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“History has demonstrated that the most notable winners usually encountered heart-breaking obstacles before they triumphed. They won because they refused to become discouraged by their defeats.”
—B.C. Forbes

Because NorthWood has grown and had a unique ministry and planted many churches I get lots of calls from young pastors dealing with different issues.  This week, I’ve fielded a few calls and even met with some guys.  One guy struggling with family issues, a couple with financial issues (hang in there guys - it’s tough for everyone but just remember God’s Kingdom economy is bigger than the US economy), and a couple with leadership issues in their church dealing with negative people.

I deal with all that stuff too - don’t kid yourself.  I learned many years ago everyone does.  Doesn’t matter how big or small they are, house or building, it’s just all part of it.  There are days I want to quit - just like anybody else - buy a cabin in Colorado by a stream, hide out, run naked with a spear through the woods . . . !!!! 

I don’t know of a single leader that at times hasn’t had enough and wants to quit.  In a church, you never can and never will please everyone - it’s just impossible.  That’s why you have to do what’s right and do it for God.  Better to make someone angry following God than trying to follow them.  I’ve also learned, some people are always upset about something - so if you appease them in one area, it won’t be for long, there will be another issue. 

As I was doing my personal worship this morning I read 2 Chronicles 15:2 . . . “Listen, all you people of Judah and Benjamin!  The Lord will stay with you as long as you stay with him!  Whenever you seek him you will find him.  But if you abandon him, he will abandon you.  3.  For a long time Israel was without the true God, without a priest to teach them, and without the Law to instruct them. 4 But whenever they were in trouble and turned to the Lord the God of Israel, and sought him out, they found Him.  5.  During those dark times, it was not safe to travel.  Problems troubled the people of every land.  6 Nation fought against nation, and city against city, for God was troubling them with every kind of problem.  7 But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded!  . . . 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

It just doesn’t get any better than that.  Read that slowly and reflect - claim that as yours.  Move forward leader, plant your feet firmly and clearly.  Have courage - everything is gonna be OK.  Just seek God.  Victory is on the way.  God wants to fulfill his will, it’s not your work, but his.  He planted those dreams - if anything, the difficulty will strengthen you and serve as a lesson to be remembered as you move forward.  Often, those hard times serve as “stones” on the Jordan to remind people where we came from, and where we aren’t going back to . . .

When I started out in ministry, I thought when God moved, so did everyone else - and everyone would always be excited.  That just isn’t true.  Sometimes, God moves most in the swamp.  There’s almost a relationship between the more God moves the more warfare and challenges you can expect.  Be strong little brothers and sisters . . . . keep ‘em chunky legs movin’ . .  . . we’re all in it together