You call THIS a Ministry?

Our ministries may change depending upon the season of life that we’re in.  I have some friends whose husbands serve as elders whose main ministry right now is taking care of an aged parent.  They have told me that sometimes they feel like they’re a bad elder’s wife because they aren’t even able to make it out to all the meetings.  They get discouraged because they feel they’re not able to be the helpers that they want to be to their husbands.  But they are still loving their husband, praying for him, and encouraging him in the work God has given him to do.  And caring for a parent is a ministry for the Lord and it doesn’t take away from their husband serving as a spiritual leader in the local church.  It is a tremendous example to the flock and a testimony to a watching world- laying aside your own desires to care for the needs of another.  The Lord considers that a very valuable ministry.  He tells us that “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Perhaps you’re in that situation or a similar one.  Maybe you are struggling with a physical condition right now that keeps you from being as actively involved in your local church or in your husband’s ministry as you would like to be.  It may be that the Lord desires for you to learn more about Him by going through this time of difficulty.  And as Job said, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”  If that’s the ministry He’s given you right now, trust Him for the grace to bear your suffering in a way that glorifies Him.  Please don’t be discouraged and think that you are of no use in the Lord’s service. You can still be a blessing to your husband and to the other believers, as you continue to love them and pray for them in the midst of your own pain.  It is what the Lord Jesus did for us.

There are many areas of service for the Lord.  Some we would not choose for ourselves.  But God is the One who chooses where His servants will serve Him.  As long as you are doing what the Lord is asking you to do with a right heart attitude, you WILL be the helper your husband needs.