And yet Paul also talks in 2 Corinthians about the unparalleled joys/privileges of being a minister of the New Covenant (note 2 Cor 3-4). Life and ministry is sometimes both/and rather than either/or. I remember John MacArthur saying that he was so glad he did not preach 2 Corinthians early in his ministry because one cannot really capture the pathos of Paul unless they have first suffered deeply in ministry. "In the deepest pains we learn life's greatest lessons and the deepest pains in life are often inflicted by those who are closest to our heart." (2 Cor. 12:8-10). Paul's painful experiences shepherding the flock at Corinth is so much a part of the rubric of these inspired letters (1-2 Cor.).
If the Bible was not inspired blog writers would certainly edit and critique large portions of Scripture. Consider Moses' burden of leading the stiff-necked wilderness generation. Or King David's lament as he talks about the deep, deep pains of personal betrayal (Psalm 55:12-14); or his deep sorrow over the guilt of his own sin (Ps. 32, 51). Israel's hymnbook (the Psalter) includes many psalms of lament. Or the weeping prophet Jeremiah (Jer. 1-2, 20; Lam. 3). I often think about the positive and negative implications of Hebrews 13:17. As with parenting it can be grievous to the soul when attempting to shepherd unruly souls over months and years... 1 Thess. 5:12-13 is an inspired mandate as much as 1 Peter 5:1-4 is. "Let them do this with joy and not grief..."
I have found that pastors who have not had such personal experiences tend to be critical, condescending, and judgmental. The same can be true with regards to parents who have never wept their way through a season of rebellion in the life of one of their children. Experience is a great teacher and heartache, depression, and pain can be wonderful tutors. I believe my own trials have made me more empathetic in my counseling ministry and have helped me preach certain passages of Scripture more effectively (note Romans 5:2-5).
When I listened to C.J. Mahaney's sermon at Together For the Gospel it was obvious that this broken man could not have preached "Sustained in Suffering by the Saga of Job" the way he did without going through a number of low valleys himself. When C.J. talked about "cold, dark nights" it was so powerful and so comforting.
The same is true of Jerry Bridges in his masterpiece, "Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts." Bridge's personal heartbreaks bleed into every page of "Trusting God."
As you noted Charles Spurgeon suffered a great deal during his ministry. So much so that he was out of the pulpit for long periods of time. One of the sweetest things I ever read was a letter Spurgeon's elders wrote him requiring him to take time away in order to rest and heal. It was in Volume 2 of his autobiography (the Full Harvest) that I encountered this letter-
Many years ago, during a particularly rough period in my ministry I found Spurgeon's "the Ministers Fainting Fits" to be an absolute God-send. Interestingly, I had read the same address during seminary and was not really moved...imagine that?
Though I don't agree with all of the commentary of the author the following book catalogs a number of helpful quotes by Spurgeon on internal suffering/depression, etc. "Bright Days, Dark Nights"-
Anyways, I appreciate the personal example of Pastor Eric Davis and his recent article was very insightful and balanced.
When I listened to C.J. Mahaney's sermon at Together For the Gospel it was obvious that this broken man could not have preached "Sustained in Suffering by the Saga of Job" the way he did without going through a number of low valleys himself. When C.J. talked about "cold, dark nights" it was so powerful and so comforting.
The same is true of Jerry Bridges in his masterpiece, "Trusting God: Even When Life Hurts." Bridge's personal heartbreaks bleed into every page of "Trusting God."
As you noted Charles Spurgeon suffered a great deal during his ministry. So much so that he was out of the pulpit for long periods of time. One of the sweetest things I ever read was a letter Spurgeon's elders wrote him requiring him to take time away in order to rest and heal. It was in Volume 2 of his autobiography (the Full Harvest) that I encountered this letter-
Many years ago, during a particularly rough period in my ministry I found Spurgeon's "the Ministers Fainting Fits" to be an absolute God-send. Interestingly, I had read the same address during seminary and was not really moved...imagine that?
Though I don't agree with all of the commentary of the author the following book catalogs a number of helpful quotes by Spurgeon on internal suffering/depression, etc. "Bright Days, Dark Nights"-
Anyways, I appreciate the personal example of Pastor Eric Davis and his recent article was very insightful and balanced.
