When Ministry is Hard

Is ministry hard at times? You better believe it! I believe it will get harder and harder as Jesus’ return draws closer.  II Timothy 3 tells us what to expect—people who love themselves and money, there will be those who are unthankful and unholy, traitors, those who love the world more than God, etc., etc. The problem is most of us don’t take God at His Word. We take a new church thinking, “This is IT! People will love and follow us, we’ll thrive as a congregation, and expand the kingdom of God.” We fail to remember pastors like Paul. The kingdom of God WILL expand—but it will most likely happen at the hands of trials, conflict, and persecution. 

In II Timothy 4, Paul asks Timothy to come to him. He’s reached the end of his ministry and life and is in PRISON. He tells Timothy that his helper, Demas, has forsaken him because he loved the world more than God. He warns Timothy to beware of Alexander the coppersmith who did him harm and will do the same to him. He says no one stood with him at his defense—he was completely forsaken. 

But…Paul then tells Timothy that God stood with him and strengthened him that the gospel might be fully preached to the Gentiles. He goes on to declare that God will deliver him from every evil work (which appeared imminent) and preserve him for the heavenly kingdom. 

Did you catch it? Paul was warning Timothy of clear and present danger as a minister of the gospel. It’s always had its challenges, difficulties, and dangers. But by his example, he was telling Timothy it was all worth it to spread the gospel. His strength was God. His focus was the end goal of the kingdom of heaven.  

It’s so easy to make our difficulties our focus! But there is absolutely nothing new under the sun. Satan has always and will always fight the kingdom of God and the spread of the gospel. The question is…where will we find our strength? What will be our focus? 

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:2 NLT