Are there common attacks/doubts/fears/issues among shepherds? Sometimes when I think of shepherding someone I experience a sudden wave of helplessness and feel overwhelmed. I especially feel this way when I think about someone brand-spanking-new to their faith...I hear things like "you're never going to know what to do with her" or "she knows NOTHING, where would you even begin?"
I know enough to see these for lies...but I just wondered whether or not they were a piece of a common pattern of attack against would-be-shepherds...
I think the voice that tells you you can't help somebody will go away quickly as you gain experience helping people. I've learned not to worry about that sort of thing at all; I know I don't have all the answers. Lots of times people don't need answers as much as they need to know they're not alone and they're being pushed toward God. I mean, isn't that true of US? Don't we need to know that God is there and concerned and that we're being interceded for by Jesus even more than we need specific answers? So there's my 2c on that.
ReplyDeleteRe: common attacks on shepherds. Yes, these are mentioned in the scriptures. Do a word search of shepherds and you'll be able to put together a list quickly. In true God fashion, the dangers discussed with relation to shepherds are not sins of fear and suffering (poor ol' shepherds!), but they're sins that would end up hurting the sheep: greed, control, laziness, etc. The number ONE thing that I see repeatedly, though, that attacks shepherds and sends the sheep scattering is RELIGION. The law = death, and when shepherds starts subscribing (and prescribing) to the law, it's disastrous. Another form of this is play-acting like you've got it all together or don't miss a day of worship or never sin. That's religion and it'll corrode your shepherding relationships.
So get skilled at humbling yourself and stay in grace.
Anybody else have thoughts on this?