I have started reading the Power of a Praying wife. And though most of the book is praying for your husband I find myself praying for me and Joel. The first chapter talks directly to the wife and to pray for yourself. I have now started praying that prayer every day. And when I don't I see myself get more irritated, more annoyed, and more responding in the flesh. For a long time I thought Joel had been the one who was in the wrong for stupid little things but now I see it is me and I need prayer more than anything.
Relationships have been hard too. And work and everything else that involves my life or is in direct contact with my life. Right now prayer is the only answer and it is helping big time. SO I haven't been as talkative lately and haven't been responding normal lately but it is just the season I am in. The season of prayer and of war.
There is a man that has been on fire for the Lord through the food ministry at his church and for the children's ministry. Everyone loves him. About two months ago he had a whole family move in with him and his family. The bills went sky high and they weren't making ends meet. When the family left because they found a place our Friend was hurting because of all the bills. Then the Lord provided 800 dollars. Our Friend praised God and cried and gave his Testimony. But then a week later the worries of his bills gave in again and he decided to leave for 3 months to go get a job 6 hours away that would pay his bills. It left a huge void in the food ministry and the children's ministry. Now he is talking about moving his whole family to where he is and leaving his church God has called him too. My heart breaks. For he has the fatherly instincts to provide for his family but He doesn't see that God is his ultimate Father and He will take care of our friend. That times seem tough now but God is there and is pleased with him and that this is the enemy's trap for getting away from what God has called him to do.
My Heart Breaks. Father God we need you. Lord help us to know that you will take care of us. That even when things look bad you have our back. Help us to know that we will never be an adult to you but always your child and that as YOUR child you take care of our food and shelter and every other need and even wants we have. Lord help us. We need you, we love You, change us. IN Jesus Name Amen.
Love you guys. Never stop worshiping Him for He takes care of all!!!
3 comments:
I think it is important to pray for your spouse and I appreciate the reminder. I have a tendency to neglect prayer for my family - even when I take the time to pray for others!
Regarding your friend who has to decide between the ministry God called him to and the needs of his family, I think God has been pretty clear on his first priority. It is sometimes difficult to determine God's direction but obeying God's Word must always be the starting point.
Scripture is unequivocal about looking after family. God says: "Give the people these instructions, too, so that no one may be open to blame. If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:7,8)
There are many broken men who can testify to being fooled into believing that they needed to give a higher priority to their mission than to their family. In the end, they lost both. Broken marriages and wayward children destroyed any opportunity they might otherwise have had for ministry.
God's pretty clear. Family first. If he really has a ministry for us, he'll give us the resources to handle the ministry after the family's needs are met. There is a balance required here, of course. But we may be "worse than an unbeliever" if we don't look after those to whom God has given us first responsibility.
(I believe that this priority extends beyond meeting physical needs. But that's another sermon!)
Love your passionate heart, Dess!
Yeah it is all true what you said Dad, about it is a priority God has given us to provide for the family.
The sad thing is he was providing. He was doing 40+ hours and then some. His wife was working. And during this time God provided an additional 800 dollars to help him out. And he glorified God for and and said GOd had come through. But then the worries of this world got to him a week later so he decided to go for more money and hours in a city 6 hours away.
It also says in the bible that Do not worry about what you eat or what you drink or what you wear for your heavenly father knows you need these things. Be seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.
He got worried and left what GOd had called him to do for a little and decided to get it done his way instead of waiting on God.
He wasn't a slacker by any means or lazy he worked a hard core job here to provide for his family. But the wanted to get more bill paying done.
So just wanted to add in those details. I tend to be like mom butler and get excited and not add in every detail.
Thanks Dad for caring and Thanks for your input it means a lot to me. I like having to think about what I have said or wrote. Thanks for Challenging me.
Love you!!!
Dess,
This is a little difficult for me because I am so pressed for time right now. I don't like feeling rushed in responding to anything because as you know, I like to use my words very cautiously.
This year or this season, is soon coming to an end and we have endured so much as God elect. It is so import that we are careful not to give up on God and/or ourselves.
Yes blessing rest is required for a season as well, and do not consider yourself a failure or lacking in any way because of the need for rest. In our case it is difficult to rest when we need it, so we force the Lord allow things to happen that push us into that place.
In regard to your being a sponge. YES! You have finally vocalized what I have held within for lengths of time. I tell others to let things roll off their backs, but as God spokesman I have the wonderful gift to absorb things.
Dess we carry the wonderful gift of God that allows us to see and feel in the spirit realm. Name one of God's prophets that did not get burned out, that did not go through bouts of depression, that did not contemplate giving up, that did not weep and wail before God as to why they had to endure such harsh, mean, unjust treatment from the very people the Lord sent them to love through warning and proclamation.
You are not allowed to beat yourself up for needing a season of rest. Just rest. When Elijah hid in the cave due to his fear of queen Jezebel, did not Father God allow for His ministering Angeles to care for him and bid him REST.
Sweetheart you are an awesome woman of God, and loved and adored by many, but their are few that can relate to what you have endured. Rest while it is time, for rest also prepares you for that which is to come and you my love will need it.
Hardships were intended to roll off Joel's back for otherwise they would hinder him and interfere with his ability to produce. You on the other hand must feel and experience what Father God allows you to in order to better relate to His love, anger, frustration, endurance, compassion, mercy, and grace for His people.
I love you dear one, you are my BEST FRIEND and closest SISTER.
Rest in the bosom of Father God!
Rest in the Lord.
Post a Comment