The Heart Burden Carried by Servants of Christ

The self-sacrificing servant of God does not measure his work by hours. His wages do not influence him in his labor. From heaven he received his commission, and to heaven he looks for his recompense.TT 187.4

Such workers should be freed from unnecessary anxiety. While they should be careful to exercise to keep mind and body vigorous, yet they should not be compelled to spend a large part of their time at secular employment. These faithful workers are not exempt from temptation. When burdened with anxiety because of a failure of the church to give them proper financial support, some are fiercely beset by the tempter. They become depressed. Their families must have food and clothing. If they could feel released from their divine commission, they would willingly labor with their hands. But they realize that their time belongs to God, and they continue to advance the cause that is dearer to them than life itself. They may, however, be forced to engage for a time in manual labor while carrying forward the ministerial work.TT 187.5

At times it seems impossible to do the work necessary to be done because of the lack of means. Some fear that they cannot do all that they feel it their duty to do. But if they advance in faith, prosperity will attend their efforts. He who has bidden His followers go into all the world will sustain every laborer who seeks to proclaim His message.TT 188.1

In the upbuilding of His work, the Lord sometimes tries the confidence of His people by bringing about circumstances which compel them to move forward in faith. Often He bids them advance when their feet seem to be touching the waters of Jordan. See Joshua 3:14-17. At such times, when prayers ascend to Him in earnest faith, God opens the way before them and brings them out into a large place. Angels will prepare the way before them, and the means necessary for the work will be provided. Those who are enlightened will give freely to support the work. The Spirit of God will move on their hearts to sustain the Lord's cause, not only in home fields, but in the regions beyond. Thus the work of the Lord will advance in His own appointed way.TT 188.2