Dear Leader,
You’re probably reading this during a rare quiet moment between replying to emails, attending (or leading) meetings, counseling sessions, or stacking chairs –but I want to remind you of something important.
God sees you.
He sees (and hears) the prayers you’ve prayed over that couple whose marriage is barely hanging on.
He sees the countless hours of event preparation or studying for a sermon.
He sees the texts you’ve sent to that student who is struggling with mental health.
The tracking down of volunteers, the late nights and weekends, the tears…he’s seen it all.
Ministry is heavy. Sin is heavy. Caring for people who sin and live in this broken world is difficult.
I want you to know this– you’re not failing because you are tired. You’re not weak just because you feel overwhelmed. You are human and have a Savior who’s big enough to carry all of these things for you. Let us never forget this sweet reminder from Jesus in the book of Matthew.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-29
You don’t have to carry these burdens alone. You don’t have to perform. You don’t have to fix everything. You simply need to rest and sit at the feet of Jesus. Let Him restore you. Pray that he reminds you of why you started. You are not alone.
With love,
A Fellow Ministry Leader Who Has Been There
Thanks for and to the Fellow-laborer (probably a tired one) for writing the encouragement. Needed reminder.