intercessors, you are loved!
I came across an article from David Nasser's book, Glory Revealed, and was caught by this thought:
"There is great value in knowing that God desires conversation with us and that our relationship with him is not a monologue where we leave messages in hope that we're worthy of a call back.
... There are few things in this world as hurtful as realizing you're in a one-way relationship. When you pour energy, hope and love into someone - only to hear nothing back."
I think we have all been there in ministry and in friendships. It is discouraging and it can take the wind out of your sails. I really pray in those times you will turn to God, and ask Him to absorb the hurts. The enemy's greatest weapon among us is each other.
The good news is that as hurt and discouraged as you may feel, I have always found God to be so faithful to show me in those times the people and relationships who do value me and my ministry. Sometimes He uses it as a guide to my path, as protection from going any further in a relationship that is ceasing to bear fruit. Yet also consider maybe He wants you in a few one-way relationships not only for those individuals, but also so that you can grow in relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you discernment if you are to continue.
Intercession can be lonely and it's easy to fall into thinking you can never lay down the burdens... you are overwhelmed... but know He is the one making intercession. Your responsibility is to take it to the foot of the Cross and to leave it there. And He sees your heart, He surely hears your prayers and He counts you as precious, priceless. Know how much our God loves you!
The LORD your God is among you,
a Warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness
He will quiet you with His love
He will delight in you with shouts of joy!
from Zephaniah 3
"There is great value in knowing that God desires conversation with us and that our relationship with him is not a monologue where we leave messages in hope that we're worthy of a call back.
... There are few things in this world as hurtful as realizing you're in a one-way relationship. When you pour energy, hope and love into someone - only to hear nothing back."
I think we have all been there in ministry and in friendships. It is discouraging and it can take the wind out of your sails. I really pray in those times you will turn to God, and ask Him to absorb the hurts. The enemy's greatest weapon among us is each other.
The good news is that as hurt and discouraged as you may feel, I have always found God to be so faithful to show me in those times the people and relationships who do value me and my ministry. Sometimes He uses it as a guide to my path, as protection from going any further in a relationship that is ceasing to bear fruit. Yet also consider maybe He wants you in a few one-way relationships not only for those individuals, but also so that you can grow in relationship with Him. Ask Him to give you discernment if you are to continue.
Intercession can be lonely and it's easy to fall into thinking you can never lay down the burdens... you are overwhelmed... but know He is the one making intercession. Your responsibility is to take it to the foot of the Cross and to leave it there. And He sees your heart, He surely hears your prayers and He counts you as precious, priceless. Know how much our God loves you!
The LORD your God is among you,
a Warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness
He will quiet you with His love
He will delight in you with shouts of joy!
from Zephaniah 3