One of our staff mentioned the other day that his biggest surprise was the emotional toll that ministry has on him. He had just finished time with a family, and caught himself crying as he drove off--something he'd never done before.
I am just amazed at what some of our folks have to face, sometimes on a daily basis. And it's frustrating to be unable to fix things for them. I know that the gospel brings relief ultimately, but even Jesus wept in his ministry. He could "fix" things, yet human pain is real and He had compassion on those who hurt.
It makes sense that loving others and serving them can be physically exhausting. But I have found that, if not careful, the pain of others can sap my energy and leave me perpetually sad. So how do we take the risk of caring and hurting, and still have resources to serve another day?
I have discovered that prayer and time focussed on my walk with God becomes more important than ever when I'm serving those who hurt. I don't have much to give them, but I gain refreshment from time alone with God.
Part of the joy of the community of believers is that we can build relationships for the difficult, as well as the good, times. As we weep with those who weep, we share in Jesus' work. While it is hard, it is also rewarding. And it causes us to grow as we look to God for strength.
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