Being called to pastoral ministry is a blessing. Period. I am blessed to see God move in so many ways. Just as with any job/career/calling, there are difficulties. There are some days that are fantastic and others that can be more difficult. I’ve been digging around within my own head a bit and asking myself what inspires me to pastor.
There are so many different ways to answer this question. There are so many things that God can use and does use for inspiration. As the thoughts have settled in my head, I keep coming back to the same thing. The most inspiring thing for me as a pastor is to hear God stories… grace stories… transformation stories. The most inspiring thing for me is when I get to see how an individual or family is being led by the Spirit of God in their home.
Here in suburbia we default to the most comfortable, and often times prosperous, decisions in life. It seems that we are all compelled to choose comfort. This isn’t surprising. When you read back over what happened in the first three chapters of Genesis it all makes sense. This only magnifies the appreciation for a truly counter-cultural, nature-defying, Jesus-following story.
To hear that someone is hearing the Spirit of God in their life and faithfully moving with that direction of the Spirit is inspiring. I would encourage you to tell your story openly and freely. I understand that it can feel prideful when we talk about ourselves – but you’re NOT. You are talking about God and what he is doing in you. You are not mustering the strength to accomplish great things through your own brilliance and good nature. God is moving on your heart and then by his grace you are following faithfully. That is a story that needs to be told. Tell it today and tell it often. Don’t wait on the dramatic ending or hopeful deliverance to come. Tell of the journey… tell of the story… tell of the struggle… tell your story… TODAY. You are a tool of the Father in more ways than you can imagine.
What is God doing in your life right now? What areas of struggle is he taking you through? How are you hearing him and how are you following him? This is your story and it must be told. I know I will be inspired by it.