Pastoral Ministry: I Know I'll Be in Trouble

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.—1 Thessalonians 2:2

It is good for us to remember how strong He is—and how weak we are. I settled this issue a long time ago. I tell you I have talked to God more than I have talked to anyone else. I have reasoned more with God and had longer conferences with God than with anybody else.

And what did I tell Him? Among other things, I told Him, "Now, Lord, if I do the things I know I should do, and if I say what I know in my heart I should say, I will be in trouble with people and with groups—there is no other way!

"Not only will I be in trouble for taking my stand in faith and honesty, but I will certainly be in a situation where I will be seriously tempted of the devil!"

Then, after praying more and talking to the Lord, I have said, "Almighty Lord, I accept this with my eyes open! I know the facts and I know what may happen, but I accept it. I will not run. I will not hide. I will not crawl under a rug. I will dare to stand up and fight because I am on your side—and I know that when I am weak, then I am strong" I Talk Back to the Devil, 146.

"Lord, I'm convicted by Tozer's statement that he has 'talked to God more than I have talked to anyone else' (and by my suspicion that in his case that was literally true!). Help me to talk with You more, and then to have the same commitment as Tozer toward doing what I know I should do, even if I get in trouble! Amen."