14 Years in Ministry & How To Persevere In Ministry When Life Is Hard!
- Erin Canter
- Feb 5, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 9, 2025
14 Years In Ministry!
I can't believe that it has been 14 years since my ordination! I never dreamed that I would be here (mostly online), but God never ceases to amaze me in everything that He does. Over the course of this year, I plan to continue with writing and I promise to stop dragging my feet on a few things. I am always looking forward to seeing what God wants to do. It's all about Him. It's all about giving Him glory.
This year I am sharing my yearly themes with 2 of my Facebook group pages. For the Facebook group that ministers to those with chronic pain or illness, we are going to "Thrive in '25." God's desire is that we learn how to not just "get by," but to actually "thrive!" This means progressing in spite of our difficulties. For the Facebook group that ministers to women, He wants us to be "relentless" in all that we do this year. We are going to move forward in our ministries with intensity and strength through our mighty God! You can find these 2 ministries here:
Every year has been different. 2024 was mostly quiet. I did a lot of studying, writing and teaching online. I spoke to a group called Embracing Faith and shared some very personal things in my life. And I also became a little more involved in the motorcycle ministry.
The highlight of my year was baptizing my grandson in the precious name of Jesus!
This was a surprise for the whole family. He was obedient to the Word of God and all of his sins were washed away. Elijah loves church too! I am grateful for that!
Last year ended with some family problems and the new year started with the death of our youngest daughter. This made everything hard. Ministry can be difficult, especially when you have illness, tragedy, or other terrible things happening in life. So how do you continue in spite of life's circumstances? How do you persevere? I have learned a few things from juggling my severe pain disorder and ministry.
How To Persevere in Ministry When Life Is Hard
You might say:
You don't understand what I am going through.
There is no way I can continue with this hurt.
I just can't do it in this season.
Trust me. I understand. However, it doesn't negate the calling to accomplish the things of God. So let me share 2 ministry moves that will keep you on track for the Lord.
Ministry Move #1: Keep Your Eyes On God
The only way to keep going the right direction is to keep your eyes fixed upon God. You move towards wherever you are looking, so set aside those feelings and focus on His Word. Use Scripture like Philippians 4 to direct you in your anxious and trying moments:
"Be anxious for nothing!" God knows that we are going to be anxious. He offers tools. Keep going.
Pray! Stay in communication with God. Don't stop talking. Don't stop listening.
Be thankful! Make a decision to be grateful every day and in everything!
Think on the right things! Are these things true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? Realign your thought life.
If you get your mind on the right things...even in hard times...you will continue to move the right direction in your ministry! Worship also helps in this area. It is focusing solely on God and who He is. In the struggle. if you drop everything and worship Him, you will be moving the right direction!
Ministry Move #2: Understand That Rest Is Scriptural
The concept of "rest" can be found throughout Scripture. It is necessary for all of us, especially while active in ministry. God commanded His people to have a Sabbath day of rest. Jesus went away from the crowds to rest and pray. A greater example is what David understood as a shepherd. He wrote,
"The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures..." (Psalm 23:1-2).
Sheep will lie down and rest only if they feel safe and secure. The Lord is our Shepherd. He is the one who comforts us and allows us to feel that sense of security to rest...even on a stormy sea!
Maybe this is a season where you need the support of others in order to make it. Don't try to be the hero and do it alone. In Exodus chapter 17, Moses' arms were tired so Aaron and Hur held them up. Sometimes we become weary from holding our hands up. We are trying to keep everyone else on track. However, there are moments where we need others to help us. That's okay!
Keep your eyes on God at all times through His Word and worship. Rest when you need to and allow others to help when you are weary. This will help you to persevere in ministry during those rough patches.
Do you need prayer? Let me know. Do you need Pastoral Care? This is offered for free to the online community. Don't isolate yourself and think that you need to struggle alone.
In Closing
Maybe you noticed that I am sending out a monthly email as well as a blog. This will come between blogs and has other information, as well as freebies! Stay tuned!
Comments