Every life has those exhilarating high moments and those times when it seems the bottom has fallen out from under us. This seems particularly true in the life of a pastor. The pastor not only deals with the issues of his own life, but he is called upon to share and help with life's details of those that are within his care.
This past week has been a microcosm of the extremes that life presents to us. Last week my wife and I celebrated our forty-second anniversary of marriage. Sandy is a special gift of God's grace to me and I could not imagine having anyone else to be the one who completes me. We also had the joy of traveling to San Antonio, Texas to be present at our oldest son's "Change of Command" ceremony. It was a wonderful trip and allowed us to spend some quality time with his family. While we were gone, we received word that we had a death in our church family. Life seems to be a continuous mixture of laughter, joy, tears, and sorrow.
We find within ministry a constant call to be there with people we love in their intimate moments. Some need us to rejoice with them in their wonderful times. Others need advice and compassion to help them through times of sorrow,struggle, failing marriages, sicknesses, and even death.
Over the years, I have had a number of men that have come to me to inform me that they were considering ministry as a "vocation". My advice to them has always been that if they could do anything else, and feel that they were in the will of God, they should do something different. On the other hand, there is no calling that is more fulfilling than ministry when it is a calling from God.
Many years ago we made a trip to Six Flags over Georgia, and the "Scream Machine" was at that time the main roller-coaster at that site. I remember the anxiety as we were strapped into place and the cars began their ascent. There was a moment when I wondered if we could survive the trip, but after a few minutes we arrived safely at the point of departure. Since that time, I have ridden a number of roller-coasters that have made the "Scream Machine" seem tame, but they all are a good example of life.
When we begin to leave the loading area, we are unsure about what is ahead, "For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known." (I Corinthians 13:12). The only thing that we have to keep us secure is the realization that we are held secure by the promises of God's Word, the comfort of the Holy Spirit, and the Designer of our life, "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2).
Praise the Lord, one day the roller-coaster ride will be over. Those who know Christ as Savior will be able to enjoy eternal happiness and bliss, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." (Revelation 21:4).
Life may have many unexpected drops and turns, but if we are held by the Spirit of God and the promises of God we shall arrive home safely. Be certain that your faith is in Christ as Savior rather than your own ability to weather the storms of life. Jesus alone has the ability to be the author and finisher of our faith!
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