A former pastor and longtime mentor of mine, Joe Baker, once said, "Don't evaluate ministry on Monday morning, or in the month of August." That is a good word preacher. Why?
I believe that Mondays can be either wonderful or grueling. If you have had a good Sunday, powerful worship, decisions for Christ, strong attendance, strong offering and a spirit of unity. That can add up to a good Monday. A great Monday! That is when sleep is easy on Sunday night as you are exhausted from giving it your best. You get to the office early on Monday, ready to tackle the week and preparation in front of you with passion and excitement.
But what about when August isn't sizzling. Everything seems down, and as you look around, it appears as if even your leaders are hit and miss in support and attendance. Leaders failed to show, you lead the worship, pass out bulletins and everything in between. If you evaluate ministry on Mondays in August, you can easily be discouraged, even now as you read this blog, yesterday may have felt like a death blow and you are reeling like a fishing bobber in strong wind. I have experience both of these kind of Mondays. I certainly prefer the the good ones, but be reminded, "God is at work, even when we can't see it." Blackaby
What does God need from us in August? Faithfulness. Some have said that ministry today is harder than ever before. If that is true, God must be wanting to use us if He is allowing us to lead for a time such as this. Charles Spurgeon once wrote, "I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages." My prayer for you today, is that the Holy spirit may stoke the fire of your heart, and that you sense that sizzle that keeps you pressing toward the mark.
Until He comes, we will go! Bro. Greg
