Every year I meet many pastors who struggle with having their basic material needs met. Yet there’s genuine joy on their faces. Their passion for the Lord and desire to save souls drives them forward. These leaders face challenges daily to meet the spiritual needs of a congregation, and simultaneously meet all the needs of their families. I have to tell you that if I was unsure of where my wife and children’s next meal would come from, I feel it would distract me from keeping the focus on our ministry. But their trust in the Lord is relentless and it is inspiring!

Jesus gives this promise in John (16:33): “In this world you will have tribulation. But take heart, be of good cheer! I have overcome the world.” The first part is difficult because Jesus doesn’t promise it will be easy. But you know what, when my grandfather died, my dad was just ten years old, and my grandma put a plaque on the wall with this very verse on it, and that truth has blessed us into the next generation.

And Jesus is our example. Let’s remember the deep sacrificial work that God has done on our behalf, to overcome. Remember the testimony of those who have so little but have the good cheer of the Lord and prosper. God’s Holy Spirit dwells within us and will carry us forward in difficult days not only to hang on, but even, in the midst of it, to reach our world.         

This is Andrew Palau.