Floods and Trickles

John 6:19 says Everyone was trying to touch him - so much energy surging from him, so many people healed! MSG
This is how ministry feels! Everyone wants to be right by the pastor - close quarters - intimate. I remember how I felt when Jeff wasn't the senior pastor. I wanted to be noticed as someone special by the person who, really and truly, represented Christ in the church I attended.

We represent Christ. All Christians represent Christ, but those in the pastoral ministry are put in a position to be that earthly figure that people look at when they are looking for Christ.

What a responsibility!

Jesus was putting out energy all over the place as the crowds pressed in on him and he healed them!

How do we handle the stress of all those around us pressing in on us? We know that all the things we do make a difference - that's not the point. I know that Jeff and I love to know how God has worked through some small thing we have said or done. That's what we are passionate about. That's what keeps us going. But there are so many things that we could be doing and saying. There are so many things we WANT to do and say! How do we handle that stress and keep going?

Prayer is the answer. We need to stay pray-up.

But do we do it? I know I have not been the best at it. I know in my head and I teach in my classes that Jesus must come first (JOY - Jesus first, Others second, myself last)
I have translated that as: work for Jesus first, help others second, find quiet time for myself last. And last it usually is. Even now, as I spend some quality quiet time with God and the Bible I find that it is time for bed. I have to teach tomorrow and need all the physical rest I can get! So how do I find time for all of it like Jesus did?

I need to put time with God first. I need to get up and spend quiet time with God every morning before the rest of the house wakes up.

I will do that tomorrow. I will get up when I plan to.
I will pray before I go to work.
My day has to be better! It can't get much worse!
And I will pray throughout the day.
Jesus did it.
He was human.
I can do it with God's help!!!!!