Embracing 'the call'

This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: 

Christ sacrificed his life for us.

This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, 

and not just be out for ourselves.

-1 John 3:16 (the Message)

I didn’t set out to be a pastor’s wife. I planned to be a missionary in Africa. But there was just something about that teenage boy in my 7^th hour chorus class, that drew in me & kept me there. 

We both knew he was called to full-time ministry as he entered college that following year; although he didn’t answer that call till we were married close to ten years.  (you can read the full story in the ‘dayinthelife’ archives)

When he finally stopped running & embraced God’s plan for him, I was fearful of how this calling would affect our lives & the lives of our children. 

Despite what people may think, being a pastor is not your average job. While similar to that of a doctor or police officer or fireman, it is not the same. 

I recently read a blog article called “How being a pastor’s wife is different & how it isn’t” written by pastor’s wife, Sandra Peoples. She said it perfectly…  

“I knew he would come home with burdens most other men don’t carry. I knew he would be on call all the time so our church members wouldn’t have to experience life-changing events alone. I knew our Saturdays would be focused on preparing for Sunday, not preparing for a late night out. I knew we would talk more about the implications of chapters and verses than most couples because he isn’t only applying them to his own life, but he is presenting their application to our church family as well.

And unlike most other professions, I have to spend time with my husband’s coworkers and the people he’s called to care for. Doctors’ wives don’t spend time each week with their husband’s patients. Accountants’ wives don’t have to sit in meetings where their husband’s salaries are discussed. It is an amazing privilege to get to do life with our church family. It’s lovely and messy at the same time. I don’t take that lightly.” 

After 15 years of serving alongside my husband in full-time ministry, I strongly believe that a wife can either make or break her husband in the ministry God has called him to do. Our attitudes hold so much power over the men in our lives & as I see it, we can choose to believe in our husbands & help them, or we can criticize & hinder them in their call.

In Genesis 2:18 God said, “It’s not good for the Man to be alone; I’ll make him a helper, a companion.” 

As Chuck’s wife, I am his helper, his companion. 

I’m happy to say that not only did I say YES to God but that I’ve been so blessed through the process.

Has it been easy?  No. 

Has it been a smooth journey?  Not at all. 

Have I wanted to walk away at times?  Absolutely.

But when the tough times come & feel like I can’t be stretched anymore, I am reminded that God calls us, not in spite of our weaknesses but because of them & I believe when He calls you… He equips you. We just need to be willing & open to ALL that He has for us. 

"If you live gladly to make others glad in God,

your life will be hard, your risks will be high, and your joy will be full."

- John Piper

Alabaster

Rend Collective Experiment

I am broken at Your feet
Like an alabaster jar
Every piece of who I am
Laid before Your majesty

I will bow my life
At Your feet
At Your feet
My lips
So lost for words
Will kiss Your feet
Kiss Your feet

Oh the gravity of You
Draws my soul unto its knees
I will never be the same
I am lost and found in You

 

http://youtu.be/oi5R7fjZ6wk