I encourage all church leaders to have at least a few trusted comrades-in-arms with whom they can share anything that is going on in their lives. One of Satan's weapons involves isolating Christian leaders. In 30 years of Christian leadership, there has been nothing more strengthening for me in times of warfare and difficulty than having Christian brothers to whom I could run to for prayer, encouragement, and counsel.

I've also found that, even in times of profound attack, God grants grace for ministry. Thus, even while my family underwent severe trials, God continued to draw people to himself through the preached Word, and God continued to build and bless the church.

But as my wife and I went through severe warfare, we were able to continue on in ministry only because of the incredible support of brothers and sisters with whom we could openly share our wounds.