Dear Brother,
Leaving from our home in Pennsylvania a few years ago, I was on my way to Michigan to minister. My bags were packed, I kissed my wife and left; one quick stop at my office and a hasty listen to my telephone voice-mail on the way out of town. That’s when I heard the voice of one of my men who needed me to strengthen and encourage him. He was hurting in North Carolina! I telephoned Michigan and postponed the ministry scheduled there; then I phoned North Carolina to say I’d be there in about nine hours (driving time).
That brother in North Carolina repeatedly expressed his appreciation for my coming. But this is what I live for; to be in the center of the will of God; being used to heal, restore, strengthen. That’s what life is all about for all whose heart is to serve the Lord. How grieved I would have been to have returned from a time of ministry in Michigan to discover that a man and his family whom I loved so dearly, were hurting, crushed or broken. how I thank God that he called.
Brother, I’m writing to encourage you to press in to obtain counsel and help from your apostolic oversight. Don’t expect him to have some mystical revelation that you need help. Don’t wait for him to chase you down. Learn to press in. Do not await your apostle/pastor’s communication to define your relationship. You do it! Use your telephone, E-mail, FAX, mail and/or go by for a visit. You should accept the responsibility to communicate.
Make yourself transparent. Try not to keep anything hidden. When there are difficulties, talk about them early, not when it’s too late. It is so much easier to pour a bucket of water on a small fire than to contend with a whole forest ablaze. Yes, it takes humility to expose our weaknesses. Asking for correction is never easy. But hear me, brother, if you really want to be the best you can in the Kingdom, then press in now. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. There is no greater joy for a pastor/apostle than to see his men come into maturity and bear fruit.
Search your soul; look for an area where God will give you grace to change, and press in. Let this be a week of good communication with your apostle/pastor. I pray God’s richest blessings to flow through you both.
Bruce
