Protectors keep people physically safe, but we're also called to be spiritually and emotionally strong, building people up in whatever ways we can. We're not just protecting bodies, we're protecting hearts and spirits too.
God asks us to reach people, and people come with baggage. Lots of baggage, messy, complicated. Sometimes downright exhausting baggage.
We need God's supernatural endurance and encouragement to be able to tackle those problems, and really, if we're being brutally honest, to respond to our own hot messes as well. We need to be able to look at people with love instead of rolling our eyes. Of course, our natural inclination is to be suspicious.
We see potential problems often before we see potential ministry opportunities. It is literally in our DNA. But here's what I've learned. If we can shift that perspective, if we can start seeing problems as chances for ministry. We don't just help others. We get front row seats to see God's glory in action.