A pastor's work is not only 24/7/365; it is also never done. Sometimes I begin to have pity parties and feel sorry for myself. Thank God for a wonderful wife who knows how to pump me up, and  get me jumped started through words and deeds of encouragement. But it is still a challenge not to just go through the motions of ministry.

Many times, I feel like I have given my best, but it is in vain. This is especially true when it comes to sermon preparation. I study and pray, then pray and study some more. But after the delivery, I question whether or not the message was received by anyone.

Recently, the Lord taught me a valuable lesson. After one of my "woe is me" moments after a message, a dear, sweet member emailed me and told me what a blessing the message was to her. She went on to explain how the Lord used the message to answer a prayer. I was so very much encouraged by her; it made the labor of the message preparation worth the toil. Words of encouragement from the membership are a blessing to the pastor.

And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not (Galatians 6:9 KJV)