As I was showered with cards and words of gratitude last Sunday morning due to Pastor Appreciation Sunday, I thought back on the last seven months. My husband has been serving as interim pastor, but tomorrow will be his last Sunday. Although our time here is coming to an end, what I will take with me will last a lifetime.
Throughout these many months, God has reminded me so much about what it means to live out my walk with Christ while standing alongside my husband in ministry. We often travel to minister, but it has been a while since we have been able to serve in more of a long term role. I have already known these things, but God has brought them to a new light in such a real way.
1. Let God continue to move me out of my comfort zone. I have been stretched as I have been used in ministry with my husband. Often, I stand in my husband's shadow as he is much more extroverted than I. This is easy to do as we pop in and out of churches. But harder to do when you are with the same people week after week. And “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) (ESV)”
2. Servanthood. In leadership, you must learn to serve others; not out of duty, but out of love. (1 Corinthians 16:14)
3. Identity. When you are in any position of leadership, others look to you for guidance. Because of this, I often feel like I have to be perfect. But I have also learned that I am free to be me, and my identity is in Christ, I am a new creation. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
4. Empathy. When Matt and I travel, we joke that I am a target. People tend to pour out their life stories to me in the first few minutes of meeting me. God did put a target on me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. People feel safe to share their burdens with me (Galatians 6:2) and I’m so glad that they do.
5. Love. God has increased my capacity to love. I have a place in my heart for each one of the people in that church. And some I can even call friends. (Proverbs 17:17)
6. Follow God's timing. I will miss my new family and friends. But I know that it is time to move on. We knew from the beginning that our time was just for a season while they prepared for their new pastor. (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
7. Most importantly, I have learned how blessed I am that I got to be part of such a great group of people that have now become family. (Phillipians 1:3)
As I have been reminded of these things, I must be diligent in putting them to practice as Philippians 4:9 says. “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.”
All of these things are applicable in your life as well.
Let God move you out of your comfort zone. Serve others. Be who God created you to be. Be a safe place for others. Love big. Be thankful and be aware of all of God’s blessings in your life. God’s timing is not always your timing; learn to wait for HIm.
Lord Jesus, thank you for your many blessings in my life. Thank you for the many lessons that you teach. Help me to put these practices in place as I learn to walk closer with you. Amen
Comments