More often than I wish to admit, I feel frustrated about what could be but for whatever reasons, it’s not happening. As a pastor I know it’s risky to unveil that I have frustrations, so I ask you to take these and make them prayer requests. Oh, do pray for me as I strive to be the spiritual leader and pastoral leader that God needs for Friendship. Sometimes my frustrations do get the better of me.
What are some of my frustrations?
First, I sense Friendship could become a really great church, but we are not embracing all our God-given opportunities. This frustrates me. I have a lot of people willing to be in advisory positions, and not nearly enough willing to step up and discover the joy of investing their lives for kingdom purposes.
Second, it frustrates me that I’m expected to ‘perform’ at a high level but most of ‘my people’ can get by with being average. And, I better not call them on this!
Third, it frustrates me that so many of ‘my people’ are missing out on the joy of being a bold witness for Christ and have settled for mediocrity in their spiritual lives.
Fourth, it frustrates me that we could be averaging 200+ more in worship attendance, but so many of ‘my people’ are satisfied with sporadic attendance.
Fifth, it frustrates me that so many of my people are stingy and have not discovered the joy of tithing. This is preventing us from doing all we could be doing. I ask you to join me in praying for some huge financial gifts that we can pay off existing debt to get into a position for Friendship’s next adventure of faith.
Sixth, it frustrates me that too many people feel strong about their opinions without any basis in God’s Word. Honestly it seems we still have too much immaturity among long term followers of Christ.
How do I deal with my frustrations?
I seek your prayers, patience, and deployment. If only we had the courage to forget about what’s in it for me and ask, “God, what do you want from me?” we could reach so many more people for Christ.
And, I’ve courageously shared them with you. I will strive to operate with the old adage, “Let him – or her – that gripeth, be the ones that grab hold of the situation.”
Still, even with all my frustrations, God is at work and lives are being challenged and changed for Him.
