I received a card in the mail earlier today from a caring member of GSJ. The intent of this card was to encourage me to continue to fight the good fight of faith despite seemingly insurmountable pitfalls.
A glaring weakness of mine is hiding my frustrations associated with pastoral ministry. My expectations of the people whom God gave me oversight can be so unrealistically high, that the least deviation from desired behavior can be frustrating. Thank God for praying people in the pews who appreciate your ministry and have a vested interest in your success. The card was accompanied by a poem which inspired and invigorated me. The Lord always knows when to move on the heart of His people to be a blessing to you. The poem is entitled “It’s In the Valleys I Grow.” Let me share it with you. Enjoy!!
Sometimes life seems hard to bear,
Full of sorrow, trouble and woe
It’s then I have to remember
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
If I always stayed on the mountain top
And never experienced pain,
I would never appreciate God’s love
And be living my life in vain.
I have so much to learn
And my growth is very slow,
Sometimes I need the mountain tops,
But it’s in the valley I grow.
I do not always understand
Why things happen as they do,
But I am very sure of one thing.
My Lord will see me through.
My little valleys are nothing
When I picture Christ on the cross
He went through the valley of death;
His victory was Satan’s loss.
Forgive me Lord, for complaining
When I’m feeling so very low.
Just give me a gentle reminder
That it’s in the valleys I grow.
Continue to strengthen me, Lord
And use my life each day
To share your love with others
And help them find their way.
Thank you for valleys, Lord
For this one thing I know
The mountain tops are glorious
But it’s in the valleys I grow!
- Jane Eggleston
8 comments:
Great Post!! Thank God for members that share in the ministry of encouragement to the pastor!!
I liked this poem and it has blessed me as well!!
Pastor McGhee,
Thank you for sharing such a Inspirational poem. Truly we all have mountains we must climb. However, God gives us assurance that He will see us through our storms. Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the Lord with all thy heart; and lead not unto thy own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy path. Trust in God and keep the faith my friend.
Praying for your strength.
Evangelist Janae'
These kind of members are worth their weight in gold. Thank God for great encouragers such as this.
Keep pressing on doctor McGhee!
Praying for your work.
Be Encouraged.
Tony R.
Great post brother! It is such a blessing to have those members who encourage you. The ministry at times can be difficult, and an encouraging word is always nice to hear. God bless you in your continued service for Him.
As an experienced Christian it seems as though I can feel when a valley is on its way. As long as I have been on this journey I KNOW how benificial valleys can be. But, I shiver and resist the thought of thanking God for the valley because I know how depressed and low it feels. For me it's like a child that believes its parent when they say "the medicine will make you feel better", you still CAN'T STAND the taste. I don't ever remember a "thank you" from any of my children before or after giving them bad tasting medicine.
I do remember how frisky, playful and happy they were after the medicine took hold and made them better. So, this is how I feel about the valleys. A great celebration because of the growth and learning experience I gained while in the valley. I rejoice because it is another victory in my life. As grateful as I am for its benefits, I need prayer towards my verbal expression of thankfulness for the unknown valleys I have yet to face.
Thank you Pastor McGhee for sharing that great poem with us. I pray that you will be encouraged by this and many others who hold you in their hearts and prayers daily.
Be blessed
Mother
GOD is really using you at GSJ. Life was foggy for me, but through your preaching and teachings I have gained a clearer picture. May GOD be with us in our Valley experiences. When he brings us out Victorious, then we have the ammunition to tell others of HIS GOODNESS.
GOD Bless!!!
Brother: Wilson
Thank you for sharing that note of encouragement. Like you I get frustrated with God's people and some times I even wonder like the disciples, "Lord is it I." It's good to have members that are able to look beyond themselves and see that the pastor has needs as well. Thank God for the spirit encouragment
So glad to know that many members of GSJ think about, pray for and encourage your continued success. As we approach 5 years of your spiritual leadership I’ve had a glimpse into the many qualities required to be a Pastor. Only specially blessed individuals can fill that role the way you have Pastor. We look forward to your continued guidance, teaching, preaching and dedication to our Lord.
Personally I thank you for your past 5 year commitment and look forward to another 50 more. You truly were one of the guiding forces that drove both of us to accept the Lord as our personal Savior.
Thanks,
Brother Armstrong
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