This month is known as Pastor Appreciation Month. During a recent meeting, the congregation took time to encourage me and the elders, which honestly came as a surprise. As much as I need encouragement, it is always a little hard for me to receive it that way. Not because it is wrong or should not be done, but because I constantly want to remain humble before God and make sure He gets all the credit for any success in ministry or blessing in our church. That said, I truly do appreciate the kind words, the cards, and the love that has been shown. It means a lot, especially in seasons of discouragement, and I will admit that is a place I have been camping out in lately.

The Lord often brings us into these seasons for reasons that sometimes elude us. It may be that He wants us to deepen our prayer life, grow in our trust, and remember where our help truly comes from. All of these are valid purposes within God’s sovereign plan. Yet, like Job, we are not given the details of the divine motives or the specific reasons why God allows certain trials. What we do know for sure is that God is sovereign and that He works all things together for our good. Still, I have to admit, it doesn’t always feel that way in the moment. It can feel heavy, unclear, mentally draining, and difficult to navigate. I believe in God’s sovereignty and know it is for my good, but as a creature, I often wrestle with wanting to know the details or to control the situation, both of which can lead me to lose trust in the Lord.

That being said, as my wife and I read through the cards that were given to us, I was reminded of how the Lord has used us in the lives of His people. The Lord has chosen us as instruments to help others, to point their eyes to Him, to meet practical needs, to pray for the sick, and to witness lives changed by the gospel we have been called to share. My heart began to fill with emotion and gratitude for all that the Lord has done through our lives, and it took me back to the moment I first said yes to the call of pastoral ministry. My calling belongs to the Lord, meaning it was not my decision to enter ministry, but His choice to call me. It was the church that affirmed and chose me to serve in this role, not myself. It was also my denomination, which I deeply love and am thankful for, that confirmed and ordained me for the ministry I am in today. I am grateful to be a pastor in the Bible Fellowship Church, which upholds that a pastor is a shepherd and a servant of the Lord and His people, it is not about the position or the appreciation, but about the call to serve.

Thank you to my church family, Christ Alone Fellowship. You continue to amaze me in ways that are both timely and deeply needed. This season of challenges has weighed heavily on me, but your love and support have lifted those burdens and reminded me once again of who Christ is. I also want to thank Living Christ Church. Your love and support are a big part of why I am here today. I truly appreciate you all for your encouragement and the way you’ve shown appreciation during this season. Through it all, I give thanks to the Lord and will continue to serve as long as He allows. To God be the glory!