Ministry School. Lesson 7. Overcoming Difficulties

Lesson 7. Overcoming Difficulties. Ministry School (A) of Father’s Blessing Church, Kyiv, Ukraine.

School Contents

Lesson Objective. To learn how to properly navigate difficulties in ministry: not to give up under pressure, understand the causes of emerging problems, and make specific decisions based on the Word of God.

Key Verse

2 Cor. 4:8–9
“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

Ministry does not exempt a person from difficulties.

Sometimes a minister grows tired. He does not have enough time or physical strength. Sometimes conflicts arise with those who serve alongside him. People promise to help but let him down. Sometimes spiritual pressure comes. At times, ministry does not grow for a long time, and people show no gratitude.

At such moments, thoughts may arise:

• “Maybe I am doing the wrong thing.”
• “Why is everything so difficult?”
• “Why can’t people be relied upon?”
• “Is there any point in continuing?”
• “Maybe I should give up everything?”

However, the presence of difficulties does not mean that a person has stepped outside God’s will.

The apostle Paul experienced pressure, rejection, conflicts, physical exhaustion, and disappointment in people. But he said, “We do not lose heart.”

Overcoming a difficulty does not mean making it disappear immediately.

A minister’s maturity is revealed not by the absence of difficulties, but by how they act when difficulties come.

1. Emotional exhaustion, lack of time and physical strength

A person does not become limitless simply because they have begun to serve.

They still have a body. They need sleep, nourishment, rest, and time to recover. Their attention and emotional strength are limited.

Even Jesus is described as saying:

John 4:6
“Jesus, tired from His journey, sat down by the well.”

Physical fatigue in itself is not a sign of spiritual weakness.

In the previous lesson on balance, we already examined Elijah’s example in detail. After intense strain and spiritual warfare, he became physically and emotionally exhausted. God gave him sleep, food, and time to recover.

It is important to remember this principle:

The condition of the body affects a minister’s thoughts, feelings, and decisions.

A tired person is more easily irritated, offended, likely to exaggerate problems, and prone to making hasty decisions.

Therefore, one should not make a final decision to leave the ministry while in a state of extreme exhaustion.

First, you need to understand the cause of your condition.

Ask yourself:

• How much time do I sleep?
• Do I get regular rest?
• What is draining most of my strength right now?
• What responsibilities have I taken on unnecessarily?
• What can be delegated to others?
• Am I constantly trying to be available to everyone?
• Am I ignoring my health problems?

What to do

First, honestly acknowledge your condition.
Do not say, “Everything will stop without me.”

Second, reassess your workload.
Divide your tasks into four groups:

• what you really must do personally;
• what can be delegated to someone else;
• what can be done less often or more simply;
• what can be stopped.

Third, set boundaries.
Not every request requires an immediate response. Not every problem has to become your problem. Not every need means that God has personally entrusted you with solving it.

Fourth, ask for help and delegate.
Sometimes a person asks God for renewed strength, even though God has already sent people to whom part of the work should be entrusted.

If fatigue persists for a long time or becomes unusually severe, one should also have their health checked. Not every physical weakness is a spiritual attack.

Sometimes, to continue in ministry, you do not need to push yourself harder but to adjust your workload and way of working.

Restoration is not giving up on ministry but preparing to continue it.

2. Differences and disagreements within the team

Where people serve together, differing opinions and work-related situations will inevitably arise.

People have different personalities, experiences, work paces, and communication styles. One makes decisions quickly, while another needs time to think everything through. One sees the overall goal, while another notices the details. One needs precise instructions, while another works better independently.

These differences are not a problem in themselves.

1 Cor. 12:4–6
“There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit; there are different kinds of service, but the same Lord; and there are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

God brings different people together in a team. What one person lacks may be another person’s strength.

A cautious person helps avoid hasty decisions. A decisive person prevents action from being postponed indefinitely. The person who sees the details notices potential errors. The person who sees the big picture helps keep the main goal in view.

Differences between people can complement a team rather than weaken it.

Not every disagreement should be called a conflict.

People may:

• suggest different solutions;
• assess deadlines differently;
• ask clarifying questions;
• not understand each other right away;
• have different approaches to work.

This is often a normal part of working together.

The problem begins when discussing the task turns into personal accusations, hurt feelings, a struggle for influence, or an unwillingness to listen to one another.

How to Navigate Disagreements

First, clarify exactly what the difference is.

Do not jump to conclusions: “He doesn’t respect me” or “She is always against me.” Perhaps the person simply understood the task differently or sees another way to accomplish it.

Ask:

• “How do you see this situation?”
• “What solution do you suggest?”
• “Did we understand each other correctly?”

Discuss the issue, not the person.

Instead of saying, “You are irresponsible,” describe the specific situation and find out why it happened.

Also clearly define:

• who is responsible for the task;
• what exactly needs to be done;
• by what deadline;
• what can be decided independently;
• what needs to be agreed upon.

Remember that people go through different stages. Some are already experienced, while others are just learning. You cannot expect the same from a beginner as from a mature minister without giving them time, explanation, and support.

Eph. 4:2–3
“With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”

A healthy team is not one in which everyone thinks alike, but one in which different people can calmly discuss issues and move toward a common goal.

Unity does not mean the absence of differences, but having the right attitude toward one another amid those differences.

3. People are inconsistent and let you down

One of the most painful challenges of ministry is being disappointed by people.

Someone promised to help but did not show up. They were given responsibility but did not fulfill it. At first, they were active, but then they stopped responding.

After several such instances, a leader may decide, “It is better to do everything myself.”

But this is a bad decision.

If a leader takes all the work upon themselves, they will once again become overloaded, while other people will never learn to serve.

The solution is not to stop trusting people, but to learn to trust wisely.

Jesus did not trust everyone equally

Jesus loved everyone, but He did not give everyone the same degree of closeness and responsibility.

There were large crowds. There were seventy disciples. There were twelve apostles. There were Peter, James, and John, whom He took with Him during special moments.

Loving everyone does not mean having the same level of trust in everyone.

How to Trust Wisely

Start with a small responsibility.

Do not immediately entrust a new person with something on which the entire ministry depends.

First, observe whether they:

• keep their promises;
• arrive on time;
• warn you about difficulties;
• accept correction;
• finish what they have started.

Explain the task clearly:

• what needs to be done;
• by when;
• what result is expected;
• whom to contact if a problem arises.

Set up interim check-ins. Don’t wait until the last day to discover that nothing is ready.

It is also important to distinguish between a one-time mistake and a persistent pattern of behavior.

Anyone can make a mistake.

But if someone continually fails to keep promises, does not give notice, and always finds excuses, you cannot continue entrusting them with the same responsibility without changes.

You can say:

“I value you as a person, but right now I cannot entrust you with this task. We’ll start with less responsibility and see whether you can rebuild trust.”

This is not rejection. It is wise leadership.

It is also necessary to have a backup plan.

Even a responsible person can become ill, be delayed, or encounter unexpected circumstances. The ministry should not come to a complete standstill because one person is absent.

People should be loved unconditionally, but responsibility should be entrusted according to their faithfulness and maturity.

4. Spiritual Pressure

The Bible says that spiritual opposition is real.

Eph. 6:12
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

The enemy does not want people to be saved, grow in faith, and fulfill the will of God.

Spiritual pressure can manifest through fear, accusation, temptation, despair, a desire to stop praying, or to abandon the work entrusted by God.

But discernment is needed here.

• Not every conflict is a spiritual attack.
• Not every instance of fatigue is an attack.
• Not every human mistake is connected with the work of the devil.

Sometimes a problem needs to be addressed through prayer, and sometimes through conversation, planning, rest, or correcting your own mistake.

How to Resist

James 4:7
“Therefore submit to God; resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Pay attention to the order:

First—submit to God.
Then—resist the devil.

Examine your life:

• Is there unforgiveness?
• Deliberate sin?
• Lies?
• Pride?
• Disobedience to God?
• Neglect of prayer and the Word of God?

This does not mean that temptations come because of personal sin. Jesus was tempted, although He had no sin.

But it is important for a minister to keep a pure heart and not leave doors open to the enemy.

Spiritual pressure must be resisted through:

• prayer;
• the Word of God;
• faith;
• righteous living;
• fellowship with other believers;
• refusing to accept lies and accusations.

Do not remain alone. Ask mature believers to pray with you.

And remember: our struggle is not against people.

You must not call a person a spiritual enemy and use that to justify hatred, rudeness, or humiliation.

A spiritual attack must be resisted with spiritual weapons, while practical problems should be addressed through practical action.

A sober-minded minister does not deny spiritual warfare, but neither does he see the devil’s work in every difficulty.

5. I See No Growth in My Ministry

Sometimes a minister works hard but sees no results for a long time.

The number of people does not increase. The team develops slowly. The same problems keep recurring. It seems that everything is standing still.

During such a season, it is easy to start comparing yourself with others:

• “Everything is growing faster for them.”
• “They have more people.”
• “Their ministry is more visible.”
• “Maybe no one needs my ministry.”

God Gives the Increase

1 Cor. 3:6–7
“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase.”

Part of God’s work takes place unseen for a long time.

Not every kind of growth becomes visible immediately.

But waiting should not become an excuse for inaction.

How to Evaluate Ministry

Do not measure ministry only by the number of people. Sometimes ministry has not grown larger, but it has grown deeper. That is growth too.

At the same time, we need to honestly examine our methods:

• Is the purpose of the ministry clear?
• Does it address people’s real needs?
• Is the time convenient?
• Is the team well prepared?
• Are we supporting and following up with new people?
• What is bearing fruit?
• What has not been working for a long time?

Ask people to give honest feedback.

Do not change biblical principles, but be willing to change your methods.

Gal. 6:9
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.”

The absence of quick results does not mean that God is not at work.

Faithfulness requires patience, but patience must not become an excuse for an unwillingness to learn and change.

6. People are ungrateful, and you feel like giving up

A minister gives his time, strength, and attention. He prays for people, helps them, listens to them, and supports them.

But the person who was helped may leave without saying anything. Some will quickly forget the good they received. Others will remember one mistake but fail to notice years of faithful work.

This causes pain.

The Ten Lepers

Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him.

Jesus noticed the lack of gratitude from the others. He asked:

“Where are the nine?”

But Jesus did not stop ministering to people after this incident.

He did not allow the ingratitude of others to change His character.

Whom Do We Serve?

Col. 3:23
“And whatever you do, do it from the heart, as for the Lord and not for people.”

This does not mean that a minister does not need support and encouragement.

But human praise should not be the basis of ministry.

Therefore, it is necessary to examine your heart: Am I serving out of love, or do I want to earn recognition?

People may forget your work, but God does not forget.

Heb. 6:10
“For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown in His name.”

Tell God about your difficulties. Talk to a mentor. Remember why you began serving. Do not judge everyone else by the behavior of one ungrateful person.

People’s ingratitude can cause pain, but it should not determine our faithfulness to God.

Serve people with love, but find the source of your worth and reward in the Lord.

Debunking Myths

Myth 1. If I am a minister, I have no right to feel tired

Reality: a minister remains a person with limited physical and emotional strength.

Fatigue does not always indicate weak faith. Sometimes it shows that you need to adjust your workload, rest, or ask for help.

Myth 2. If I do everything right, there should be no difficulties

Reality: difficulties were present both in the ministry of Jesus and in the ministry of the apostles.

The presence of difficulty in itself does not prove that a person has stepped outside God’s will.

Myth 3. Conflict means that something is wrong with the team

Reality: disagreements are possible in any team.

The problem is not the disagreement itself, but the inability to resolve it honestly, respectfully, and in a timely manner.

Myth 4. If someone lets you down once, you can no longer trust them

Reality: trust can be damaged, but it can also be restored.

It is necessary to reduce responsibilities, observe the person’s faithfulness, and gradually restore trust when there are genuine changes.

Myth 5. If I do not see growth, it means I am not in God’s will

Reality: some growth happens slowly and imperceptibly.

But the lack of visible results should also prompt us to honestly examine our methods and correct weak areas.

How to Act During a Difficult Time

When you face a problem, take several steps.

Step 1. Identify the Problem Specifically

Do not say, “Everything is bad.”

Say:

• “I am constantly overwhelmed.”
• “There is an unresolved conflict within the team.”
• “The person responsible regularly fails to keep their promises.”
• “I do not see the ministry developing.”
• “After being criticized, I feel like giving up everything.”

A specific problem is easier to solve.

Step 2. Identify the Possible Cause

The problem may be:

• physical;
• emotional;
• organizational;
• relationship-related;
• related to an incorrect method;
• spiritual;
• a combination of several causes.

Do not call something a spiritual attack when it needs to be addressed through conversation, rest, or planning.

But do not ignore spiritual pressure when you need to pray and stand in faith.

Step 3. Determine What Depends on You

You cannot force another person to change.

But you can:

• have a conversation;
• explain the task;
• set a boundary;
• ask for help;
• delegate responsibility;
• change the method;
• acknowledge your mistake;
• pray and resist the enemy.

Step 4. Seek Wise Counsel

Tell a mature person about the situation.

Look not for someone who will automatically agree with you, but for someone who is able to tell you the truth.

Step 5. Take One Specific Step

For example:

• cancel a nonessential task;
• delegate a task;
• schedule a conversation;
• take time to recover;
• change the way you work;
• set a deadline;
• ask for forgiveness;
• ask the team to pray.

Do not try to solve everything at once.

A difficulty is rarely overcome through reflection alone. It is overcome through specific, right decisions.

Conclusion

Difficulties are part of ministry.

The key is not to make decisions solely under the influence of fatigue, fear, anger, or resentment.

A mature minister does not run away from every difficulty, but neither does he or she endure pointlessly what needs to be changed.

A minister’s maturity is revealed not by the absence of difficulties, but by how they act when difficulties come.

Key Takeaways from the Lesson

1. Difficulties do not automatically mean that a minister has stepped outside God’s will.
2. The cause of the problem must be identified correctly.
3. Fatigue sometimes requires not greater effort, but rest, help, and a change in workload.
4. People should be loved, but responsibility should be entrusted according to their faithfulness.
5. People’s ingratitude should not direct our calling.

Discussion Questions

1. What difficulty is currently affecting your ministry the most?
2. What in this situation depends personally on you?
3. Where do you need to continue demonstrating patience?
4. Where is it necessary to change your approach?
5. What specific step can you take this week?

Practical Assignment

Write down one main difficulty you are currently facing in ministry.

Answer four questions:

1. What exactly is the problem?
2. What are its possible causes?
3. What is within my control in this situation?
4. What one action will I take this week?

Discuss your decision with a mentor, leader, or mature person you trust.

Prayer

Lord, give me wisdom to navigate difficulties properly and not make hasty decisions under the influence of exhaustion, fear, anger, or resentment.

Help me understand the real cause of each problem.

Show me where I need to continue, where I need to change my approach, where I need to ask for help, and where I need to stop and recover.

Renew my strength, guide my decisions, and help me navigate difficulties in such a way that my heart grows more mature and my ministry becomes healthier and stronger.

In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.