Dear brothers and Sisters:
I hesitated to say this, but I thought you might like to know a few things about your pastor—things he won't tell you. I spent some time with him this weekend, and, well, let’s say a lot is going on behind the scenes that you need to know about.
First, when you called for prayer last night because of the trouble with your family, your pastor had just pulled into the local park with his wife and some of the youth from the congregation, ready to enjoy some time together. I stayed nearby and watched as he stayed in the car, talking you through the hard time while the others went on ahead. After you hung up, he sat there, head bowed, and whispered, “Lord, give them peace.” I saw a tear slip down his cheek, and I wondered who you were and what you meant to him. Later, I recognized your name—but only from what he told me.
Not long after, we all left the park to get some ice cream. Your cousin happened to walk in, visibly upset. Nobody else noticed your pastor toss his half-eaten cone and invite her to sit. The youth all waited patiently while he offered her words of comfort and then prayed. Afterward, they cheered when they heard she was invited to tomorrow’s service and might visit. They even prayed for her before we left to check in on an elderly saint nearby.
Later that night, the elderly saint mentioned how encouraged she felt by the youth’s energy and your pastor’s wife’s warm conversation. They all joined in a few songs, and, as we were leaving, I heard your pastor’s wife say, “Honey, how about we fix something easy at home tonight?” He nodded, looking distracted, so she reached for his hand and said, “I’m sure we lifted her spirits a little.” He just smiled and replied, “I hope so. She seemed to need it.”
By the time we all pulled into their driveway, it was dark. Your pastor told his wife, “I’ll catch up on the message for tomorrow if you could wrap up with the youth.” As we got to his study, he picked up his Bible, but the phone rang again. Another voice—a familiar one, at least to him—needed prayer. Someone from the congregation couldn’t make it to worship tomorrow. I watched as your pastor sighed, looking at his sermon notes and realizing he’d have to reshuffle the whole plan as he took the call. He quietly prayed, “Lord, please help with all this.”
Around 2 a.m., his mobile phone vibrated and got my attention. This time, it was someone saying, “I’m done—I left my wife.” Immediately, your pastor sat up and whispered, “Let’s talk.” After they spoke and prayed, your pastor asked him to commit to attending the morning service. The caller agreed, and your pastor finally got a couple of hours of sleep.
Sunday morning arrived, and even after a few hours’ rest, I could tell he was tired. Still, we met in his study and prayed for you, your family, your cousin, the elderly saint, and others from the congregation. I was impressed with how well he knew everyone. Some I knew, but others were just names to me. Then he paused, looked up, and asked if I had the message for this morning. I thought about all he had been dealing with and assured him he needed to be the one to speak. However, I told him some things on my heart and asked him to please use them. I could tell he was relieved. He smiled and said, “Thank you, that’ll help everyone.” I had to smile as he excitedly went to get ready.
You may recall that I stood with him at the worship house and greeted people, looking around for familiar faces. When some visitors didn’t make it, I couldn’t help but notice his shoulders dropped for just a moment. And then, you made a joke, “It must be nice having such an easy job, pastor!” as you gave him a pat on the arm. You didn’t notice his quiet frustration, but I did.
He prayed under his breath, “God, help them see the need to work and live for you.” I gave him a gentle nudge, reminding him that his work was making a difference. I pointed out some who had received help, and I watched his strength return, his shoulders lifting as he carried on with a heart full of hope.
I don’t think we’ve met yet, but I know a lot about you. Your pastor sure thinks the world of you; he talks about you all the time. So next time I’m around, maybe you and I can meet, too. I called out your name as you walked away Sunday, but you did not hear Me. Perhaps next time? I’d love to know you as well as I know him. My name? Those who truly know Me call Me Lord and Savior.
With Love!
Comments