How I Feel on Sundays

This past weekend I read something that described me to a T on Sundays and Mondays.  If you want to know what I go through on those days, Steve explains it well.
Be encouraged! Be Strong! (some personal confessions)

From Steve Cornell
www.thinkpoint.wordpress.com

At the risk of being misunderstood allow me to share some deeply personal thoughts. I do this with the hope that some will identify with me and perhaps feel encouraged. Like many pastors, it is very common for me to battle discouragement on Sunday nights into Mondays. Ministry on Sunday mornings involves such significant output that I am typically physically, spiritually and emotionally drained.

During these times, I have found that rest and prayer are the only remedy. It is not uncommon for me to battle feelings of inadequacy and to question my effectiveness. I have even questioned my role and whether I should pursue another “line of work.” Surely God could find a better vessel to do such a great work. My offering to him is so meager compared to the glory He deserves. How unfit I feel to speak for Him —to honor His Word and Name.

This is not false humility or self-deprecating manipulation. This is heartfelt and at times deeply agonizing reality. I understand the question the apostle raised in II Corinthians 2:16: “…who is equal to such a task?” I also agree with his conclusion: “Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God” (II Corinthians 3:5).

It doesn’t help that our culture has grown increasingly intolerant of truth. The temptation to mitigate or mute the hard edge of the truth of Scripture is ever present. The concern that some might misunderstand or be offended (even if I try to find a gentle way to speak truth) is never a pleasant thought. Each week, I burrow prayerfully through the tunnel of doubt and discouragement to find joy in the work God has called me to do. Yet the feeling of inadequacy is never too far away.

I have learned to draw upon “…the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles (II Corinthians 1:3-4). And His school of comfort has a purpose or goal: “…so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God” (v. 4).

I have learned to take courage in the words of I Corinthians 15:58: “…stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”

In the next chapter, the apostle wrote: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong. Do everything in love (I Corinthians 16:13-14). These are good words for me! I trust you will also be encouraged.