Ministers Are Not Exempt From Trials!
Something tragic happened yesterday to a Bishop whom I know personally, that led me to reflect on this topic.
Even though God calls, equips, and anoints His servants, they remain flesh and blood with needs, weaknesses, and personal battles.
Paul himself said,
“We were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life,” 2 Corinthians 1:8.
This means Ministers are not exempt from trials. They often experience greater warfare, because of the weight of the assignment on their lives.
Many people assume that because a Minister is praying, preaching, or prophesying with power, they don’t need prayer themselves and have a dangerous assumption that the Minister is always strong.
But even Jesus, in Gethsemane, asked His disciples to “Watch and Pray” with Him (Matthew 26:38).
If the Son of God desired prayer support, how much more do His servants?
They flock when they need Prayer, but rarely stop to cover the one who is pouring out.
Some even tie small gifts of money to unlimited access, treating Ministers like an emergency hotline, instead of learning to go before God themselves.
Intercessors especially face heavy warfare mental, physical, financial, and spiritual.
When Moses’ arms grew tired in battle, Israel began to lose until Aaron and Hur came alongside to hold him up (Exodus 17:11-12).
Aaron, Moses and Hur
That is a prophetic picture no one can stand alone indefinitely.
Beloved, Ministers need prayer too. Intercessors, deliverance Ministers need covering too!
Those who stand in the gap are often the most targeted and face a lot of backlash in their health, family, finances, even their minds.
If the enemy can silence the watchmen, whole families and nations go uncovered.
The truth is, Ministers have a responsibility to pray for the people.
But the people also have a responsibility to honor, pray for, and support, even encourage those who labor among them (1 Timothy 5:17; Hebrews 13:18).
So I encourage you: pray for your leaders.
Pray for your pastors, prophets, teachers, and intercessors.
Don’t just call when you need something cover them when no one is watching.
Their strength, their endurance, and their refreshing matters for the whole body of Christ.
Because when the arms of God’s servants are lifted, everyone wins the battle.
” Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”“ Matthew 26:38.
“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up — one on one side, one on the other — so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:11-12.
“The elders who direct the affairs of The Church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching.” 1 Timothy 5:17.
“Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.” Hebrews 13:18 emphasis added.
Image ©bibleencyclopedia.com
Shalom
~ Syreeta Thomas
Amen.