1 Peter 5:4 KJV
[4] “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
I want to encourage every pastor to remain faithful in these last days. God has given you a great responsibility, but He has also promised you a great reward. A crowning day is coming for the men of God who have remained faithful. You may be reading this devotional and wondering how this can help you if you are not a pastor. It gives insight regarding how to pray for and support your pastor.
Pastors deal with so much as they serve the Lord and their congregations. They endure personal struggles and burdens, which cannot be shared with other members because it would not be appropriate. There are too many reasons to avoid sharing with others for me to mention in this devotional. They also experience family struggles as they witness the hardships endured by their spouses and children. They may face the same difficulties as others, but the pastor carries this with him to the pulpit because while caring for the church, he is caring for his family. And he may be experiencing personal struggles as well.
Then, there are the needs of the church. A church can struggle in many different areas. For example, if the Sunday School program is facing a challenge, the pastor will work to find a solution for the problem. There may be a problem between two church members, and he has to help resolve it. A teenager may have gone astray, resulting in broken-hearted parents who need help. I can tell you that most pastors do not deal with just one or two problems at a time but carry multiple burdens for the church. It can affect their mental, emotional, and physical health at times.
Having said this, I want every pastor and member to know that the load is worth carrying! God is keeping a record, and your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Being a pastor is a great privilege, and God has blessed you and will continue to bless you if you remain faithful. He gives special grace to men of God to pastor, and one day, they will receive a crown! I know we are not worthy, but it will be a privilege to receive one to cast at His feet. We need pastors in the present time because so many churches are struggling. We need men who will love and pray for a congregation and preach the truth of God’s Word, leading the church in the right direction. Pastor, keep on going, and do not quit. We are closer now to the Chief Shepherd’s return than ever before. Stay faithful and stay in the fight.