Comments on: The Private Pain Before Public Gain

By: Tom E. Snyder

Tom E. Snyder — Sat, 30 May 2009 01:47:22 +0000

Rob, here’s a partial answer to your question:
http://united.lifechurch.tv/stories.html

By: Rob In 5th Ward

Rob In 5th Ward — Fri, 29 May 2009 23:24:20 +0000

I sure agree with all who describe standing firm while enduring much pain, I too have to often smile thru the hurt. But who out there has had to smile and then bury the dead (physically) as the church transitions?
I was not ready for that, but God has held me as the re-birth of the church unfolds. I will praise Him at all times.

By: BajanPOET

BajanPOET — Tue, 05 May 2009 15:32:57 +0000

This post is so relevant to me right now. I’m going through a particularly rough time, recovering from an integrity mishap, but it is comforting to know that God can use my mistake to prepare me for what he has for me! He didn’t like my sin, but I can be made stronger for him because of it.

Doesn’t make it 100% easier, though…

By: Will you be faithful?

Will you be faithful? — Sat, 02 May 2009 17:20:06 +0000

[...] This post really helped me READ IT HERE [...]

By: The Private Pain Before Public Gain at neoLeader

The Private Pain Before Public Gain at neoLeader — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:16:29 +0000

[...] Link to original article in Uncategorized. Feed for this Entry Trackback Address [...]

By: mike Sorcinelli

mike Sorcinelli — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 02:34:52 +0000

you said PUBIC gain, instead of public. that was funny.

By: Marlana Yvette

Marlana Yvette — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 00:06:47 +0000

I am in tears right now reading this post…one wondering how I found you ( though I know it was God) and two, in knowing that, hearing (reading) a direct answer to my remaining question and fear right now. Have decided in these past two weeks to finally take a stand for God,and no longer dis-service his kingdom about keeping quiet about my call to ministry and most importantly the cause of it being HIS AMAZING POWER, afraid people might recognize ME( and attempt to hurt me with acts or unresolved issues from my past)… I still have so much, so many issues to resolve, yet I know if God is for me who can be against me. Many have been, are, and will try to be (against me, to hurt me) but I must serve him ANYHOW knowing where my heart, intentions, commitments to resolve, and total obedience and honor to God are. Thank-you for this post and May God continue to richly bless you!

By: Phil Henry

Phil Henry — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 20:59:31 +0000

Luther constantly compared the way of the cross with the way of glory–the negative way of glory was all about avoiding the suffering that Jesus calls us to endure, to accept, to embrace. The way of the cross is the only way of spiritual formation. I wish I knew this more from experience than I do, but by God’s grace, I’m learning.

Thanks, Craig.

By: Links of the Week « My World

Links of the Week « My World — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:36:56 +0000

[...] Groeschel on Private pain before public gain. This is a great reminder that leadership will cost you something before it goes anywhere. Every [...]

By: Friday links « blindly pursuing life

Friday links « blindly pursuing life — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 15:31:08 +0000

[...] Groeschel has four posts worth showing. 1) Private pain before public gain. 2) Training your church. 3) Recent Reading. And last, but not least, 4) Signing up your church [...]

By: Al V.

Al V. — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:44:01 +0000

Craig. You don’t know much I needed to hear this right now man. Once again, you are on the money. I am currently facing some of the toughest personal challenges I have ever faced in marriage. All while we just signed a contract to air our church services on network TV in our city.

Please keep up the good work Craig. Don’t stop doing what you do brotha.

By: DuAnne Seeley

DuAnne Seeley — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:45:44 +0000

Thanks so much for your post today. It’s encouraging to connect with another who understands. We were taught to always take the high road but it is difficult sometimes. i.e. Had a leadership couple leave the church when confronted on one spouse having an affair. We never shared the reason why and many thought we just failed them in some way. Another key couple left when a guy did not like a message on “Marriage For A Lifetime.” He shared a bogus reason for leaving but his wife shared with us the truth in confidence which we could not reveal. An intern left due to struggles with homosexuality, depression, etc. but and again people assume something different. We don’t regret doing the right thing but sometimes it is hard for others to form an opinion without having all the facts.

By: mitch

mitch — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:12:19 +0000

Thanks you Craig. Very timely.

By: bn

bn — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 18:02:46 +0000

Inferring that the Lord enjoys inflicting pain on His creation? This is why I don’t like authors like Tozer, and why people get turned off by the “Churchianity” they inspire. True, God tests us, but He does NOT do it just to “hurt us deeply”. He said that offenses must come, but woe to those by whom they come….I say this having experienced similar situations to others that commented…

By: chejoo

chejoo — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:59:42 +0000

I’m just starting in ministry… But one thing I can say: Great posts this week! Can I print them for me? :)

By: Michael Levitt

Michael Levitt — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:53:21 +0000

I praise God that He has blessed us with the clarity to recognize when we are being tested by Him. I’m going through some painful situations at work, as well as some growing pains at my church. God is breaking me and molding me into what He wants me to be, and I am forever thankful that He’s given me the time of day, and loves me. We have to remember Proverbs 3:5-6 during these painful times.

By: Nikki

Nikki — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:43:23 +0000

Wow! Thanks. I love what you said, “God knew the whole story. That had to be enough for me!” It is hard to not want to defend ourselves, but you hit it head own. God knows the truth and is the TRUTH!

By: Todd

Todd — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:33:28 +0000

I had to bring a discipline issue before the church with the full support of the elder team. The person under discipline lied about what was said in a private meeting with the elders. Some of the people in church believed him instead of the elders. I could not explain everything to the church because it was a private matter that could have hurt others. I decided to take the hit and some people thought we were picking on the person under discipline.

If Jesus taught us anything, it is that if we follow Him and want to be like Him, we must absorb much more pain than we cause. He also refused to answer His accusers, instead, leaving it up to His Father to vindicate Him. It worked for Jesus. It will work for us, too.

By: txmom4

txmom4 — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:56:09 +0000

Craig, you said “One time I had to make a public and controversial stand without the freedom to explain the reason. To expose the reason would have hurt too many innocent people.

I believe God called me to endure the criticism from uninformed people on behalf of those who were innocent. One explanation would have silenced all the critics, but also compromised my integrity.

I chose to stand alone. God knew the whole story. That had to be enough for me.”

And to that I say DITTO. I’ve been through it too.

By: Adam Zulim

Adam Zulim — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:32:17 +0000

One thing I love so much about Jesus was how straight forward he was with his followers. He loved them enough to tell them how much it would cost to follow him. They would not gain apart from pain, and neither shall I. A sobering thought, but one everyone must weigh for themselves.
Thanks Craig for the insight!