In general, I think that most people in the congregation today have the notion that a preacher is above the common suffering of individuals in the pew.
Pastors are seen as being well able to handle anything that comes to them in a fallen world. Whether it be feelings of isolation, stress, declining attendance at church, financial issues, or whatever.
They're not supposed to have any doubts about their faith, they're supposed to calmly pass through the furnace of affliction and endure (in a heroic manner) what might cause the average Christian to collapse.
This way of looking at pastors is not only grossly unfair, it's not true to life.
Was there ever a preacher as fearless, bold, and powerful in the faith as the mighty apostle Paul? Most of us think not. Yet even such a remarkable man as Paul had struggles and difficulties in the ministry for our Lord.
The most common way in which to understand what Paul is saying (in our verse today) is to recognize that he had many struggles in his life—as anyone who examines his words can plainly see.
Not only did he have “conflicts on the outside”, he also had, “fears within”.
Paul’s heart was in turmoil as he worked for Jesus and His church. Even such an amazing soldier in Christ’s army had his battles—that only he and the Lord knew about in detail.
We're left to fill in the blanks concerning his inner struggles, but elsewhere he carefully lists his external “conflicts” (1 Corinthians 4:11-13)
We go away on vacations to “get away from things”. We sight-see to take our minds off our issues and have a reprieve from the hassles of our circumstances. However, in the spiritual realm it seems that there are no vacations in this life. We are constantly on guard.
If you have grown weary with the inner conflicts of your situation, be assured that the rest of the Lord’s people struggle in a similar manner—even the pastor.
At times we all experience fear, doubts and confusion of mind.
Seek to hold on to some special promise of the Lord when your private thoughts overwhelm you.
The Lord has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV)
Take this promise to the Lord and call on Him to fulfill it to you right now. Ask Him to assure you that He's not forsaken you.
His tender heart is moved by the prayers of His children.
Whatever the issues that stress you today, take them to Him in prayer. He is close, closer than you think.