Hope for Hurting Pastors

Dear Hurting Pastor or Ministry Leader,

Welcome to "Hope for Hurting Pastors." I am so glad that God has led you to this blog. Over the year 2010 I personally went through a very painful time in pastoral ministry. As I realized that the outcome to this adversity was most likely going to continue to decline, I began to ask God every day for four things. I asked Him that when this trial was all over, whenever that was and whatever that looked like, that I would be more in love with Jesus; more in love with my wife; more in love with my calling; and more in love with the local church.

I am so thankful that God answered those 4 prayer requests. I have talked to so many pastors who left the ministry or who really developed a bad taste in their mouth toward the church because of the pain they experienced. Being a pastor or ministry leader is not easy. Sometimes the church can be a vicious place. But being a pastor is still worth it!! The church is still worth it!! It really is!!

Over that difficult year God taught me many lessons that helped me to not lose my love or passion for my calling and for the church. Many of these lessons I put into short written form. I did this as a means of healing for my own life but also with the intent that God might use it in the lives of others who are experiencing ministry adversity. If you are a hurting pastor or ministry leader, or if you know a hurting pastor or ministry leader, my prayer is that as you take the time to read the archives of these postings of the lessons I learned from Scripture, that God will use it to bring encouragement and hope to you or the one you know who is currently going through their own ministry trial.

Today I am blessed to be the Lead Pastor of an amazing church in northern Michigan where I am in awe at how God is working. I praise the Lord for the way He worked in my life and used adversity in pastoral ministry to cause personal growth. As He promised in His Word, His mercy really is new every morning. His compassion really never fails. And His faithfulness really is great.

Please feel free to leave a comment on any of the postings on this blog or email me directly at the email address listed below. I would also invite you to visit my other blog that is updated daily at the link below. Blessings to you!

Scott Distler
Evangelical Free Church
Gaylord, Michigan
skdistler@gmail.com
www.folkslisten.blogspot.com

The Church in my PRAYERS

It is very easy when we go through ministry trials and difficulties as a pastor to develop a bad taste in our mouth toward the church. This is something we all need to guard against. As Paul went through serious adversity in ministry, he never lost his love for the church. In Philippians chapter one we have already seen that Paul kept the church in his MIND (loving the church through his intellect) and he kept the church in his HEART (loving the church through his intimacy). Today we see that Paul also kept the church in his PRAYERS (loving them through his intercession). In verse 9-11, Paul prays for the church.

He prays that their love would abound more and more in real knowledge and all discernment!

He prays that they would be able to approve the things that are excellent!

He prays that they would be sincere and blameless!

He prays that they would be filled with the fruit of righteousness!

He prays that they would bring glory to God!

So, hurting pastor, as you go through this time of ministry hurt, don't give up on God and don't give up on His church! Keep the church in your MIND! Keep the church in your HEART! Keep the church in your PRAYERS! Three cheers for the church!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Church In My Heart

Even in our darkest days of ministry adversity, we must never lose our love for the local church. Paul didn't. Even chained to Roman soldiers while sitting in a dungeon, his love for the church was still clear, We saw in our last posting that Paul had the church in his MIND. Today, continuing from Philippians chapter one, we see that Paul also had the church in his HEART. If having the church in his mind involved loving the church through Paul's INTELLECT (how he thought about them) then having the church in his heart was loving the church through his INTIMACY (how he felt about them).

Having the church in your heart, even when being a pastor leaves you battered and bruised, means that you still care for the church - even if it sometimes might appear that the church doesn't care for you. Make no mistake about it, some of Paul's adversity came from inside the church (see Philippians 1:17). Yet, Paul didn't give up on the church. He continued to have a sympathetic and genuine interest and concern for the church. He says it point blank in verse 7, "I have you in my heart!"

Having the church in his heart also meant spending time with them. In verse 8 we read that he "longed for them with the affection of Christ Jesus!" When we go through the painful times of ministry, the temptation is to pull away from other people in the church. Don't do that! Even when it hurts - continue to keep the church in your heart!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Church In My MIND

Even in Paul's time of ministry affliction, the church remained something that Paul truly loved. We see this clearly in Philippians chapter 1. In verses 3-6 we see that Paul kept the church in his MIND. This involved loving the church through his intellect. - how he thought about them. This was "fleshed out" by Paul through four principles:

First, every time someone in the church came to Paul's mind, Paul thanked God for them. Verse 3 says, "I thank my God in all my remembrance of you." Loving the church, even in difficult ministry times, can occur as we take time to thank God for those who make up the church each time God brings them to our mind.

Second, rid yourself of every negative thought about those in the church. In verse 4 Paul said that he "always offered prayer with joy" for all of them. People do things that hurt. Do your best to rid your mind of every negative thought about those who have caused you pain. Replace those negative thoughts with thoughts of joy.

Third, realize that there involvement is needed. You may not always agree with them. You may have been hurt by them. But the truth is that each member of the Body of Christ still plays a vital role in the church. Paul, in verse 5, speaks of their "participation in the Gospel." Every believer, even the ones we struggle with the most, is a vital member of Christ's body.

Fourth, remember that God is making them into the image of Christ. In verse 6, Paul reminds us that the God "who began a good work in us will complete it." God is not done working on you, nor is He done working on others in your ministry. You're not perfect yet - neither are they!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Three Cheers for the Church

When you face ministry obstacles that produce hurts and scars in your life, it becomes very easy to become disenchanted with the local church. One of the my daily prayer requests during my toughest time in ministry as a pastor was that when it was all said and done that I would have an even greater love for my calling as a pastor and for the local church. I am so thankful that the Lord answered both of those prayers.

When Paul went through a very tough ministry experience that landed him in prison, he wrote his letter to the Philippian Church that was all about joy. It's hard to have joy in ministry when you are going through unfair and/or untrue accusations and hardships. That is why I think every hurting pastor ought to sink their teeth into this four chapter book that the Spirit of God inspired the Apostle Paul to write during his ministry trial.

In chapter one of this book we see that Paul's obstacles in ministry did not diminish his love for the church. In verses 3-6 we see that Paul continued to have the church in his MIND. In verses 7-8 we see that Paul continued to have the church in his HEART. In verses 9-11 we see that Paul continued to have the church in his PRAYERS. Over my next several posts I will talk about each of these and we will discover that even in the most difficult times of ministry, the local church is still worth it! Three cheers for the church!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Opportunity to EXALT Jesus!

Paul teaches us through his own example in Philippians chapter one that in every ministry OBSTACLE there are also ministry OPPORTUNITIES. We have already seen the opportunity to EXPLAIN the Gospel and the opportunity to ENCOURAGE believers. In our post today we see the third and final opportunity that Paul describes which is the opportunity to EXALT Jesus.

After sharing in verse 14 how other believers found courage to speak the Word of God without fear because of Paul's response to his ministry adversity, Paul goes on in verse 15 to divide these believers into two groups. On one hand there were those believers who preached Christ out of good and sincere motives. On the other hand, there were also those believers who preached Christ, but their motives were anything but sincere. They did so out of envy, strife and selfish ambition. In other words, along with preaching Christ they also had a goal of damaging Paul's ministry and reputation while tarnishing his character. I love Paul's response in verse 18 when he basically says, "Who cares what they say about me as long as Christ is proclaimed!" What an outlook! What an attitude!

Maybe today in your ministry you are on the receiving end of some verbal attacks from other believers. Perhaps there are some, maybe even from within your own ministry, who are trying to tarnish your reputation, ministry and character. Sometimes (OK - most times) it is very hard just to let that go. But I have found what Paul exemplified to be the proper course of action. Don't worry what they say about you - as long as they are preaching Christ.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Opportunity to ENCOURAGE Believers

We learn from Paul's letter to the Philippians that every OBSTACLE we face in our ministry produces OPPORTUNITIES that would otherwise not be there. In my last posting we saw that one of these opportunities was in being able to EXPLAIN the Gospel to people. As we continue in Philippians 1:14 we see a second OPPORTUNITY in every OBSTACLE which is the opportunity to ENCOURAGE believers.

Paul tells us that due to his imprisonment (that is what obstacles in ministry feel like - prison), many brethren found far more courage to speak the Word of God without fear. The obstacles that came into Paul's ministry, and the way he handled those obstacles, was used by God to encourage believers in their faith and in their walk with the Lord.

What a blessing this is when as a pastor you find yourself in a ministry pit. As I went through the most hurtful time of my ministry life, I was amazed at how God used the pain and suffering I was experiencing to bring me into contact with other believers I would have never met otherwise. I was able to see God use that painful time in my life to be a ministry and encouragement to these followers of Jesus.

Suddenly the hurt I had and was experiencing became worth is as one of these believers said to me, "I know this may sound bad, but I am so glad you have gone through the painful ministry experience that God has taken you through because if not, God never would have brought you into my life - God has used you greatly in my life!" It's true, hurting pastor. In the midst of the OBSTACLE you are facing, God has planted amazing OPPORTUNITIES to EXPLAIN the Gospel and to ENCOURAGE believers.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Opportunity to EXPLAIN the Gospel

In my last posting we saw that in every obstacle we face, in life and in our ministry, there are opportunities that God has opened for us. Paul made that clear to the Philippians when he said that he wanted them to know that the horrific circumstances that had happened to him (being arrested, beaten, shipwrecked, snake bit, jailed) had brought about opportunities that never would have happened otherwise (Philippians 1:12).

Paul goes in in verse 12 and tells us that one of these opportunities was a furtherance of the Gospel. Because of his circumstances, he was bale to explain the Gospel to people he never would have had the opportunity to do so with had these "misfortunes" not occurred. In verse 13 he shares that the cause of Christ had become known throughout the whole praetorian guard and throughout the entire household of Caesar. The praetorian guard was a special group of soldiers who protected Caesar and the palace. There were between 9,000 and 10,000 of them and Paul was chained to two of them at all times. These guards were changed every six hours. And as Paul sat chained to each of these men he had the opportunity to explain the Gospel to each of them. That opportunity never would have taken place had it not been for the hurts he had experienced in his life and ministry.

Was it worth it? In the closing chapter of the book to the Philippians, Paul says in verse 22, "All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar's household." How do you think these member's of Caesar's household became saints in Jesus? Because Paul's suffering landed him in prison in the palace where he was able to explain the Gospel to many people he otherwise would never have met. The same opportunity can be found in the midst of your suffering and hurt as well - even in ministry!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Obstacles and Opportunities

Are you facing some serious obstacles in your ministry, be they people or circumstances? Please don't forget that in each and every obstacle lies opportunities. We see this clearly in the life of Paul as he wrote to the Philippians. In Philippians 1:12, he wants his readers to know how true this is as he begins with the words, "Now, I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the Gospel." His obstacles brought opportunities. What obstacles had he faced?

He had been arrested, accused of degrading Rome by causing riots; accused of degrading the Temple by bringing in a Gentile; accused of degrading the Law by preaching grace. He had been tried before Felix, before Festus, and now even King Agrippa. He had been beaten, shipwrecked, become the victim of a poisonous snake bite, and now he was sitting in a Roman dungeon. Pretty defeating circumstances, wouldn't you say? But yet, he wants his readers to know that these circumstances had brought about opportunities that would never have been realized apart form the suffering and pain he had experienced in his ministry.

The same is true with you, hurting pastor. Your pain...your hurt...your sleepless nights...your tears...these sufferings are not fun, but if you keep your spiritual eyes open, you will see opportunities in the middle of your obstacles that would otherwise never have been there. In the next few blogs we will see the opportunities Paul found in his ministry obstacles. I think you will find the same opportunities in your obstacles as well.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Let God Close The Door

Another foundational principle that I planted my feet on during the time in which I was looking for a new ministry was to let God close all of the doors. As I said in my earlier posts, I cast the net wide as I sent dozens and dozens of resumes out to any church I found that was looking for a Senior Pastor that was at least 250 people in average attendance and whose doctrinal statement I completely agreed with. The result was moderate to serious dialogues with 13 different churches. These churches were from 11 different states ranging as far west as South Dakota, as far north as Michigan, as far south as Kentucky, and as far east as Connecticut. These churches represented 12 different denominations.

As I began communicating back and forth with the search teams from these churches, there were some that didn't appeal to me near as much as others. But I was committed to not looking at this process like I was shopping for a new car. I didn't want to "test drive" these churches and see which one I liked best. I didn't want to negate any one of them simply because I wasn't crazy about the color or because a certain feature I really desired was missing. In other words, I didn't want to pick the church that I liked the best. I wanted to end up going to the church that God had arranged in His sovereignty just for me.

As a result, I committed to not close the door on any of these churches by myself. I would let God close all of the doors. That way I would know that where I ended up at would be exactly where He wanted me and not simply the place that looked the most appealing to me. And that is exactly what God did. One by one, He closed the doors until only 3 churches remained. Then there were just 2 churches. And finally, God led me to the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church (GEFC) in Gaylord, Michigan. And because I let Him do all the closing of doors, I was fully confident and at peace that GEFC was where God had called me.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Next Steps

One you have sent out an initial resume’ to churches, you may be contacted by some of those churches. Many times you will get a letter or email thanking you for your information but kindly letting you know that you don’t fit the profile they are looking for in the position. Unfortunately, there will also be churches who simply never contact you at all. Churches who want more information will most likely send you an Application or Questionnaire that they would like you to fill out and return with links to some of your sermons. I filled out documents like this that were as short as 6 questions to those that were as long as a couple dozen pages. One thing I found helpful was to save the first two or three that I filled out as a Word document on my computer. This allowed me to save time by “cutting and pasting” answers for additional documents I was requested to complete, as many of the questions were the same or at least very similar.

For most Search Committees, there will be a lengthy period of time as they sift through all of the resumes and questionnaires they receive. If you do not get “weeded out” through this process, the most likely next step will be a phone conversation with a member of the Search Committee. I always found these calls very intriguing as you can learn a lot about a church by the first question or two that they ask you. I had one church who knew very little about me whose first question to me was, “What translation of the Bible do you preach from?” That told me a lot about this church. Another church’s initial question was, “Do you ever think it’s OK for a Christian to drink alcohol?” That question also showed me a lot about that church. I’m not saying they are not legitimate questions, but I was intrigued that in these cases they were the first questions asked of me.

If this conversation leads to a next step it will most likely be a Phone or SKYPE conversation with the entire Search Committee of the church. I had several of these types of dialogues and always enjoyed them. In most cases, after this conversation it will become fairly clear to you, that Search Committee, or perhaps both of you, as to whether the dialogue should continue or if it will come to an end. Don’t get discouraged if this leads to a closed door. One of the best things that can happen through your search process is to see God open and close doors. Both are important and both are answers to prayer. That’s what I will talk about in my next posting.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

Where to Find a New Ministry

In my last couple of postings I talked about what I call "spreading the net wide" when it comes to looking for a new ministry. But where do you find out information on what churches out there are looking for pastors. This is where the Internet becomes a great tool. There are many websites out there that list churches looking for pastors with contact information for Search Committees of those churches. In most cases there are links to these church websites so that you can get an even better feel for their ministry. This is how I ended up first coming in contact with the Gaylord Evangelical Free Church in Gaylord, Michigan where I am now the new pastor (yesterday was my first Sunday!).

On most of these websites you can also list your information about you as a pastor looking for a new ministry. Some of the websites that I found most helpful were the following:

www.churchstaffing.com

www.pastorfinder.com

www.pastorsearch.net

www.churchjobs.net

www.ministrysearch.com

www.ministrylist.com

I also discovered that many larger churches today are hiring outside agencies to do their initial search for them and then bring them a list of what might be called "semi-finalists." I was in communication with one such group in regards to two different churches during my search. This agency was The Vanderbloemen Search Agency and they are a top-notch, out-standing group. Though I did not end up at either of these churches I very much enjoyed and was encouraged by my conversations with William, Ben and Jay at Vanderbloemen. There website is below:

www.vanderbloemensearch.com

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Casting The Net Wide

In my last posting I talked about casting the net wide when it comes to looking for a new ministry position. Instead of limiting my options as to where God might be leading me, when I found myself having to look for a new ministry position, I tried to spread the net as wide as possible. For example:

Geography: The temptation was to only look for churches in the Midwest, which is where my wife and I are the most comfortable living, or within a half day’s drive of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia, where both of my kids were in college. Instead, I made the decision that I would not refuse to send a resume' to a church based simply on where they were located. In fact, in order to keep my sanity, I played a little game and made it a goal to send out a resume' to a church in all 50 states (I ended up with over 40).

Denomination: I had only pastored in one fellowship of churches my entire 24 years in ministry before having to look for a new position. It would have been natural to say that I would only look for a new position in that same fellowship of churches. Instead, I decided that I would not refuse to send out a resume' to a church based solely on their denominational affiliation. Instead, if I agreed with that church’s statement of faith, I decided I would send out a resume' to them.

Size: The church I had previously pastored had grown significantly and was considered a “larger” church. It would have been easy for me to say I would only send resumes out to churches that are the same size as the church I had just left. Instead, I made the decision that if a church was at least 250 in average attendance I would send them a resume' (I had to pick some parameter or else I would have sent out hundreds upon hundreds of resumes).

Worship Style: I am used to more of a contemporary and creative style of worship so it would have been easy to say that I would only send a resume' to churches with a contemporary music style. However, I believe that God can work in many different styles of churches so I made the decision not to refuse sending a resume' to a church based on a certain style of worship.

So for me, spreading the net wide meant that I would send a resume' to any church that was looking for a Senior Pastor that was at least 250 in average Sunday attendance and had a doctrinal statement I agreed with in spite of the denominational affiliation, geographical location, or worship style. I would then let God be the one to sort out the churches that got caught in my net.
But how did I find out about the churches that were looking for a pastor. I’ll talk about that in my next blog posting.

Be sure to read my other blog at http://www.folkslisten.blogspot.com/. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

When It's time to LOOK

As we talked about in my last posting, Lord willing, whatever challenges you are facing in your ministry will ultimately be able to be worked out and you will continue to serve the Lord in the ministry where you are at currently. But those times do happen when the Lord makes it clear that a parting of the ways is necessary. In my last posting we talked about how to “LEAVE” when those times happen and I encouraged you to leave with grace. Beginning today I want to share a few blog postings about what I learned in regards to how to “LOOK” for a new ministry.

When I resigned from my ministry back in September of 2010, I was faced with a situation I had never faced before in 24 years of pastoral ministry. For the very first time I had to look for a new ministry position. I had made ministry changes twice before, but each time these doors opened up for me while I was currently in a ministry that was going very well. So when it came time to look for a new ministry on my own I was starting at square one, not having much of a clue where to begin. So where do you start when you are faced with the task of looking for a new ministry? Here are two preliminary boundaries I put in place as I began the process:

First, I would be patient. I don’t know about you but patience is difficult for me. Yet, I wanted to be sure that the next ministry assignment I took was the one where God wanted me. I didn’t want to take the first church that showed an interest in me nor did I want to settle for God’s permissive will. I wanted to be right smack dab in the middle of His perfect will for me and that would take patience.

Second, I would spread my net wide. I have known some guys who have found themselves suddenly looking for a new ministry and who put the parameters that they were looking for in a real small box (It had to be a church in a certain geographical location; It had to be a church of a certain size; It had to be a church of a certain denomination; It had to be a church with a certain worship style, etc). I decided to open up the boundaries as wide as I could be comfortable with and allow God to weed out the churches that got caught in the net. I will talk more about this in my next posting.

Be sure to read my other blog at http://www.folkslisten.blogspot.com/. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

When It's Time To LEAVE

Tough and hurtful times come into every pastor’s ministry. Over the past 6 months that I have been writing posts here at “Hope For Hurting Pastors,” I have been sharing principles that I have learned during tough and hurtful times I have experienced as a pastor. It is always our intent in ministry to be able to work through these difficulties and continue to serve the Lord in our place of service. But those times do come when it becomes obvious that a parting of the ways is best.

This is difficult in so many ways, and our inclination is to go out with “guns blazing” by being sure that our side of the story is communicated to all and understood by all. We often feel a need to counteract every accusation made against us so people know we are innocent. But I would like to suggest and encourage you to prayerfully consider that the best way to leave a ministry when difficulties cannot be resolved is to leave with grace. To me, this means that you leave quietly rather than sharing your side of the story with anyone and everyone who will listen. I have found that the benefits to a graceful exit include:

-We avoid giving the church we are leaving a bad name or a black eye. After all, that church will continue to be a light to their community and will continue to preach Jesus.

-We avoid putting people in the church we are leaving in a position where they have to choose between us and the leadership of the church. Choosing sides is rarely beneficial for anyone.

-We speed up the healing process in our own lives and allow us to work though the need we have to forgive instead of allowing bitterness to take root in our lives.

So if the time comes (and I hope it doesn’t) that the Lord makes it clear that the challenges you are facing in your ministry is to end in a parting of the ways, choose to leave graciously. Don’t go out with “guns blazing.” Keep those guns (your tongue and your words) holstered. I believe that God will bless you for it, and in the end, He will be the one to vindicate you. Go with the words of Isaiah, “In quietness and trust is my strength” (Isaiah 30:15).

Be sure to read my other blog at http://www.folkslisten.blogspot.com/. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

RESTRUCTURE - Part 3

This is my final posting on the topic of JOY from the book of Philippians. In Philippians 4:6-7 we have seen our need to REJOICE; our need to RESPOND; and our need to RESTRUCTURE if we are going to live joyful lives during those times when being in ministry really hurts. We saw that this restructuring involves two elements. We already saw our need to turn our anxiety into PRAYER. Finally, we see our need to turn our anxiety into PEACE.

Paul tells us that when we truly turn our WORRY list into our PRAYER list, as we saw in the last couple of postings, that the result will be PEACE. This peace comes from God and totally transcends our mental ability to grasp it or to understand it.

And what does this peace from God do? The passage says that it "GUARDS" our "HEARTS" and our "MINDS!" The word "guard" here is a military word describing a garrison of soldiers on duty (see 2 Corinthians 11:32). The duty of these soldiers were to guard something at all costs.

What does the peace of God guard in our lives when we go through hurtful and even harmful times in our ministry? It guards our "HEARTS" and it guards our "MINDS!" Our "HEART" speaks of our feelings. Our "MIND" speaks of our thinking. This is important because wrong thinking and wrong feelings will cause great damage in our lives.

These are the two areas that I believe the evil one attacks when we go through hardships in our ministries, especially when those hardships are exhibited through personal attacks. Satan attacks our feelings and he attacks our thinking. And when we respond and make decisions based on wrong thinking and/or wrong feelings, we will end up shipwrecked in ministry.

But when we restructure our lives in such a way that we turn our WORRY list into our PRAYER list, the peace of God guards how we think and how we feel! Then, and only then, can we experience a life of joy even during the most difficult times of our lives and ministries!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

RESTRUCTURE - Part 2

Philippians 4:4 tells us to REJOICE! Philippians 4:5 tells us to RESPOND! Philippians 4:6-7 tells us to RESTRUCTURE. This is how we can live joyful lives when the circumstances of our ministries are anything but happy. This restruturing has two elements. We saw in my last posting that it involves turning our anxiety into prayer. We are to WORRY about NOTHING but instead to PRAY about EVERYTHING. We are to turn our WORRY list into our PRAYER list. And there are three specific ways that we learn how to do exactly this.

First, we must pray with PERSEVERANCE! Paul said that instead inf worrying, "in everything" we are to pray. Paul echoed the same words to the church at Thessalonica when he wrote, "Pray withotu ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). No matter how ugly things continue to become for you in your life or in your ministry, keep on praying!

Second, we must pray with PARTICULRS! In the passage we are looking at, Paul used the word "prayer" and he uses the word "supplication." "Prayer" is a general term while "supplciation" speaks of praying in personal detail. Don't just pray. Pray specifically. What specifically are you asking God to do?

Third, we must pray with PRAISE! Paul said that not only are we to pray "in everything" but we are also to do so "with thanksgiving." Paul echoed this to the Thessalonican church as well when he wrote to them, "In everything give thanks for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). And it is the will of God for you too - even in the midst of the hurt you are experiencing in your ministry.

We are to turn our anxiety into PRAYER. But this restructuring that leads to joyful lives even when life hurts also includes turning our anxiety into PEACE! I will talk about this in my next posting.

Be sure to also read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

RESTRUCTURE - Part 1

How do we live joyful lives when we go through extremely difficult times in our lives and in our ministries? We saw from Philippians 4:4 the need to REJOICE! We saw from Philippians 4:5 the need to RESPOND! Today we see the third need. From Philippians 4:6-7 we learn of our need to RESTRUCTURE! This restructuring has two aspects.

First, we must turn our anxiety into PRAYER! Philippians 4:6 has a negative command followed by a positive command. Negatively, we are to "be anxious for nothing!" The word "anxious" means to be distracted or to feel pulled in two different directions.

This negative command is then followed by a positive command. Instead of being anxious about the issues we are facing in our lives and in our ministries, we are to turn our worry list into our prayer list. Let me paraphrase it this way:

"WORRY about NOTHING! PRAY about EVERYTHING!"

STOP worrying! START praying! Jesus made it clear that worrying can accomplish nothing (see Matthew 6:27). Imagine what could happen if you took all the time and energy you are spending worrying about your challenges and instead used that time and energy to pray about those challenges. After all, nothing of eternal importance happens apart from prayer.

This restructuring of turning our anxiety into prayer involves three elements. I will share these three elements in my next posting.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

RESPOND

In my last posting we looked at one of three needs that we have, as seen in Philippians 4:4-7, if we are going to live joyful lives when we go through tough and hurtful times in our lives and in our ministries. The first need was to REJOICE! Today we see the second need which is to RESPOND! Philippians 4:5 says this:

"Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near!"

How are we to live? We are to live lives exhibiting a "gentle spirit" even when the heat and hurt that can come with being in ministry increases. What does it mean to be "gentle"? Synonyms for this word include, "considerateness; graciousness; sweet reasonableness; and having a friendly disposition."

Antonyms for this word include such descriptions as, "stubbornness; thoughtlessness and harshness." So even when you are going through a hurtful and difficult time in ministry, respond with a gentle spirit. Don't respond with stubbornness, thoughtlessness or harshness. Instead, respond with considerateness; graciousness; sweet reasonableness; and with a friendly disposition.

And who are you to respond this way to? The verse says "all men"! Does this include even those who are mistreating you or causing you pain? Absolutely. "All" means "all" and that's "all" that "all" means.

Why should we respond to all men this way? The verse says to do so because "the Lord is near!" The term means "at hand." I believe this is speaking of the nearness of Christ's return. We should respond with a gentle spirit to all men because Jesus could come at any time. And responding in this way for this reason is a way to live a joyful life even when life and ministry hurts!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

REJOICE

Philippians 4:4-7 has much to teach us about living a life of joy, even when we go through tough times in our lives and in our ministries. From these verses we learn three needs we have if we are going to live a life of joy even when our circumstances are anything but joyful.

First, we must REJOICE! Philippians 4:4 says to "Rejoice in the Lord always!" What are we to do? We are to "rejoice!" This means to live in a continual state of celebration and contentment. The word literally means "to be glad!" This is the word used to describe the celebration of the father when his prodigal son returned home in Luke 15:32.

How are we to rejoice? We are to rejoice "in the Lord!" We have already learned that joy has nothing to do with our circumstances but everything to do with our position in Christ.

When are we to rejoice in the Lord? We are to rejoice in the Lord "always!" No matter what adversity comes into my life or ministry I can still choose to celebrate and to be content in who I am in Jesus Christ!

Why should we rejoice in the Lord always? It's importance is seen in the continual reminder that Paul gives when he adds the words, "Again I will say rejoice!" Paul is saying that I will continually remind you to keep on rejoicing!

And that is my goal in this blog posting today. If you are a hurting pastor, pastor's wife or ministry leader that is going through a very hurtful time in your life and ministry, let me remind you of this Biblical mandate:

"Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say rejoice!"

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Attributes of Joy - Part 2

We saw in my last posting the first attribute of JOY which is that JOY has nothing to do with CIRCUMSTANCES but everything to do with CHRIST. Today we see the second attribute of JOY which is this:

JOY is not a matter of my ACTIONS but rather of my ATTITUDE!

Warren Weirsbe put it this way, "The secret of Christian JOY is found in the way the believer thinks...his attitude!"

Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said it like this, "Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you respond to it!"

The bottom line is this - it is CHRIST then and it is CHRIST now that brings us JOY. 1 Peter 1:8 teaches this with these words:

"Though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, you GREATLY REJOICE with JOY INEXPRESSIBLE and FULL OF GLORY."

If you are facing a hurtful and difficult hurdle in ministry - if you are a hurting pastor, hurting pastor's wife, or hurting ministry leader, this verse is one you should memorize today!

The Attributes of Joy - Part 1

There are two attributes of JOY that we must keep in mind, especially when we go through difficult periods in ministry. The first is perhaps the most important and it is this:

JOY has nothing to do with CIRCUMSTANCES but everything to do with CHRIST!

Christ was called a "Man of Sorrow" (read Isaiah 53 and Luke 18:31-33) yet He still came to make our JOY full (read John 15:11) and He Himself found JOY even in going to the cross (read Hebrews 12:2).

Back in the days of kings and crusades, kings of kingdoms were often out in battle. When the king was in the palace a certain flag was flown at the castle to give assurance to the people that the king was on the throne and to show that the kingdom was at peace.

In the same regards, it is JOY which is the flag that is flown from the castle of one's heart when King Jesus is in residence there. So hoist up the flag of JOY today in your life. No matter what ministry challenge you are facing, your JOY is based on CHRIST, not on your CIRCUMSTANCES.

The Litmus Test of Joy - a SONG on Your Lips!

Yesterday we saw that a SENSE OF HUMOR was a litmus test of joy, even during the trials of life and ministry. Today let me share one other litmus test that shows joy in someone's life. It is a SONG ON YOUR LIPS - Psalms 126:2, in which we saw the need for laughter in my last posting, says, "Our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with joyful singing."

Anna Russell wrote it beautifully in the words to this old hymn: "There is never a day so dreary, there is never a night so long, but the soul that is trusting in Jesus will somewhere find a song. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus! In the heart He implanteth a song; a song of deliverance; of courage; of strength; in the heart He implanteth a song."

Remember Paul and Silas in prison in Acts 16:22-25. After being beaten they were thrown into stocks. Stocks was a 6 to 8 foot log in which one ankle was attached to one end of the log and then your legs were spread farther than designed while your other ankle was attached to the other end of the log. And what were Paul and Silas doing in that condition at midnight? They were singing praises to God. I guarantee they were singing "soprano" but they were singing because even in their misery they still had joy. Do you? No matter how bad you are hurting right now, go ahead - break out in a song and let it vibrate off the rafters!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Litmus Test of Joy - a SENSE of Humor!

We introduced the need for joy in my last posting. But how can I tell if someone has joy even when they are going through a difficult time? One litmus test that shows joy is a SENSE OF HUMOR. Psalm 126:2 says, "Our mouth was filled with laughter!" Read below the following thoughts on laughter. Ask God to keep within you a SENSE OF HUMOR even as you go through the hurts of life and ministry.

"Work hard and have a sense of humor!" (Mother Theresa)

"Scientists have found that laughter has a profound effect on virtually every important organ in the human body. Laughter reduces tensions, relaxes tissues, and exercises most vital organs. it results in a beneficial effect on us mentally and physically." (Executive's Digest)

"I think it is just as sacred to laugh as it is to pray, or preach, or to witness." (Charles Swindol)

"Love may make the world go round, but laughter keeps you from getting dizzy." (Barbara Johnson)

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Joy in the Bible

When we go through difficult times in ministry or in life, it is easy to lose sight of our joy. But joy is very important. In the Bible it is almost always associated with salvation.

Joy is seen in the Old Testament - "The joy of the Lord is my strength" (Nehemiah 8:10).

Joy is seen in the teaching of Christ - "These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be made full" (John 15:11).

Joy is also seen in the New Testament. There are some 15 different words translated joy, joyful, joyfully, joyfulness, joyous, or gladness. These words are used at least 70 times. Over 25% of these occurrences are in the book of Philippians. So if you are a pastor or ministry leader that is hurting, pour into the book of Philippians. Get a "joy transfusion" by reading this four chapter book in its entirety once a day for 30 days straight. You will be reminded that joy is never to take a break in our lives as taught by both Paul and James in the verses below:

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS" (Philippians 4:4).

"Count it ALL joy when you fall into trials" (James 1:2).

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Replacing Resentment

Over the last several posts we have looked at the need to "put away" resentment toward those who have hurt you as seen in Ephesians 4:31. But in in verse 32 we learn that we also need to replace that resentment with a few things such as:

Kindness - Doing things that are useful and helpful to those who have hurt you.

Tender-Loving Kindness - A little boy was once asked what the difference was between kindness and tender-loving kindness. He said that if he was hungry and you gave him a piece of bread, that would be kindness. But if you spread some jam on that bread, that would be tender-loving kindness.

Forgiveness - We have already defined forgiveness in earlier posts. But maybe you are thinking, "that person doesn't deserve my forgiveness!" You might be right. But the root word for forgiveness in the original language is where we get the word "grace" (getting something we don't deserve). Let me ask you something. Did you deserve the forgiveness of God? Absolutely not! So you too are obligated to forgive those who have hurt you - even if they don't deserve it!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspt.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The Levels of Bitterness

We saw in our last posting that Ephesians 4:31 tells us to "put away" or abandon all resentment. We also stated that the Apostle Paul listed 6 levels of resentment that grow like building blocks. The first 3 levels are all inward while the last 3 levels are all outward. In the last post we examined level #1 which was bitterness. Today we see the remaining levels.

Level #1 - BITTERNESS

Level #2 - WRATH - This is a hot anger or passion that you feel inwardly that comes and often leaves very quickly. And if you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 3.

Level #3 - ANGER - This is an internal smoldering or a deep, subtle feeling. It is the strongest of all inner passions. Now, instead of a passing passion, it becomes an abiding condition of the mind. You can't stop thinking about how much that person has hurt you and your thoughts are almost always centered on revenge. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 4 which now becomes outward in nature.

Level #4 - CLAMOR - This word speaks of a shout or an outcry. Now you have public outbursts against that individual that are seen by others. This is illustrated by the Pharisees and Sadducee's "clamor" seen in Acts 23:9. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it moves on to level 5.

Level #5 - SLANDER - This is speech made with the intent to injure. Now we say hurtful things to or about the person you resent. This word is also translated "railing" and describes words said to Jesus while He was on the cross. If you don't "put away" resentment at this level it will move on the 6th and final level.

Level #6 - MALICE - This is a general term for vicious behavior. At this level you do evil things to the person that you never thought you had the capability of doing.

But once you have "put away" resentment, you must also replace it with something else. We will talk about that in my next post.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

The Seed of Bitterness

In Ephesians 4:31, we are told to "put away" resentment. The idea is to "take-up" or to "remove" something. This involves total abandonment. We are not just to keep our resentment toward those who may have hurt us under control - we are to put it away - abandon it. And this is written in the imperative mood making it a command rather than an option. In other words, to be in the will of God you must "put away" all resentment in your life that you have toward others.

Paul then gives us 6 levels of resentment. These are like building blocks. If you don't "put it away" at level one - it moves to level two. If you don't "put it away" at level two - it moves to level three (and so on). The first three levels are all inward. In other words, it is possible to get all the way to level #3 and keep it all inside of you. But the last 3 levels are outward. You can't get to levels 4, 5 and 6 without others seeing it in your life.

Level #1 is BITTERNESS. This describes a smoldering resentment or a grudgeful attitude. It can be very small. Hebrews 12:14-15 calls it a "seed of bitterness". Sometimes you don't even know that a seed is even there. This is that little feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you see or hear about a certain individual. It's easy to just brush it off as no big deal. But one thing we do know about seeds are that they grow and some of them can grow very big. We learn in Acts 8:21-23 that bitterness may start as a seed but it can grow into a deep, inner agony in your life and the lives of those around you.

Bitterness is just level #1 in the 6 levels of resentment that we are to "put away". We'll see the remaining levels in my next posting.

Be sure to read my other blog as well at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Forgiveness and Patience

We saw in the last blog posting that forgiveness is not forgetting. We saw from 1 Corinthians 13 that forgiveness is choosing not to use the pain of past hurts as a weapon today or in the future. This ties in closely with another description of love found in 1 Corinthians 13. The very first descriptive phrase about love in this chapter is this:

"Love is patient!"

This word, "patient", describes someone who has been wronged, has the power and right to retaliate, but chooses not to do so. In other words - they forgive.

I think a great human example of this in Scripture surrounds the Christmas story. Mary is espoused to be Josephs' wife. This means that they were legally married but were not allowed to consummate that relationship sexually. In fact, in the very conservative area of Nazareth it is doubtful that they would have even been allowed to have been alone together. So imagine the surprise on Joseph's face when he learns that Mary is pregnant. I guarantee that his first thought was not, "I bet this is some kind of virgin conception."

Think about it. In Joseph's mind there was only one plausible answer - Mary had wronged him in the deepest of ways. And according to Old Testament law, Joseph could have called for Mary to be stoned. He had been wronged (or so it seemed) and he had the power and the right to retaliate. But what did Joseph do? He chose instead to put Mary away quietly. he decided to end the espousal in a way in which the reason didn't even have to be made public. Joseph exhibited a love that was patient. That, to me, is a beautiful picture of forgiveness.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Is Forgiving Forgetting?

I ended the last series of posts on the pit of betrayal by talking about the most important element of healing from such a wound - the need to forgive. But what exactly is forgiveness? I have found that most people have a distorted view of forgiveness. The reason for this is because just about every one of us grew up being taught this:

FORGIVENESS is FORGIVING and FORGETTING!

Now there are two problems with this statement that we all learned as kids. First, it is not Biblical. You will not find anywhere in the Bible where it teaches that forgiveness is forgetting. And second, it simply isn't possible. Can you really forget the times people in your life, especially those closest to you, hurt you? I don't think so. So if forgiveness is not forgetting, than what is it? 1 Corinthians 13 gives us the answer.

In this great love chapter (in which the context is love in the church, not love in marriage) Paul gives us several descriptions of love. Each of them are actions, not feelings. And about halfway through the list he writes,

"Love keeps no record of right and wrong."

This is describing someone who keeps a ledger of what is owed them so it can ultimately be repaid. Love doesn't do that. Love does not keep a mental record of what someone has done to hurt you in order to pay them back when the opportunity arises.

You see, forgiveness remembers. But forgiveness does not remember in order to use the past hurt as a weapon in the future. Forgiveness says that even when I remember the hurtful pain of the past, I will not use that remembrance against the person who inflicted the pain on me. Oh, I will be tempted to - probably many times and for many years. But every time the memory of my past hurt tempts me to seek some type of present revenge, I will say NO to that temptation. This is forgiveness.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

The Most Important Aspect of BETRAYAL

In this final posting on lessons of betrayal from the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis, we reach the most important aspect of dealing with betrayal. Read the following words closely as Joseph reveals himself to the very brothers who years earlier, out of hatred and jealousy, had pushed him into the pit of betrayal. Genesis 45:4-5, 14-15 says:

"Then Joseph said to his brothers, 'Please come closer to me.' And they came closer. And he said, 'I am your brother Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.' Then he fell on his brother Benjamin's neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. He kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and afterward his brothers talked with him."

WOW! Do you see the main aspect of dealing with betrayal in those verses? It can be summed up in one very critical word and that word is FORGIVENESS. You will never experience total victory over the wounds and scars caused by betrayal until you FORGIVE those who hurt you.

The problem is that most people have a very warped view of what FORGIVENESS really is. So in my next series of posts here at "Hope for Hurting Pastors" I am going to write about what true Biblical FORGIVENESS really looks like. If you are a pastor or ministry leader that has found yourself pushed into the PIT of BETRAYAL, whether it be recent or way in the past, these next few posts will be must-reads for you!

Be sure to also read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The BLESSING of BETRAYAL - part 3

In the last two posts we have seen two BLESSINGS that can come out of BETRAYAL. Now let me add a third and final blessing. The first blessing centered around a PLAN. The second blessing centered around PEOPLE. The third blessing centers around PASSION. And by passion, I am speaking specifically of the passion of Christ.

When we think of the passion of Jesus we think of the scourging, the crown of thorns, the crucifixion, and the spear. And all of these were very big aspects of His passion. But there is a part of the passion of Christ that is easy to gloss over without a lot of thought or emotion. Matthew 26:4-50 says this:

"Immediately Judas went to Jesus and said, 'Hail, Rabbi!' and kissed Him. And Jesus said to Him, 'Friend, do what you have come for.' Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and seized Him."

Part of the passion of Jesus was suffering betrayal. And if you have ever found yourself pushed into the PIT of BETRAYAL than suddenly this part of the passion of Jesus takes on a whole new meaning and intensity. Before Jesus was crucified for me, before He was scourged for me, He was first betrayed for me. Jesus knows full well how deep the wounds of betrayal go. And one of the ways that God can turn BETRAYAL into BLESSING is to give you a new appreciation for this aspect of the passion of Jesus. If you know what the sting of betrayal feels like, you will come to love Jesus even more for His suffering betrayal for you.

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

The BLESSING of BETRAYAL - part 2

In our last post we saw from the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis that one of the 3 ways that God can turn the PIT of BETRAYAL into the PALACE of BLESSING is through His PLAN! Today we see that the BLESSING of BETRAYAL can also be seen through PEOPLE!

As you read through the story of Joseph as he goes from the PIT to the PRISON and ultimately to the PALACE, you see numbers of people that Joseph was able to impact. These included but were not limited to:

Potiphar
Potiphar's wife
Potiphar's household
The jailer
The cupbearer
The baker
The other prisoners
Pharaoh
Pharaoh's household

Think about this! These were all people that Joseph never would have met - never would have come in contact with - had he not got pushed into the PIT of BETRAYAL! What a BLESSING that BETRAYAL can be as God uses it to bring into our lives people that we can impact because we ourselves got pushed into the PIT of BETRAYAL!

So if you are a pastor or ministry leader that has found yourself lying in the bottom of the PIT of BETRAYAL, take heart! Take your eyes off of yourself and look at the people that God has and will bring into your life for you to impact - people that you otherwise would never have met had you not got pushed into the PIT of BETRAYAL! Let God use your ministry in their lives to turn your BETRAYAL into BLESSING!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

The BLESSING of BETRAYAL - part 1

I've been posting about lessons we can learn from Joseph's experience in the pit of betrayal. From the story of this Old Testament Patriarch we learn the amazing principle that God can turn BETRAYAL into BLESSING. And from this story I see three ways that this can happen. The first blessing deals with a PLAN!

As I have stated several times, few wounds go deeper than those caused by betrayal. But even when we find ourselves pushed into the pit of betrayal, we can know that God is at work - He has a plan. For Joseph, this plan would take him from the PIT to the PALACE as ultimately he would become the 2nd highest in command in Egypt - only Pharaoh himself would be greater in power. And in this position Joseph would be used of God to save Egypt and the surrounding peoples (including his own family) from a devastating famine. That is why years later Joseph could make the following statements when reunited with his brothers, the very ones who had pushed him into the pit of betrayal:

"Now don't be grieved or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life." (Genesis 45:5)

"Now, therefore, it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to a Pharaoh and lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 45:8)

Even while Joseph was experiencing the horrible pain accompanied by betrayal, God had a plan for him. And it is the plan of God that turns BETRAYAL into BLESSING. Joseph went from the PIT to the PALACE. And if you are a pastor or ministry leader that has found yourself pushed into the pit of betrayal - take heart! God has a plan for you too! God will turn the betrayal you have experienced into a blessing.

But remember, before Joseph went from the PIT to the PALACE - he first had to experience the PRISON. And so might you! Your painful experience may be far from over but stay faithful my drear friend. I believe that God has a plan for you and His plan will ultimately turn your PIT of BETRAYAL into a PALACE of BLESSING!

Be sure to read my other blog at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can also leave a comment at either blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

The Far-Reaching Wounds of Betrayal

I have said it in just about each posting so far dealing with the pit of betrayal, but let me say it still again. No hurt goes deeper than the wounds caused by betrayal. And those wounds don't just affect the person on the receiving end of the betrayal. It affects others as well. A husband who betrays his wife hurts more people than just his wife. A friend who betrays a friend hurts more people than just his friend. And if you are a pastor that has felt the sting of betrayal, than you also know that the betrayal directed toward you has most likely hurt many other people as well.

Joseph's brothers pushing him into the pit of betrayal didn't just hurt Joseph. In Genesis 37:33-35, after Joseph's brothers killed a goat, sprinkled its blood on his coat, and gave it to their father to convince him that Joseph was dead when they really had sold him into slavery, the Bible says, "Then he (Jacob) examined it and said, 'It is my son's tunic. A wild beast has devoured him; Joseph has surely been torn to pieces!' So Jacob tore his clothes, and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. Then all his sons and all his daughters arose to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, 'Surely I will go down to Sheol in mourning for my son.' So his father wept for him."

If only we could catch a glimpse of the future before we pushed someone else into the pit of betrayal! Maybe if we could see the numbers of other people our act of betrayal will hurt, along side of the person who is the focus of our actions, we would think twice before acting. The wounds of betrayal are far-reaching. They affect more people than simply the person who gets pushed into the pit. That's another lesson we learn from the story of Joseph.

Be sure to read my other blog entitled "Folks, Listen" at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. Feel free to leave a comment at this blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com.

Are you a "LADDER" or an "ADDER"?

I told you in my last posting of hearing a message by Ed Young Jr who said that when you are in the pit of betrayal, instead of asking "Why me?" you should instead ask the question of the Lord, "What now?" But I remember one other aspect of that message. Ed Young Jr asked this question,

"Are you a LADDER or an ADDER?"

In other words, when God brings across your life someone who is in the pit of betrayal, what do you become to them? Do you become a LADDER for them or do you become an ADDER to them?

A LADDER is someone whose response to those in the pit of betrayal is one that offers support, encouragement, and most of all - hope! You become a LADDER for that person, helping them to crawl out of that pit they are in, brush off the dirt, and move forward. Like the Good Samaritan Jesus told about, you are the one whose words can bandage the open wounds of their heart and allow them to see the fingerprints of God that are still in their life.

An ADDER, on the other hand, does just the opposite. An ADDER responds in such a way that just ADDS to the hurt, pain and disparity of the person in the pit of betrayal. ADDERS accept as truth and pass on as fact whatever story they have heard, without taking the time to get both sides of the story. ADDERS spread gossip about the person in the pit. ADDERS judge the motives of the person in the pit. ADDERS can be like the friends of Job who came to console him but really only ADDED to his grief.

So, do you know someone who is in the pit of betrayal? Tell me, have you been a LADDER for them or more of an ADDER to them? If you are a pastor or ministry leader that is currently in the pit of betrayal, than my prayer for you is that God would send someone who is a LADDER into your life and protect you from the many ADDERS who are out there.

Be sure to read my other blog entitled "Folks, Listen" at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can also leave a comment on this blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

"WHY ME?" or "WHAT NOW?"

A few years back I heard Ed Young Jr, who pastors Fellowship Church down in Texas, speak about the pit of betrayal. As I said in my posting yesterday, no hurt goes deeper than the wounds caused by betrayal. Imagine you are Joseph. Your own brothers have assaulted you and thrown you into a dark, lonely pit. Your future is now in question. What do you say to God from inside that pit? Most people would ask a very simply two-word question:

"WHY ME?"

"Why me, Lord? Why did you allow this to happen to me? Why did you let this hurt and adversity come into my life? Why me, Lord?" And if you find yourself in a pit of betrayal that occurred within your ministry, you might be finding yourself asking God the same question, "Why me, Lord?"

But Ed Young Jr's message still resonates within my heart. He said that "Why Me?" is the wrong two-word question. Instead, when we find ourselves scarred and bruised after being pushed into the pit of ministry betrayal (or any other kind of betrayal) we should ask this two-word question:

"WHAT NOW?"

"What now, Lord? What are you working on behind the scenes that I don't even know about yet? What great plan for me are you fulfilling through these difficult times? What now, Lord?" After all, remember these passages?

"And we know that God causes all things (even the pit of betrayal) to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

"Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials (even the pit of betrayal); knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance." (James 1:2-3)

If you find yourself today in the pit of betrayal, don't ask God, "WHY ME?" Instead ask Him, "WHAT NOW?"

Be sure to read my other blog entitled "Folks, Listen" at www.folkslisten.blogspot.com. You can also leave a comment on this blog or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

The Pit of Betrayal

I am sure that you are very familiar with the Old Testament story of Joseph found in Genesis 37. In short, Joseph gets betrayed by his own brothers who assault him, throw him into a pit, sell him into slavery, and then convince their father that he was killed by a wild animal. What would cause these siblings to resort to such an act of hatred? The answer is JEALOUSY! Genesis 37:11 makes this very clear when it says:

"His brothers were jealous of him!"

What would produce such jealousy in these brother's hearts and lives? I answered that question in three postings last week in my other blog entitled, "Folks, Listen." You can use the link below and go to that blog and find three reasons that caused such jealousy towards Joseph. You will find them in my blog postings on January 19, 20 and 21. Again, the link is:

www.folkslisten.blogspot.com

If you are a hurting pastor reading this posting, then chances are very good that you know what the inside of the Pit of Betrayal looks like. You also know that few hurts go deeper than the wounds caused by betrayal. Over the next few blogs postings here at "Hope For Hurting Pastors" I am going to share some principles about the Pit of Betrayal that can be learned from the story of Joseph. I hope you will come back as I post a new article each Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Feel free to leave a comment or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

Need #5 When Facing Your Giant - CELEBRATION Of God

Today is the final post in this series on facing your giants from the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. We have seen 4 qualities of David that we must also possess if we are going to face the ministry and personal giants in our lives. They are:

COMMUNICATION with God!
COMMITMENT to God!
CONFIDENCE in God!
COURAGE for God!

Now we are ready to see the 5th and final need:

CELEBRATION of God!

After David strikes Goliath with the rock and he falls to the ground, David takes Goliath's own sword and cuts off his head (Why didn't they put that part in the kids song we learned in Children's Church?). We then learn in chapter 18 that David takes Goliath's weapons and puts them in his own tent. Why would David do that? I believe it was so that he always had a physical reminder that no giant could ever come into his life that God could not conquer. David would begin every day when he awakened by looking at those weapons and celebrating the goodness and victories of God.

A few years back I had the thrill of visiting the Holy Land and standing in the Valley of Elah. We walked over to the stream that would have been nearby (it was dry when we there) where David would have selected his ammunition. There I picked up 5 stones of my own. I keep them on the bookshelf in my office so that every time I see them I am reminded that God is bigger than any giant that comes into my life or ministry. This allows me to celebrate in my God.

So if there is a giant that you are facing in your ministry - a problem or person that seems insurmountable, that always seems to be there, and that is causing your heart to fear, go ahead and celebrate in advance. In the end, whatever that looks like, God will work all things together for good!

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Need #4 When Facing Your Giant - COURAGE For God

Having COMMUNICATION with God, COMMITMENT to God, and CONFIDENCE in God, David goes out to face Goliath in a one-on-one, winner take all death match in the Valley of Elah. This shows the fourth characteristic of David that we must have if we are going to face our personal and ministry giants. David had COURAGE for God.

Before going out to the valley, David first goes down to a nearby stream with his only weapon, a slingshot, and selects some ammunition - 5 smooth stones. But why 5 stones? Was he afraid he might miss a few times at first? I don't think so. The Bible teaches us elsewhere that Goliath had 4 brothers. I think the other 4 stones David picked up was his way of being prepared in case they should seek revenge for their fallen sibling.

If you grew up in the church, do you remember the song?

And one little stone went in the sling
And the sling went round and round
And one little stone went in the sling
And the sling went round and round
And round and round and round and round
And round and round and round
And one little stone went up in the air
And the giant came tumbling down

And that is exactly what happened. But I love what verse 48 says about the battle. it says,

"David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine."

Did you get that? David ran toward the giant. Now that's courage. Quit running away from your giant. Face your giant head on. Be courageous. God is truly bigger than any giant!

Feel free to leave a comment or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

Need #3 When Facing Your Giant - CONFIDENCE In God

David had COMMUNICATION with God. David had COMMITMENT to God. But the third quality that David had that allowed him to face Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 was CONFIDENCE in God.

After hearing Goliath mock and taunt Israel, David confidently asks what would be done for the man who fights the giant. He learns that the king has promised to anyone who would fight Goliath and win, his own daughter as a wife and a lifetime exemption for he and his family from all taxes (the way things are going today, that tax exemption part may have even prompted me to take a whack at the Giant!).

David had confidence in God. But that is not how his words were received by his brothers. His oldest brother, Eliab, scolds David harshly. That shouldn't be too surprising. The truth is that whenever you confidently step forward to do what you are convinced God has put in your heart, you will face opposition. And often, that opposition will come from those closest to you. I personally believe that Eliab's real problem was jealousy. Remember, he was the one who thought he should have been anointed King of Israel when the Prophet Samuel came to their house. But instead Samuel anointed David. And as the oldest brother, if anyone from the family was going to fight Goliath it should have been him. Perhaps he thought David was making him look bad.

Word of David's confidence soon reached the ears of the king and King Saul calls for David. But when he sees David he calls him "just a boy." But even the words of King Saul could not discourage David. This lad responds by telling the king of the time God gave him the strength to kill a lion and a bear that were threatening his father's sheep. David goes on to say that he was sure that God would allow him to kill Goliath as well. That's confidence!

Saul finally agrees and tries to put his own armor on David. This may be one of the funniest pictures in the Bible. Scripture teaches that Saul was the tallest man in Israel - David was just a lad. David must have been one sorry sight standing their drenched in Saul's armor. Finally, he confidently convinces the king to let him fight Goliath just as he was. And with confidence in God you can face your giant just as you are too.

Feel free to leave a comment or email me at skdistler@gmail.com

Need #2 When Facing Your Giant - COMMITMENT To God

In our last post we saw from the story of David and Goliath that the first need we have when facing our own ministry giants is COMMUNICATION with God. Today we see the second need which is a COMMITMENT to God.

In Samuel 17, David is sent by his father to check on his brothers who are off at battle. When he arrives he sees and hears Goliath the great giant. For the army of Israel and David's older brothers, it is about the 80th time they have had to endure the taunts of this massive Philistine champion. But for David, this is his first exposure to Goliath.

It is interesting as you read the text closely. It says that Israel "saw" Goliath. They were focused on his size. But David "heard" the giant. He wasn't preoccupied with the massive size of this man, he was focused on what Goliath was saying as he defied the armies of God. And frankly, this made David mad. His commitment to God was so strong that no one - not even a 10ft tall giant - was going to mock Jehovah. David replies in verse 26,

"Who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?"

You see, if you are going to face the personal and ministry giants that are in your life, you must be far more committed to God than you are to yourself. Is it about you or is it about God? A commitment to God is paramount if you are going to face your giants!

Feel free to leave a comment or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

Need #1 When Facing Your Giant - COMMUNICATION With God

We all have giants in our lives and ministries. Over the last 3 posts we have described what they are like. But the bigger question is, "How do we face our giants?" As the story of David and Goliath continues in 1 Samuel 17 we see the first of five needs we must have in our lives if we are going to face our giants and that first need is COMMUNICATION with God.

As the story opens in 1 Samuel 17 we learn that David was the youngest of 8 brothers. As a young man, what did David spend most of his time doing? He was a shepherd charged with watching over his father's sheep. And what do you suppose David did during all those lonely hours on the hillsides of Bethlehem as he watched the flock? He spent a lot of that time talking to and worshipping God.

Have you ever wondered why when every fighting man in Israel, right up to King Saul, was scared spit-less of Goliath, David was not? What did David have that they did not? David had an intimate and growing relationship with the God of Israel. You see, my friend, before you can ever be ready to face the giants in your own personal Valley of Elah, you must first have spent time alone with God on your own personal hills of Bethlehem.

In order to face your giants you must be spending time alone with God in prayer, worship and the study of His Word - not for sermons but for yourself. Nothing else will be able to give you the courage you will ultimately need when you come against your giant face-to-face. Your first need in order to face the giants in your life and ministry is communication with God. Never underestimate the power and preparation that comes from spending time alone with God.

Feel free to leave a comment or email me directly at skdistler@gmail.com

Giants Create INSECURITY

Goliath in 1 Samuel 17 can be described in three ways. First, he seemed INSURMOUNTABLE (see my January 7th posting). Standing somewhere around 10 feet tall, Goliath was huge and he was strong - seemingly invincible. Second, he was INSISTENT (see my January 10th posting) meaning that he never went away - he was always there. Now we see the third characteristic - Goliath the giant created INSECURITY.

1 Samuel 17 describes Israel's response to this giant as being "dismayed and greatly afraid." Verse 23 makes an interesting description. It says that on what appeared to be day 41 of the stand-off, Goliath was "coming up" from the Philistines. Now go back and reread my January 5th posting. Remember, the Philistines were on one slope and Israel on another slope, with the Valley of Elah in between them. If Goliath was walking from the Philistine camp into the valley, wouldn't it say that he was "coming down" from the Philistines as opposed to "coming up?"

I believe that "coming up" means that Goliath walked all the way down the slope from the Philistine camp; walked all the way across the mile or so wide valley; and then actually began to walk up the slope toward the Israel camp as he shouted his taunting challenge. And what was the result on the soldiers of Israel? Verse 24 says that when they saw Goliath they "fled from him and were greatly afraid." You see, that's exactly what giants do. They take more and more ground in your life by producing more and more fear in your heart.

So, are you facing a giant in your life or in your ministry? Is there a person or a problem that seems insurmountable and that has become the first thing you think about every morning and the last thing you think about when you crawl into bed at night? Are you facing a giant that keeps taking more and more ground in your life by causing you more and more fear in your heart? Then be sure to follow this series of posts as we next look at 5 steps to taken when facing a giant!

Feel free to leave a comment or to email me at skdistler@gmail.com