Dealing with Doubt
Whoever can weep over himself for one hour is greater than the one who is able to teach the whole world; whoever recognizes the depth of his own frailty is greater than the one who sees visions of angels.
Isaac of Nineveh
There is no failure except in no longer trying.
Elbert Hubbard In the past five years," wrote one pastor, "I have wrestled with doubt about my calling and with depression arising out of that doubt. In the depths of these attacks, I become very much a 'people pleaser,' letting others set the direction and priorities of my ministry, working frantically but finding no satisfaction in all I'm doing, becoming more and more drained and discouraged and doubtful. I tend to hide in the office, spending less and less time with my family. I withdraw from reading the Bible, from prayer, from reading of any type, from anything that's just for my benefit." The pastor who made that statement is perhaps facing more severe doubt than most of us in the ministry, and yet given the difficulties of pastoring we've already considered, we can all identify with his struggle at one level or another. It's just not humanly possible to do the job perfectly or to fulfill every expectation. Even when we know that, we can't help doubting ourselves or our calling from time to time. It goes with the territory. The doubt can begin right after seminary, upon entering the first pastorate. I liken it to what the people of Israel felt when the spies reported the situation in the Promised Land — like grasshoppers before giants. The people didn't expect to face such a formidable-looking obstacle, and they were afraid. In the same way, some young seminary graduates enter the ministry unprepared for the reality of sons of Anak on church boards — powerful ...
Like the preview? To read this complete article
and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW!
Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history.
Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
|
It's easy and quick to join:
Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l |  |
|
| 
Find similar articles
E-mail this page
