Heart and Soul
Heart and Soul
His armor-bearer responded, “Do what is in your heart. You choose. I’m right here with you whatever you decide.” (1 Sam. 14:7)
Shall We?
Let’s face it. Just because a man is a pastor doesn’t mean God has told him everything that’s going to happen in the future. A pastor leads by faith. That new building may or may not get built. That new staff member may or may not be the right hire. That new church budget may or may not be fully supported. There are no certainties.
Young Jonathan led his armor bearer into battle one day with the less-than-inspiring, “Perhaps the Lord will help us” (1 Sam. 14:6). But the armor-bearer knew the heart of his leader, and he trusted him. His response filled Jonathan with courage. “I’m right here with you whatever you decide,” he said. In other words, “I’m with you heart and soul.”
Yes, We Shall
Your pastor doesn’t know all the answers. He’s like Moses leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, one Red Sea at a time. He’s often up against circumstances he’s never seen before. Seminary doesn’t prepare a man for many of the situations he encounters in ministry.
So go to him sometime soon and echo the words of the armor-bearer. It will turn a “perhaps” into a “yes, God will.” By the way, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were victorious against great odds, and their action sent the Philistines into confusion. On that day the Lord saved Israel (see 1 Sam. 14:23) because an assistant filled his leader with courage.
Bottom Line
Is your pastor facing a decision crisis? Be a part of the solution, not the problem.