To the men and women of God who have answered the call to serve in ministry:
I want you to know that you are truly a blessing to the people you serve.
We have chosen the life of a servant leader. We have chosen this life because we were chosen for it.
Some of us may struggle with the service, while others may struggle with the leadership. Regardless of our individuality, we all lead by example:
The Example of Jesus Christ.
Others look to us for guidance and hope, while we ourselves struggle and fight to meet a Holy standard that will always, on this side of the resurrection, be beyond our reach.
We have been called to be confessing hypocrites.
In the valleys and peaks of our own sanctification, we become frightfully aware of our own sin. We may at times feel overwhelmed by our imperfections. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of trial that our resolve is tested. Let us cling and hold fast to the assurance given in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
Sometimes we lead from behind. Sometimes we are the tip of the vanguard. We rally our brothers and sisters from within and sometimes, when the Holy Spirit calls us, we leave the ninety-nine to go after Christ's one lost sheep.
I know you aren't serving in ministry for money. I know you aren't doing this for fame or glory. I know you are terrified of falling like so many before us.
I know, without a shred of doubt, that you are serving in ministry because in the deepest depths of your heart you truly believe and know that this is where God has called you to be.
As we tread upon these hallowed grounds of service, let us be vigilant, for our mission makes us prime targets for the enemy.
Don't ever let Satan steal God's calling from you.
If I have learned one thing in my short time in ministry, it is to remember to put on the armor of God in every moment of every day, for we fight a battle that transcends this material plane. (Ephesians 6:11-12)
The beating heart of our ministries is our love for God, our love for our fellow man and our relentless gratitude for the grace that Jesus Christ bestowed upon us through his death and resurrection.
In the midst of our servitude, let our hearts be lifted in joy and gratitude, for our service is but a humble offering to the Holy God who served us unto death.
As we gather to celebrate and give thanks this Thanksgiving Day, let us obey and proclaim:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.” (Psalm 136:1 ESV)
To the men and women in ministry who I have the privilege of knowing personally:
I want you to know that it is a blessing to know you, and that blessing is only surpassed by the knowledge that I will continue to get to know you more. In fact, I'll have all of eternity to get to know the man or woman God made you to be.
I am grateful to have met you. I look forward to learning from you, serving beside you, and growing in Christ with you.
It is an honor to walk beside you. Thank you for dedicating your life to serving the Kingdom of God.
God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Paul R.S. Hanna
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