When The BIG Church Doesn't Call You
Pastoring in Obscurity
Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Matthew 1:24-25
I’m convinced that some pastors are frustrated because their lives have not turned out the way they thought they would. They envisioned preaching to thousands, when, in reality, they preach to maybe a hundred—some even less.
The years roll by and it becomes apparent that their “big break” is not going to come. The Big church with Big crowds and Big staff never calls, and they pastor on in obscurity. They never admit that it bothers them, but sometimes it does.
In their best moments, they labor on in contentment with the knowledge that God is in control; in their worst moments, they wonder, “Why didn’t I get a chance?”
Joseph wasn’t a pastor; he was a carpenter betrothed to Mary. I’m sure he looked forward to spending his life with such a wonderful girl. But then the unimaginable happened - Mary was unfaithful. Or so it seemed. How else could you explain her pregnancy?
It wasn’t until his dream with the angel that Joseph fully understood that Mary was not only faithful but also highly favored! At that moment, Joseph accepted God’s will for his life and Mary as his wife.
That decision forever changed the trajectory of their lives. One can only imagine all that they dealt with as tongues wagged and heads shook in disapproval. But Joseph honored God and helped to raise Jesus. What an assignment!
While his life didn’t go according to plan, it went according to God’s plan.
That is what we must hold onto when we face the bitterness of disappointment, the heartache of rejection, and the confusion that sometimes comes in life. Just as God worked out His plan in Joseph’s life, He’s doing the same in yours and mine.
When it comes to pastoral productivity, the most productive thing you can do is to simply surrender to God’s will for your life.
When you know what He wants you to do, do it. And do it in faith and joy.
And when that’s a struggle, tell Him. He will help you.