Most of us get into full-time ministry or business because we sense a calling, not because it is a ‘career path.’

Chances are you got in this because you love God deeply, right?

So, it’s always a bit surprising and unusual when ministry or business leaders struggle with the very God who called them into this in the first place. This is true whether you’re paid, bi-vocational, or even a full-time volunteer.

Ministry and business can not only be hazardous to your spiritual health, but it can also be confusing.

But the good news is that struggling with God is normal. You are not alone.

The best leaders struggled with God.

Jacob wrestled an angel. Moses almost quit more than a few times. Jeremiah tried to quit but couldn’t. And then there was the apostle Paul!

Today’s struggles might be a bit different, but in some ways, the struggle is inevitable.

I have struggled with every one of the five challenges I outline in this post.

And what’s amazing to me is that you can get through them. You really can.

Sometimes all you need to know is you’re not alone. And you’re not, even if you feel that way.

Here are five ways ministry and Christian business leaders struggle in their relationship with God:

1. You See Setbacks in Ministry as A Personal Statement from God About You

Everybody thinks this way when life circumstances don’t tilt in their favor (why did God allow me to have cancer/lose this job/be in this place?). So, it’s natural that this line of thinking would emerge in ministry or business.

Just because things aren’t going the way you want in ministry or business isn’t an automatic sign that God is angry with you. I’m amazed that constant imprisonment didn’t cause Paul to second-guess himself or God.

God isn’t always punishing you, even if it feels like He is.

The key is to take the setbacks in front of you seriously, not personally. You’ll be so much healthier.

2. You Believe That Greater Faithfulness Should Result in Greater Impact Ministry

Have you ever tried to improve your personal devotional life so your church or business would do better?

I wish this weren’t true, but in the early days of ministry, I thought greater personal fervor would automatically translate into a more significant ministry impact.

I’m all for a rich personal walk with God, but it’s not a push-this-button-and-God-will-do-great-things-through-you kind of proposition. In fact, it’s a bit self-centered to think that way.

Pursue God and pursue a great mission. Both are critical. But God doesn’t reward the most faithful with the best results.

3. You Are Convinced God Should Protect You from Pain

So, here’s a confession. Much of the pain I’ve experienced in ministry is self-induced.

I have created crises in my mind and the relationships around me. The solution for me was to confess my sin and realize so much of the pain around me was caused by the strife within me.

What about the rest of the troubles that inevitably come our way? I remember Jesus’ brother James saying we were supposed to throw a party when they come and celebrate because God uses them to perfect us.

God doesn’t always protect us from pain. He uses it to grow us. And the part that’s self-induced? Get on your knees.

4. You Confuse Your Work Life with Your Devotional Life

I always ask myself, “If I couldn’t do ministry tomorrow for whatever reason, what would be left of my life with Christ?” Hopefully, the answer is “lots” or “virtually everything.”

So, my devotional life has little to do with what I’m teaching, and I try to pray about things I wouldn’t do if I weren’t a Christian leader. But naturally, I also pray about things related to ministry.

Pretending you’re not a ministry or business leader in your relationship with God is a great way to stay vibrant as a leader.

5. You Find It Hard to Believe That God Loves You Simply Because He Loves You

Your identity is not based on what you do but what Christ has done. I know you preach that, but you have difficulty believing it, right?

Don’t confuse what you do with who you are in Christ. Need to hear that more clearly? I wrote this one for every leader who’s ever struggled through a Monday.

He loves you. He just does.