For more than three decades, I have been privileged to speak God’s Word all over this country. Speaking at conferences and churches is something I truly consider an honor. I have met thousands of pastors, leaders, and people of God. Thanks be to God for that privilege!

Some time back, I was speaking at a conference, and a nice basket of goodies was left in my room. Leaders usually put more items in those baskets than I could ever dream of eating. Neither my lips nor my hips could dare to consume that much in a couple of days!

Most often, the baskets and containers holding those goodies are quite nice, so I usually bring the containers home with me. Occasionally the size of the container prohibits that. If it does not fit in my luggage, it will stay behind. Carrying a basket through security is just too inconvenient.

As I looked at the basket in my hotel room, I immediately noticed that it had many flaws in the weaving. Instead of concentrating on what the basket contained, my eyes kept seeing the flaws. Rather than appreciate the goodness inside the container, I could only see its flaws.

How many times have we missed the goodness that God sent our way because we did not like the container? Ouch on me!

First Kings seventeen gives us the story of Elijah in hiding by the Brook Cherith. God has sent him there. At God’s direction, Elijah has prophesied that there would be a famine and drought in the land for the next three years. God then directed Elijah to go and hide in the region of Kerith Ravine, and there God would supply water from the brook and food would fly in on ravens. Elijah had divine supply flying his way!

Imagine if Elijah looked at the ravens who served his food, and Elijah said, “I am not eating that from a dark bird. I want a nice white dove to bring me my food. Better yet, send angels with a platter of food.” Elijah could have missed what God was providing because the vessel was not what he would have chosen.

Here is a truth: God did not tell him to eat the bird. He told him to eat the food that the bird brought. SELAH.

October is pastor appreciation month. Being a pastor is a wonderful calling from God, yet with it comes trying times. Most, I mean ALL, pastors have flaws. Unfortunately, we see the bad examples written in articles or displayed on nightly newscasts. I am talking about those who live immoral lives and often bilk the people for all they can. Those who live this way will be judged by God now or later.

Though high-profile misconduct and toxic leadership can be found, the vast majority of pastors live and minister faithfully while living on modest incomes. The news outlets are not running stories about those pastors!

Pastors are a gift to the body. Often, God is sending us words and blessings through our pastor. It is so easy to get into a pattern of concentrating on the flaws of the pastor and totally miss the content God is bringing.

That day in that hotel room at that conference, God got my attention. “Stop staring at the flaws of the container. Instead, receive the goodness it brings. Appreciate the gifts in the basket.”

“Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7 NLT