In the Old Testament story of the Prophet Elijah, we find reference to "a cave." Not long after Elijah had won the great victory on top of Mt Carmel against the prophets of Baal as God sent fire down from heaven, we find our prophet hero sitting all curled up in a cave saying to God, "Just kill me!" (see 1 Kings 19:9)
What a change of events! What in the world sent Elijah running into this cave? The truth is that most pastors and ministry leaders have experienced a similar cave in their lives as well. You see, ministry is not all fun and fancy. It also at times involves a lot of hurt and a lot of pain. THE CAVE is that place in each pastor's life when MINISTRY becomes MISERY.
Beginning Monday, December 13th, and running through Januray 3rd, at my other blog entitled "Hope For Hurting Pastors," I will be making 10 posts (each Monday, Wednesday and Friday) on the topic of THE CAVE as seen in the life of Elijah. In these posts we will see:
Three principles about entering THE CAVE! Here we will learn that the cave can become reality to even the most successful of pastors and ministry leaders. We will learn that entering the cave often happens after a great spiritual victory. We will also see that entering the cave is often the result of one person who opposes you.
Four Characteristics about living in THE CAVE! Here we will learn that life inside the cave is full of fear, isolation, self-pity and hopelessness.
Four Steps to come out of THE CAVE! Here we well see that to come out of the cave one needs to rest their physical body; renew their spiritual passion; return to their place of service; and be refreshed by the companionship of a friend.
Unfortunately, most pastors who enter THE CAVE ultimately drop out of ministry all together and many often quit living for the Lord as well. I hope that you will take the time starting December 13th to learn about THE CAVE at "Hope For Hurting Pastors." Be sure to pass this on to anyone you know who is in full-time ministry because if they have never experienced THE CAVE as of yet, chances are they will before it's all said and done. You can read "Hope For Hurting Pastors" at the following link:
What a change of events! What in the world sent Elijah running into this cave? The truth is that most pastors and ministry leaders have experienced a similar cave in their lives as well. You see, ministry is not all fun and fancy. It also at times involves a lot of hurt and a lot of pain. THE CAVE is that place in each pastor's life when MINISTRY becomes MISERY.
Beginning Monday, December 13th, and running through Januray 3rd, at my other blog entitled "Hope For Hurting Pastors," I will be making 10 posts (each Monday, Wednesday and Friday) on the topic of THE CAVE as seen in the life of Elijah. In these posts we will see:
Three principles about entering THE CAVE! Here we will learn that the cave can become reality to even the most successful of pastors and ministry leaders. We will learn that entering the cave often happens after a great spiritual victory. We will also see that entering the cave is often the result of one person who opposes you.
Four Characteristics about living in THE CAVE! Here we will learn that life inside the cave is full of fear, isolation, self-pity and hopelessness.
Four Steps to come out of THE CAVE! Here we well see that to come out of the cave one needs to rest their physical body; renew their spiritual passion; return to their place of service; and be refreshed by the companionship of a friend.
Unfortunately, most pastors who enter THE CAVE ultimately drop out of ministry all together and many often quit living for the Lord as well. I hope that you will take the time starting December 13th to learn about THE CAVE at "Hope For Hurting Pastors." Be sure to pass this on to anyone you know who is in full-time ministry because if they have never experienced THE CAVE as of yet, chances are they will before it's all said and done. You can read "Hope For Hurting Pastors" at the following link:
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