“Lord! Why have I not found favor in your eyes, that you make me responsible for these people?” Many of us pastors have uttered similar words to these. It may be:

“Lord, why did you call me to this church?”

“Lord, why don’t you give me a better church?”

“Lord, if I were a better pastor these things would not happen!”

The words change, but the sentiment is the same. Some pastors seem to prosper in the world’s view, while some of us languish in difficult church situations, called to love the unlovable, lead the unwilling, and blunt the blows of those who lash out at every offense—real or imagined. But doing so takes its toll on the pastor. We may question our call (been there). We may doubt God’s love for us (there too). We may doubt our gifts and training.

Before you get too hard on yourself, look back at that first line. Those words were uttered by Moses in Numbers 11:11 (my paraphrase). Training? God trained him over two periods of forty years each—first as a prince of Egypt and second as a shepherd. Gifting? He called down plagues on the most powerful empire of the age. Calling? A burning bush that speaks is pretty convincing. God’s love? God spoke to him “face to face” and as a friend.

As a pastor, you are called to shepherd a flock of God’s people. Scripture uses this metaphor for the church accurately. Sheep balk and butt heads. There are also few creatures that will do more to harm themselves. The same is true for church people. You will have people demand leadership and roles for which they are not qualified. Some will have great ideas for you to implement but refuse to take part in that implementation. Others will hold fast to their interpretation—no matter how wrong—and get mad that you don’t agree. You will also have people hold you up against famous preachers and judge your pulpit ministry as lacking.

These flocks are difficult. But these are the ones who need the strongest shepherds. God has placed you where you are for a reason. Perhaps it is because this is the flock that is best for you—not because of personal lacking, but because of personal preparation and strength. Love the flock he has given you. And before you give in to the weakness of thinking how much easier it would be if the difficult ones would leave, remember they are the ones most in need of a strong, loving, wise shepherd.