A Reminder That God Will ProvideSample

Where Does Strength Come From?

By Mark Hayes, President of Ministry

 “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” (1 Timothy 1:12) 

I once had a coworker who was very refined. He grew up in Italy and had a vast knowledge of food and wine. He spent some time in New York City as a waiter at a five-star restaurant where tending to a celebrity was a common occurrence. Waiters in that setting had to have an intimate knowledge of the menu, which changed daily, along with an eloquent description of each dish and every possible wine pairing. Most waiters lasted no more than one week. Many didn’t make it through one day. He worked there for five years. He was the best of the best…. He told me so himself.

Paul was a “master” of everything religious. He was very well educated in the most stringent disciplines of the day. But in Paul’s words to a young pastor named Timothy, he makes no boasts and takes no credit. 

No Christian who truly understands the Gospel has any right to be anything but humble before God. 

No Pastor who truly understands the incredible task of shepherding God’s people can be anything but grateful for God’s grace in allowing him to serve. It is God who provides the strength for a pastor to gently walk a child of God through the storms of life, show compassion in the face of depression and anger, and deliver comfort to the hurting. It is mentally and spiritually exhausting. Strength from God is essential.

When Sophie Boessling gave her gift to start The Lutheran Home Association, she went to her church. She had in mind to provide a place to care for widows and orphans and to make sure that everyone who lived there was connected to Jesus. 

We have been incredibly blessed throughout our history to have dedicated pastors to keep the care of the soul at the center of our ministry. As they humbly serve in this honorable work, I pray that they will accept our thanks for their tremendous dedication. 

Prayer: Dear Savior, it is you who set apart pastors for service in your kingdom. It is you who provides strength for them to minister to others with the Gospel. As we give thanks for these dedicated servants, grant them perseverance in their service and joy in their work.