The pastor on the other end of the line was at wits end.
His words were spoken carefully, slowly and almost painfully.
I don’t know what to do.
I feel stuck.
I pray and it seems like God is silent.
It is almost too much to bear.
At the end of each of the statements that he made, his voice trailed off in a wondering tone as if he was looking for a firm place to land with his emotions.
I didn’t have any quick fixes for that pastor that day.
But I did have a listening ear, a supportive posture, a prayer of support, a bit of constructive coaching, a word of encouragement, an assurance that I was willing to walk with him on this bumpy road and a reminder that he is dearly loved by his Heavenly Father.
This is what Live Beloved does and this is what Live Beloved desires to do in increasing ways in the days ahead.
I’ve been there. For almost thirty years I have served in some form of ministry role and there have been seasons in those years when my soul grew depleted. Seasons, when God felt more like my employer than my guide, more like my task master than the lover of my soul.
If you are in such a season know that you are not the first, you will not be the last, and you are in the company of so many others that have been there too.
The Prophet Jeremiah reached a point where his groaning was so great and his weariness had become so significant that he felt he could find no rest for his soul (Jeremiah 45:3).
Moses was so overwhelmed by the weight of his leadership task that he asked God to end his life (Numbers 11:14-15).
David, the man “after God’s own heart” found himself again and again sinking deeper and deeper into overwhelm (Psalm 69:1-2).
The Prophet Elijah was so gripped by fear that he ran for his life (1 Kings 19:3-5).
The Apostle Paul was under so much pressure that he felt as if he would be unable to endure and “despaired of life itself” (2 Corinthians 1:8).
Even Jesus, fully God, fully man reached points of overwhelm and sorrow that left Him longing for the presence of another (Matthew 26:38).
Live Beloved seeks to come along those who find themselves walking weary roads. We do not offer a quick fix, instead we offer relationship and support, prayer and blessing, a listening ear for a troubled soul and a safe space for those in ministry to be real.
You are not alone.
There is help available.
In the words of my counselor friend Jim Cress, “You have more help, hope and healing available to you than you have problems.”
If you find yourself walking a stretching road, or just need a friend for the journey I want you to give me a call, send me a text or drop me an email.
My personal cell phone number is: 317-515-7956
My email is: chad.mccallum@gmail.com
My mailing address is:
Live Beloved ℅ Chad McCallum 16160 W Woodland Hills Drive Hayward, Wisconsin 54843