Dear pastors, be encouraged.
God is ready with fresh strength for you in these distressing times. David found strength by setting aside time to be with the Lord. We can, too.
To meet the demands of this season, I have added evening devotions to my normal rhythm of morning devotions. Doubling my time with the Lord gives me a double infusion of new strength as I cast my cares upon Him.
God is ready to give you a double portion of new strength.
First Samuel 30:6 tells us: “Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the Lord his God” (NKJV).
David found new strength, but also received new directions from the Lord. Likewise, God will give you fresh, creative ways to make disciples. God will use you to offer His hope to a people without hope.
People often change the most during a crisis. Those far from God will come to know Christ because of the new strength and directions you receive from the Lord. He will be with you every step of the way. Just remember: You are not the Savior. You can’t do it all. But you can do all that God asks of you.
How? With the fresh dose of strength and guidance He has waiting for you in your next meeting with Him.
Prayer + Reflection
- Pastors, pray for fresh strength each day as you serve the flock of God.
- Christians, ask God to help you live out the gospel message in daily acts of self-giving love to others.
- Pray for wisdom and humility for all health officials and caregivers as well as our political leaders, as they make important decisions and prioritize care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Pray that the lost will come to Christ by the deeds and words of Christians living out the gospel in this challenging time.
- Ask God to protect first responders, healthcare workers, chaplains and those serving on the front lines of this crisis. May He bless them with wisdom and safety, and provide the equipment and supplies they need.
