The heaviness and the blessing of ministry

“No pain, no gain” isn’t exactly how I would put it, but I do find that some of my most important learning and spiritual growth have come when times are tough. Supporting a family in their grief makes my own faith stronger. Walking through the dark valley with others helps me to appreciate the light on the other side. Paul calls us to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and I find that everything God asks us to do has a benefit for the giver as well as the recipient.

So in the nearly 40 memorial services I’ve done as pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church, I have been blessed. And yet the heaviness builds up over time. Though God was with him, Elijah eventually ran away.

The coolest thing about that story is that when Elijah went to run away, God sent an angel to make him a nice meal for the trip. “Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.” (1 Kings 19:7). And then, after Elijah had rested, God called him back. Not in an earthquake or a fire or a storm but in a quiet, gentle, loving voice.

I’m getting ready to take a sabbatical this summer. I’ll be away from my vocational ministry – particularly church administration! – for three months. My expectation is that in my time on Mount Horeb will be restorative and surprising. I look forward to rediscovering my passion for ministry and for preaching.

The tough stuff builds up. And sometimes a rest is necessary. And through it all, God is good. God knows what I need – even when it’s to run away for a bit.  I’m sure there will be plenty of ministry to do when I get back.