By Jay Strother

Ministry often feels like a long obedience in the same direction. Yes, we celebrate the big moments—baptisms, breakthroughs, and milestones—but the everyday faithfulness of shepherding is where God does most of His shaping work. If we’re not careful, discouragement can blind us to the quiet ways the Spirit is moving right in front of us.

Look for God’s Hand in the Ordinary

Too often, we expect God to show up in dramatic ways, but His faithfulness is most evident in the ordinary. A church member taking a step toward forgiveness. A teenager asking deeper questions about faith. A couple beginning to pray together at home. These aren’t headline moments, but they are kingdom moments. Jesus told us the kingdom is like a mustard seed—small, almost hidden, but growing into something far greater than we can see in the moment (Matthew 13:31-32). Train your eyes to notice these moments and give thanks.

Celebrate the Small Wins

When you see God move, however small it may seem, tell the story. Share an answered prayer in a staff meeting. Point out the quiet faithfulness of a volunteer on Sunday morning. Testify to the way God provided the right leader at just the right time. Celebrating these “small wins” reminds us and our people that God is at work—even when the fruit is still growing beneath the surface.

Practice Daily Gratitude

Paul reminds us to “give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). One practical way to fight discouragement is to keep a running list of what God is doing—in your church, in your family, and in your own heart. Write it down, pray it back to God, and revisit it when the weight of ministry feels heavy. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to the abundance of God’s provision.

Slow Down Enough to Notice

Ministry moves fast. There are always sermons to write, meetings to lead, and needs to meet. But if we never slow down, we’ll miss the moments of grace happening all around us. Build margin into your week to reflect, observe, and be present with people. Sometimes the most important thing you can do as a pastor is simply to linger—listening, noticing, encouraging.

Anchor Joy in God’s Faithfulness

At the end of the day, our joy isn’t rooted in attendance numbers or budgets. It’s anchored in the unchanging character of God. He is faithful when results fluctuate, when seasons shift, and when the work feels unseen. Remember: our definition of success is faithfulness, not fame. Joy flows from knowing that the God who called us is with us—and He is building His church, one quiet step of obedience at a time.