Building Resilience Through Ministry Challenges

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Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Merry Christmas!  As I reflect on the past six months as Personnel Director, it’s been more difficult than I imagined. I’ve faced relational challenges, overwhelming personnel shortages, more work than hours in the day, and a steady stream of people needing guidance. While people energize me—and I count it a privilege to be God’s instrument in their lives—I have felt very stretched.

In my last devotional I wrote, “Hardship is God’s training ground. Stressors and trials are His blessings in disguise, shaping us into resilient people of faith.” Just as physical exercise strengthens the heart and builds endurance, spiritual hardship strengthens our faith and deepens our dependence on God.

As you evaluate your ministry stressors, what is your perspective?

Scripture Insight

Resilience requires an intentional choice to:

  • remember what God has done in the past,
  • recognize and believe what He is doing in the present (conforming (Rom 8:29) and perfecting (1 Peter 1:7),
  • trust that He will continue to do the same in the future.

David models this rhythm in Psalm 105.

  1. He remembers God’s past faithfulness
  • “Give thanks to the LORD… Tell everyone about his wonderful deeds.” (Psalm 105:1–2)
  • “Remember the wonders he has preformed…” (Psalm 105:5)
  1. He looked for God’s conforming and perfecting activity
  • “Search for the LORD and for his strength; continually seek him.” (Psalm 105:4)
  • He called for a famine (Ps 105:16)
  • He sent someone to Egypt ahead of them, Joseph, sold as a slave (Ps 105:17)
  • He turned the Egyptians against the Israelites (Ps 105:25)
  • “All this happened so they would follow his decrees and obey his instructions.” (Psalm 105:45)

3. He believed and trusted God would continue to be faithful in the future.

  • Joseph’s suffering was not wasted: “Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the LORD tested Joseph’s character.” (Psalm 105:19)
  • Even when His people were “few in number” (Psalm 105:12), God was still at work.
  • Even when God seemed silent, He was orchestrating deliverance: “But the LORD sent his servant Moses…” (Psalm 105:25–27)

Application

  • As we move into a new year, take some time to reflect on God’s faithfulness this past year. How have you seen His work of conforming your character and perfecting your faith?
  • After reflecting, take a few minutes to consider your present circumstances.
    • What signs of His work can you see in your present circumstances?
    • How might your current hardship be shaping your character? How is it perfecting your faith?
    • What circumstances is God asking you to just trust Him with?
  • What might God be orchestrating beneath the surface that you cannot yet see?
  • Read Romans 5:3-5 and ask God to use this reflection to inspire you to embrace the future with hope.

Prayer

Lord, when I feel frustrated, or anxious regarding the challenges of my ministry, help me to recognize you are building resilience with every stretch. Help me to remember your faithful work in conforming me in the past so that I can embrace the challenges in the moment and believe you will use it to make me stronger. Help me to rest in that knowledge. Help me to encourage my kids, as well as my coworkers to do the same. Build resilience in me through hardship and strengthen my heart to follow Your ways with confidence and joy.

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