Pastoral ministry calls for resilience. As we carry one another’s burdens we carry the weight that Paul called “concern for the churches” (2 Corinthians 11v28). It’s a pressure that reveals our weakness. To bring the riches of the gospel in pastoral care is a privilege. But we carry that treasure in earthen vessels (2 Corinthians 4v7) that are breakable and perishable. Clay pots were utensils that lacked resilience.
Resilience as a concept has its origins in the world of engineering where it denoted a material that could recover from the strain or deformation caused by stress, hence the popular shorthand, “bouncing back”. But clay jars aren’t very malleable!
Paul certainly describes stressors in ministry: in 2 Corinthians 4v8-9, he speaks of being pressured, perplexed, persecuted and pummelled. Enough for cracks to appear – and sometimes break us into pieces. And yet there is a wonderful resilience to this treasure-containing pottery. It isn’t crushed, or in despair, or forsaken, or destroyed. In fact, these cheap jars put life on display (v10-11).
The need for resilience
Where does your need for resilience show up? Where do the cracks appear? Is it pressure: feelings of stress, anxiety, nervous energy or of being weighed down? Is it perplexity: the self-doubt, ruminating, checking yourself, or at a loss to know where to turn? Is it persecution: experiencing opposition and conflict? Or being pummelled: beaten down, exhausted, paralysed, unable to do anything but envision giving up?
How do clay jars become resilient? Secular approaches encourage cognitive strategies to develop a sense of competence, emotional regulation for an overstimulated nervous system and behavioural approaches to care for the body through rest. There is merit here, but also a risk of seeking strength in self rather than in the Lord.
Paul takes a radically different angle. He sees his weakness in relation to Christ. For Paul, the pressures and perplexities were not just a “need for resilience” but were a “carrying around in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus” (v10). Paul was now in union with Jesus whose life was one of daily suffering as He made His way to the cross. That’s why the cracks appear. But it’s also why Paul sees his perseverance as the “life of Jesus” being manifested through the cracks.
Practising resilience
A wonderful vision for resilience. But what can it look like in practice?
Lament the pressures. Articulate, as Paul does in this letter, what is pressing in. Pour out to the Lord the perplexity of the situation. Be honest about the opposition. Even when cast down, flat on our backs, we can turn our face to Him.
Admit our weakness. “Lord, I feel the cracks appearing. I am ____ (your experience).” Importantly, we must not misinterpret weakness for sin. Straying hearts can certainly be revealed under strain, and the gospel treasure we carry is a wonderful remedy for sin. But fatigue, nervousness, intrusive concerns, flatness of mood, and so on, indicate lines of strain more than sin.
Receive strength from Jesus. “Lord, I am carrying around in my body your dying for your sake. You are with me and are touched with the feeling of my weakness. I struggle – but there is the prospect of resurrection, blessing for the church and glory” (v14-15). We are strengthened in Christ Himself – His presence, His care, and the hope He brings.
Walk in courage, endurance and rest. This is the manifestation of the risen life of Jesus (v10). Drawing from Him, how do I move courageously into the situation? What is the next constructive step of endurance? Or, courage might mean rest, taking sabbath, stepping back, seeking help and entrusting the flock to the Good Shepherd.
Resilience in Christ is better than self-efficacy, it is efficacy in Him. It is a vision for ministry that in the midst of our deepest need and weakness puts on display the ultimate resilience, the risen life of Jesus.
