Let me first say – we feel very unqualified to write on this topic. However, this was the first thing God burdened us with; it’s no wonder since all around us families and marriages are under attack. So, in simple obedience… here we go. If you’re in a ministry of any sort and married – keep reading!
Let’s begin with a little testimony, shall we?
We did not start “in the ministry”. (Oh my, F A R from it.) The Lord found us DEEP in disobedience. We were running like Jonah from the Ninevah (church) we were called to serve, desiring a proverbial “Tarshish” that had to be better. (Jonah 1) ….right?
Wrong! Have you ever had a “belly of the whale” experience? That’s where we were…tossed about the waves of disobedience, and all but consumed in the depths of our prideful path. From the outside looking in we had it all: great careers, decent money, new cars, and a beautiful house. But behind all that pomp and circumstance, we were back-sliding and completely miserable. The Bible says it like this: “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Proverbs 14:12, 16:25)
On my birthday, in 2007 everything changed. It started as one of the worst birthdays ever! It was a Sunday, (I just realized the irony in that), and I wanted my husband to join me for church. His words to me were sharp, as he declined my invitation. So, I went to worship service alone and met with friends and family for lunch. Though most of the afternoon’s events are fuzzy, I vividly remember that evening. As a conversation (I will never forget) took place.
What began as an argument, because I was determined to make him feel guilty for ruining my birthday, (real spiritual and mature, huh?) quickly became an apology. Not just to one another…but to the Lord for the mess we’d made of our marriage. That evening, God opened our eyes to the truth of our situation. We didn’t need a new calling, we needed a new attitude! As we knelt together, at the foot of our bed, we gave our marriage, lives, finances, future – everything – back to Jesus. Our massive struggle had ended in total surrender.
Let me clarify something, our souls were saved … but our lives were not in tune with God’s will. Maybe you have been there and can understand. That moment, rather than being tossed about in those destructive waves … peace washed over us as we “got on board” with God’s plan.
In the days that followed, life as we knew it changed dramatically. God was blessing our obedience and replacing all that “stuff” with provisions, and opportunities we couldn’t explain. Before we knew it, a completely new path was before us. God was “exceeding abundantly” all we could even think to ask or imagine! (Ephesians 3:20)
One scary question remained though. How deep into this whole “service” thing was God going to lead? It was a fair question. After all, we had prayed in complete surrender. Even today, some 18 years later, we ask that question, at times.
The longer we’ve served the Lord, the more we realize the importance of Biblical encouragement and healthy marriages in ministry!
However, as I mentioned in the last blog, we mostly know what you shouldn’t do in marriage and ministry. We have a real knack for learning things the hard way … (insert a hearty “amen”, if you’re the same). That said, we believe none of it was in vain, and we can all occupy til He comes (Luke 19:13)…if we encourage one another!
With the Lord’s help, we’ll endeavor to do that with content posted here. Until next time – be steadfast, unmoveable, and always abounding!
