Moses said to the Lord, “Why have you dealt ill with your servant? And why have I not found favor in your sight, that you lay the burden of all this people on me? Did I conceive all this people? Did I give them birth, that you should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nurse carries a nursing child,’ to the land that you swore to give their fathers? Where am I to get meat to give to all this people? For they weep before me and say, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ I am not able to carry all this people alone; the burden is too heavy for me. If you will treat me like this, kill me at once, if I find favor in your sight, that I may not see my wretchedness.” Numbers 11:11-15 ESV
Their leader was tired, wretched, and discouraged. The burden of leading a rebellious, sinful people grew too heavy for him to carry alone, and he was ready to quit.
This is not just a Moses problem! According to Chris Sonken (https://www.churchboom.org/), an average of 1,500 pastors are quitting every month. Between 75 and 150 churches are closing per week. As a pastor’s daughter, I can attest that the pastorate (and missions) can be very discouraging. And that’s precisely what the enemy wants.
Missionaries and pastors are on the front lines every single day. They are fueled by our prayers, support, and words of encouragement. Now, more than ever, our pastors need us to lift them before the throne of God. Their ministry depends on it!
Today, I would encourage you to pray for your pastor and his wife, the spiritual leaders in your church, and those working overseas to spread the gospel. Pray for strength, both physical and spiritual, wisdom and discernment, protection, provision, and endurance. Pray for vision and God’s leading. Pray for courage to speak boldly. And speak encouragement into their lives.
Several months ago, I felt the Spirit of God pressing me to send a word of encouragement to our pastor. I heeded the Spirit’s voice and texted our pastor a simple “Thank you for all you do for us. We dearly love and appreciate you and your wife.” The following Sunday, he told me how much he’d needed that word of appreciation right at that moment.
Our pastors carry a heavy burden – a burden they can’t carry alone. We must take the time to pray for them and those in leadership positions within our churches. A spiritual battle is going on that we can’t perceive with human eyes. Our prayers can make a difference!
Prayer: Lord, please encourage our pastors and Christian workers today. Deliver them from any evil attacks brought against them and grant them victory. Protect their minds from discouragement and the enemy’s lies, watch over their bodies, and grant them health and strength. Fill them with your power and your Spirit. Pour your wisdom and discernment upon them as they study, preach, teach, and counsel. Remind them that you have called them to this crucial task, and equip them accordingly. And at the end of the day, grant them a good night’s rest. In your name we pray, Amen.
Thought: “There is no wonder more supernatural and divine in the life of a believer than the mystery and ministry of prayer … the hand of the child touching the arm of the Father and moving the wheel of the universe.” – A.B. Simpson