From the Eyes of a Shepherd
 

     As I travel down this dusty road, I pause to look around me. There are hurting people everywhere – way too many to be able to help by myself. I see those with serious illnesses and those who have been deeply wounded by others to the point they are almost helpless. Then there are the masses of wandering souls; so in need of God but not knowing how or where to reach Him, still dragging their burden of sin’s condemnation.       

     Few of us who claim to be followers of Jesus are willing to help in this most difficult task of reaching out to these souls. Those who do ministry often get discouraged and leave after a time. Some switch paths to help hurting folks in other areas. Saddest of all, there are those who allow the enemy to divert them for pursuit of their own personal gain.

     The cries I hear overwhelm me, my compassion gets the best of me, hurting deeply. What am I doing here? Why have I come down this path? I can’t do it all; it is a hopeless task way too much for me. Then I remember I came because Jesus called me here. With His help I can continue. I’m not able to do it all, but by walking with Him many a soul will be touched. Some other brothers and sisters will continue to work with me and to the ones we reach it will mean all the difference in the world!

     We can’t give up, because Jesus didn’t give up on us. He paid the price for my sins and for those we are called to help. I also know that He understands how I feel, as I remember the stories of those huge crowds He taught. He healed many, but still more needed to be healed at the end of the day. He was denied by a trusted friend and follower, and betrayed by another of his disciples. One repented and returned, reaching many with the message of God’s love and forgiveness. The others’ choices took him to an eternity of torment.

     We must go on. Too many souls need reached. If we quit who will reach out to them? Who will encourage the other tired and discouraged workers to continue the fight?

Prayer – Blessed Lord, hold my hand. Lift me up – give me strength to go on. Guide my feet lest I stray. Light my path as I travel this way. Bind my enemy so no harm comes my way and your work is not hindered.

Glenn Kreider, North Central Region Director