The wicked flee when no one is pursuing, But the righteous are bold as a lion. (Proverbs 28:1 NASB)

This is for pastors: Ministry is not for wimps. I’m serious. If you whine and cry whenever you get your feelings hurt, then do something else. I’m not trying to be mean about it, but there are times when you have to stand and do what’s right and not worry about whether or not its popular. Sometimes you have to confront sin, as you speak the truth in love. After all, if you do what God wants, everything will be fine anyway. God is sovereign, after all, right?

Each day over the past few years I see a verse of scripture on a post-it note by my desk: “The fear of man brings a snare, but he who trusts in the LORD will be exalted” (Proverbs 29:25 NASB). It’s just as true today for me as it was a few years ago. What I have found is that if I am truly sold out to Christ and His calling, spending time devoted to God’s Word, then Satan gets angry and things can get more turbulent. In fact, it can get to be full blown spiritual warfare.

Here’s what you do if and when this happens: stay on target. Stay focused and steadfast in doing what God wants. Be bold as a lion, be trusting in the Lord and be ready for the attacks from the enemy. Stop letting criticism and other nonsense discourage you, and don’t let self doubt fool you. Be encouraged, my friend: God has the victory!