Tough

"Tough" is not the most frequently used term to describe most worship pastors. But, LHC's Worship Pastor Mark Groutas is not most worship pastors. This morning, he and his team led us to the throne in genuine, excellent, spirit-and-truth worship--all while he was suffering from a severely yanked back spasm.

I was standing backstage with Mark when a friend walked by and slapped him on the shoulder to say "Good morning!" and you could see the pain radiate through him--after he smiled and returned the "Good morning!" to the unknowing offender.

It's admirable when athletes play through pain and give their teammates everything they've got. How much more so when the stakes are eternal and literally, spiritually, life and death. "Tough" is rarely paired with spiritual character traits, but it should be. Spiritually mature, Christ-like people are tough. I was proud of him and proud to serve with him today in a new and fresh way. Thanks, Mark, for doing all you do as well as you do for the reasons you do it all.

Oh, yeah, how he yanked his back? Playing on the trampoline with his kids.

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

James 1:12