our pastors? Do you treat your pastor with respect? Do you talk behind his back? God has placed a pastor in your life to lead and guide you. He is the shepherd of the flock. 

                                                                               1 Peter 5:2

 Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.

If we undermine his authority, we are directly going against the word of God! Pray for your pastor, bless him and help him every way you can. Hold nothing back, go all out to protect your pastor with prayer. Defend him, don't be apart of foolish talk or badmouthing.

Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord , and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

A pastor's walk is a tough one but rewards with salvations, freedom for captives, and healing for the broken hearted. Think about your pastor right now and pray for him. "Walk in his shoes".  

I hope you enjoyed this new series,
"Walking: In someone else's shoes", every Wednesday!