The Quiet Strength of Consistency
This week at work, someone asked me, “How hard is it going from being a pastor to working retail?”
Honestly, it wasn’t a hard question to answer. The shift has definitely stretched me, but there are a few things I’ve already been reflecting on and one thing that’s hit me hard is this: I’ve gained a whole new appreciation for people who faithfully show up in their walk with Jesus year after year. No spotlight, no platform just steady faith.
My schedule now? All over the place. One week it’s mornings, the next it’s nights. Trying to keep a consistent rhythm for Bible study and spiritual growth feels like chasing a moving target. And that’s made me respect even more the people who have figured out how to stay grounded no matter what life throws at them.
In ministry, it’s easy to admire the big names the pastors who can preach the paint off the walls, the worship leaders filling arenas, the authors with bestsellers. And hey, I’ve been blessed by many of them. But today? I’m honestly more in awe of the folks who just quietly live out their faith.
I think of people who’ve served in the nursery for years changing diapers, wiping noses, praying over babies when no one’s watching. Or the ones who show up every week to set out coffee, lead a small group, or sit with someone going through a tough season. There’s no applause, but there’s deep faith.
And yeah I think of my wife, Venessa. She’s worked full-time, served as a pastor’s wife, raised our daughter, and carried a quiet strength through it all. I’ve seen her give of herself even when she was drained. She’s one of the most consistent, faithful people I know and I’ve learned a lot just by watching her live.
I’m also reminded of Naomi in the Bible. Her story in the book of Ruth isn’t flashy, but it’s powerful. She went through deep loss losing her husband and both sons. She was honest about her pain, even said, “Call me bitter.” And yet, she stayed the course. She poured into Ruth, guided her, and held on to her faith even when everything around her was uncertain. God used that quiet faithfulness in a huge way Naomi played a part in the lineage of Jesus. That’s legacy.
Paul nailed it in 1 Corinthians 15:58:
“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.”
And then there’s Galatians 6:9:
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
So to those of you quietly showing up, week after week, year after year I just want to say thank you. You’ve been a blessing in more ways than you know. You’ve been the heartbeat of the Church. You’ve reminded me what faithfulness really looks like.
And like Eugene Peterson said:
“A long obedience in the same direction.”