Hard Work, Patience & Tears

"Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God." While I believe that God calls every believer into some form of ministry and gifts them to do so, some are given the responsibility of shepherding more than others. ( I understand that for some, who suffered through the "Shepherding Movement" of the 70's and 80's, even the word "shepherding" is problematic.)Attempting to help others become more like Christ (sanctification)can often be hard work, patience, tears, and, at the end of the day, far fewer results than we hope for. The truth is, as humans, no matter how much we listen or encourage or express the love of Christ, we cannot heal the deep wounds that so many people carry. Only Jesus can do that. This is why we must point people to Jesus rather than ourselves. Sooner or later we will disappoint people, and especially if we build unhealthy or unrealistic expectations in them. We must also face the reality that many people will transfer their feelings from people with whom they have unresolved conflict or unforgiveness onto those who are actually trying to help them. While it is difficult to suffer for someone else's sins, it is a phenomenon that one will face often. Finally we need to understand that most people (like me) have to learn the hard way, through painful, prolonged personal experience. What may be very obvious to us is not to them. We should recall the patience and perseverance that God has had with us. "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ( 1 Cor. 1:9 NKJV)