When it Gets Hard in Ministry

There’s a pain that hits differently when it comes from within the place you’ve poured your heart into—the church. It’s one thing to face challenges out in the world, but when betrayal, dishonor, division, and disrespect happen in the very environment where you serve God, it can shake you to the core. I know, because I’ve been there.

I was doing exactly what God told me to do. I was obedient. I was faithful. Yet, instead of peace and unity, I found myself in a storm of opposition. People began to undermine my authority, factions were forming, some chose their own leaders, and suddenly, I was leading a team that didn’t want to be led.

Yes, it was hard. Unbearably hard at times. And maybe you’re in that place right now, wondering if you missed God or if you’re the problem. Let me assure you that you’re not alone, and you’re not wrong for being where you are. This is a phase, and it will pass, but how it passes depends on how you handle it.

Here’s what I learned and what I did:

1. I Believed The Truth That God Is With Me

Isaiah 41:10-13  – Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ Behold, all those who were incensed against you Shall be ashamed and disgraced; They shall be as nothing, And those who strive with you shall perish. You shall seek them and not find them – Those who contended with you. Those who war against you Shall be as nothing, As a nonexistent thing. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, Saying to you, ‘Fear not, I will help you.’

This wasn’t just a motivational thought. It became my anchor. I clung to the promise of Isaiah 41:10-13. God didn’t say the waters wouldn’t rise, but He did say He would be with me in them. When you know God is with you and for you, it gives you the courage to face anything. His presence is not just comfort; it is empowerment.

2. I Stopped Being Afraid Of Confrontation

For the longest time, I let things slide. I didn’t want to ruffle feathers. I was trying to “keep the peace,” but what I didn’t realize was that I was actually enabling dysfunction. Peacekeeping is not the same as peacemaking. The former avoids conflict at all costs; the latter enters it with truth and grace. I gave up my desire to be liked.

3. I Claimed My God-Given Authority

2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

2 Timothy 1:7 reminded me that fear is not from God. I have power. I have love. I have a sound mind. That means I can make wise decisions, speak boldly, and still walk in love. I started calling out the behavior that was toxic. I stopped tolerating dishonor. I demanded accountability, not in rage, but with resolve. And I saw the atmosphere begin to shift.

4. I Spoke Truth—Out Loud

I stopped staying silent in prayer alone and started declaring God’s Word over the situation. I reminded myself and the spirits working behind the scenes that I was not alone, I was not afraid, and I was not powerless. I began to take back territory with my words.

5. I Fought Spiritually, Not Carnally

Yes, I confronted people, but I didn’t war against them. I warred in the Spirit. I fasted. I prayed. I wept before the Lord. I renounced bitterness. I asked Him to fight for me and restore His order. And He did.

6. I Kept My Heart Pure

This was perhaps the hardest part. When people betray you, the natural reaction is to harden your heart. But God kept calling me to love, even while standing firm. I had to forgive even while being firm. That’s not weakness, it’s the strength of Christ.

If you’re in this season, here’s what I want to say to you:

Don’t give up. Don’t lay down your sword. Don’t shrink back. Yes, it’s painful. Yes, it feels personal. But God is purifying, pruning, and positioning you. And when you come out of this, you’ll come out stronger, wiser, and more anointed than ever before.

You are not crazy. You are not weak. You are in a refining season, and the fire you’re walking through is producing gold in you.

Let them talk. Let them scheme. Let them divide. But you—stand. God is with you. God is for you. And He will uphold you with His righteous right hand.

If you haven’t already, I recomment you read the post titled When the Devil Wears a Leadership Badge