While all the world’s medical personnel are tirelessly working to care for the physically sick, weak and compromised, today I am mindful of another group of helpers that are also on the frontlines. They are the spiritual leaders, the pastors, the priests, the elders, the deacons and others whose calling is to carry the love of God and good news of the gospel. And their jobs have just gotten far more challenging!

Last week larger churches were scrambling to utilize their existing capabilities for streaming worship services to provide church in a new way without the physical gathering of their congregations. At that time (it seems so long ago now!) the recommendation was that no groups should gather beyond 250 people. Yesterday that number was reduced to 50, and then today, 10….which means virtually every church in the country will no longer be meeting in their buildings or normal places of worship for any reason and for at least several weeks – unprecedented! And before I share some of the unexpected benefits I already see that are coming from such a major shift in church life, I want to first acknowledge our spiritual leaders as people who are also working tirelessly on behalf of their people…God’s people.

From the things I’ve heard, read and conversations I’ve personally shared with so many of these dedicated servants (one of whom I’m married to), one thing is absolutely clear…..they need our prayers! Everything “we” are feeling and going through is not only experienced by them as well, but many times over as they also try to offer assistance to the people in their churches who are looking to them for direction and guidance. They are working longer days and nights than usual – they are needing to make split decisions in a rapidly changing environment – they are learning new ways of connecting through technology that may be very new and different for them – they are trying their best to answer questions and provide comfort to all those who need it – they are caring for their own families and feeling torn because they can’t devote themselves fully to either responsibility….and they are physically, emotionally and spiritually weary.

So to these, I say a big, “We see you…we love you…we appreciate you…and we’re praying for you!” I am excited by the actions I’ve already seen being taken in my own community, which I’m sure is mirrored around the country. Churches are sharing resources, personnel, facilities – truly taking care of one another with the common goal of maintaining connection with their church communities for the strengthening of our faith. Women and men are courageously making decisions that have never had to be made before, with no time to form committees and task forces to weigh the pros and cons….and they are doing so decisively and faithfully. Ministries are quickly creating ways to reach out to children, youth, families, single parents, senior adults….all the groups that make up communities of faith offering tangible resources and spiritual connection. There seems to be a shared goal of extablishing venues through which we can maintain the feeling of family, even if we are “socially-distanced” from one another! Alongside the need to connect with one another is the intention to look out for those around us (whether church-folk or not) and truly reflect the heart of Jesus in acts of love and service. Stressfull? Yes. Worth it? So worth it…and so incredibly beautiful!!

So I’d like to offer a prayer for our spiritual leaders who are stretched thin and yet are standing tall beside us with commitment and courage….will you join me?

“Mighty God, we pray for all the pastors and spiritual leaders in our lives and greater community today. Theirs is a uniquely difficult job as the hurting, freightened, grieving, frustrated and lost are looking to them to make sense of the senseless and to help make difficult, yet wise decisions in so many different areas. We thank you for their service, their sacrifice and their leadership. Bless them, God! Protect and strengthen them to lead us into the great things that are ahead for your church and the world. We commit to stand alongside them in the work you have put before us today and in the days to come. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of being your church, for such a time as this!”

Can I get an “amen?” =)

When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before….

This song is dedicated to all those who are on the frontlines – you are upheld by our mighty God who will “never stop fighting for you…”

With much love and gratitude,

Shellie ♥

Fighting For Me

Riley Clemmons

I need the kinda love that
Can outlast the night
I need the kinda love that
Is willing to fight

When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And o-ohh

You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me
In the darkest night
When my faith is weak
You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me

In the perfect timing
You make all things right
You paint a silver lining
In this heart of mine

When the going gets tough
And my strength’s not enough
I see You showing up like never before
This battle for my heart
You took on from the start
You are the peace when my mind’s at war
And o-ohh

You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself
Every word is a promise You keep
Cause You love me like nobody else
You stand up for me
In the darkest night
When my faith is weak
You’re still by my side
You will never stop fighting for me
You will never stop fighting for me

Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
Your love
Is winning me over
Your heart
Is pulling me closer
You will never stop…
Fighting for me, fighting for me
Every word is a promise You keep, oh, o-ohh

You will never stop fighting for me
When I can’t fight for myself (when I can’t)
Every word is a promise You keep (oh, oh)
Cause You love me like nobody else (nobody)
You stand up for me (You stand up for me)
In the darkest night (In the darkest night)
When my faith is weak (yeah, yeah)
You’re still by my side (my side)
You will never stop fighting for me (You will never stop)
You will never stop fighting for me

Songwriters: Jordan Sapp / Ethan Hulse
Fighting For Me lyrics © Be Essential Songs