For God's Sake, Don't Leave!

Serving God in The Salvation Army is a calling. A High Calling, if you will. Those who do best in it's ranks are those who know for certain that God has placed them in it's ranks. That being said, it is not an easy road! Diverse responsibilities, especially administration, can take their toll upon even the most devoted to the ministry. Discouragements come and there are times when one just wants to walk away from it all. Whether you call it burnout, weariness, fatigue or any other word to describe the experience, it can cause many to think that separation is the only way out! I think not!

While this blog is devoted to being of service to former officers, many active officers read it also. If you are an active, then these thoughts are for you! Our message, as a community of former officers, is to persevere at all costs!

God has placed you in the Army for a reason, and that reason, at it's most fundamental level, is the salvation of souls and the elimination of human need. God needs you and the people need you!

If you are considering resignation, don't make this decision rashly. Take some time to seek out officer or clergy friends and share your burden with them. If there are leaders that you look up to and trust, sit with them and pour your heart out. Take some furlough time and get away for a time in a quiet place where you can reflect and seek out the guidance of God Almighty....it is He that has called you! Pray, Pray, Pray...right through to victory!

I can tell you that the experience of most former officers is not one you will want to share. The grass is not greener.....! Resignation might bring some small relief, but only for a short time. Soon other pressures will set in and the experience of many is that these pressures are almost always worse than what you are going through now!

I pray for each of you often, even if we have never met or know each others name. You can see the difficult times through and, if you do, you will be even better equipped for His service. May God Bless you!

Gary D. Laws
A reluctant 'Former' since 2008!

To read the full blog go to: www.fsaofeastusa.blogspot.com

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