From Zeal to Wisdom: Embracing a New Season of Ministry

Blog is written by Mark Morris.

Recently, I felt extremely blessed to be able to pass a couple of milestones. There was a time when I was not expected to be able to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary nor my 70th birthday. But praise the Lord this past month I was able to celebrate both.

A few years ago, I was diagnosed with chronic heart disease. The doctors gave me the bad news and told me there was nothing they could do. I was told to try to reduce the stress and make sure that I took care of my family. The doctors had no confidence in us reaching these milestones.

I no longer could give myself physically to pastoring. I retired after pastoring for forty years with the last 35 years of pastoring a church that we had planted.

Mark Morris, Blog Author

It was a struggle at first to be comfortable going to church and not being the Pastor. Over the last 2 years I have learned to live with what Paul stated in Philippians 4:11 “i have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am in.”NASB. It took a while to become content with teaching Sunday school occasionally instead of every week.

When I was young, I had much zeal and energy when I preached, now however, I have learned to pace myself so that I might have the strength to finish.

Contentment has become my mindset. I am not content with my ability. I feel I am doing some of my best pulpit ministry now. My voice may not boom as it did during my younger days. But my conviction of the truth is as solid as ever.

I have learned to enjoy longer times of preparation, which allows me to go deeper into the word of the Lord. In my younger days, I loved to shout and dance during worship time. Now with bad knees and hips, and a weak heart that too has slowed down, I have learned the joy of basking in the sweet fellowship of his presence .

I refuse to become depressed over declining health and limitations over what I consider normal things. Contentment has become my spiritual discipline at this age in my life. I have determined to do what I can and to be the best I can. I will not sit in a woe is me pity party. I’m going to live all I can while I can.

I can’t travel as I did when I was younger, but I can be faithful wherever I am. My steps may be shorter, but they are still being led by Jesus. My voice may be weaker, but I can still declare the truth with conviction. Let me encourage you to do all you can while you still can. Don’t be depressed and feel low because you have slowed down physically. The next generation is depending on us.