Persevere, Pastor
Perseverance is in short supply when considering the number of pastors leaving vocational ministry. Two incredible examples come to mind when I think of what it means to press on: The Apostle Paul and Prophet Elijah. Picture Paul, undaunted by persecution, planting churches, raising up leaders, and boldly sharing the Gospel with the Gentiles. Even when thrown in prison, he filled his cell with Psalms, prayers, and the unshakable hope of Christ. Then there’s Elijah, who called down fire from heaven only to flee from Jezebel in exhaustion. He cried out, “It’s enough, Lord—take my life; I’m no better than those before me.” Yet, in his lowest moment, an angel came, gently nudging him awake with, “Get up and eat” (1 Kings 19:4-5, ESV).
Perseverance doesn’t always look the same, but it’s always possible.
For over 15 years, I’ve faced depression head-on. I’ve battled thoughts of suicide and felt the weight of war, loss, and survivor’s guilt try to take root in my soul. And I know I’m not alone—many pastors stand at this same crossroads. These struggles can wound deeply, dimming our energy, muddying our memories, and amplifying a voice of despair that drowns out everything else. But the truth changes everything: God remains unshaken even when we feel more like Elijah than Paul. He’s redeemed us through Christ’s finished work, clothing us in His perfect righteousness. He’s right with you in the fight. You are never alone!
Here are a few things I do to persevere amid my greatest battles:
1. I read prayers
Oftentimes, I’m so worn down by despair that I can’t muster my prayers. I must rely on the saints of old to provide me with the words and thoughts as I come before the throne of God. Do not be afraid to read the Psalms or pick up curated collections of historical Christian prayers. An excellent series by Lexham Press includes volumes of prayers from the Early Church, Reformation, and Puritans.
2. I say all the bad things
There’s nothing that Satan or a person can say to me that isn’t worse than anything I’ve said to myself. When I feel at my worst, I say the worst things to myself because the words no longer have power over me. Take control over the narratives in your mind, express them, and find that you can still stand.
3. I Accuse the Accuser
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Col. 1:13-14, ESV) What can you do to me, Satan? You’ve been defeated. Death is dead.
4. I ask God to search me
Ask God to search your heart. I ask him to reveal my sin and the source of my despair.
5. I repent of my sin
There’s no feeling quite like forgiveness. To receive forgiveness, one must believe in Jesus and handover their sin to him. “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” (2 Cor. 5:21)
6. I trust Christ
“20 Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” (Eph. 3:20-21)
7. I preach the Gospel to myself
“but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. 10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. 11 More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Rom. 5:8-11)
Pastors, it’s Monday! Don’t give up. Don’t give in. Keep up the good fight. Jesus is on the throne. He loves you. He’s redeemed you.
May God bless you and keep you. May his make his face shine upon you.
