Mr. Fix It…Not
"You can fix this!"
The words hit hard. I was in conversation with a friend who was in great pain, and he said those words to me in great trust, hope, and anticipation. It was genuine. He really wanted me to change the situation. I looked at him and said, "I cannot." The memory still hurts, because I wanted to change the challenge and win. I tried. In the end, I could not, and I resolved that God would do His will.
Pastors are not "God's Fix It" people. We don't have special powers or abilities to change a situation. God does not love us more than others. Acts 10:34-35 says, "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'" Anyone who fears God is loved by God the same, no matter their gifting, title, or role.
Pastors are shepherds who help people take a step closer to God in their own lives. We are coaches, teachers, counselors, preachers, listeners, prayer warriors — people of faith and hope. We come to God daily in our own relationship, and we lead others as they journey toward Him. It is the best job in the world, carrying the greatest message ever: salvation and relationship with God through accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior.
Life has many challenges, and pastors face them too. We have injuries, accidents, mistakes, sin, relationship issues, financial pressures, and questions. Yes, I have lots of questions — for God, for you, and even for myself. Yet my foundation is the Word of God, time in prayer with Him, the invitation of the Holy Spirit to guide my day, and the hope and faith that brings me back to Him daily. With all I have faced in my lifetime, I find great comfort, strength, and peace in my relationship with God. Some say that's a crutch, or an easy excuse to avoid owning my life. I completely disagree. I am giving back to the One who gave me life in the first place. In return, God gives me the freedom to be all He created me to be and to pursue all He has for me.
When life challenges you, talk to your pastor. We want to walk with you through everything you face. After all these years, I have heard pretty much everything a person can go through, and it doesn't weigh me down — because I am not the one who fixes it. I am the one who walks with you, prays with you, believes with you, and agrees according to God's Word for Him to work in your situation. I consider it a high honor when someone shares their story with me. I pray daily that in those moments, God will use me to point them to Him and to tangible steps that can work in that situation.
Sometimes we see amazing change and results. Other times, the pain and the challenge are hard to watch play out. God is in both. I truly believe both yield God's will and a better result as we continue in relationship with Him.
Thank you to anyone who considers me a pastor in your life. It is a high calling and an honor. But please don't call me Mr. Fix It. It isn't in my toolbox.
