Two big factors stood in the way. 1 - I'm a fix-it type person. You come to me with a problem and I want to fix it for you...or tell you what to do to fix it. I have to make myself just sit and listen without giving options...I think this may make me like a man, but whatever. 2 - I quickly realized I would have trouble leaving work at work.
Looking back, I can see that the desire inside my heart that made me want to be a social worker was in fact placed there by God...but it wasn't to be a social worker...it was to be a Pastor's wife...which sometimes looks and feels kinda like working for human services.
I am constantly battling #1...seeking God's discernment on when to just listen and when to act. On my own, I tend to go over-board in either direction.
#2 - In ministry, there's no such thing as leaving work at work. The people God has placed into our lives are literally a part of our lives. The blessing in it, for Ben and I, is that we are in it together. Do we sometimes have to shut it out? Absolutely...for a time.
This week God literally dropped a desperate young mommy of three into my life. She called looking for a church...looking for Jesus. I hung up the phone so excited that she had called us...and at the same time wishing she'd called someone else. Excited because I know a Savior that will change her life, and yet wishing she'd called someone else better experienced to help her in her particular situation.
I'm asking for your prayers today...that she would meet Jesus in a life-changing way, that God would pour out His wisdom on Ben and I and our little church regarding how He desires us to minister to her and so many others.
It's overwhelming...in a really fantastic sorta way. We need so much of Him...because without Him, I'm fully aware of how badly we will screw it up ;)
Thanks for listening and praying bloggy friends!
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you, your husband, & the church have any awesome oppurtunity in front of you. RUN WITH IT!!! i hope that ya'll are able to shower her with whatever her situation is & needs, but most importantly LOVE. love that will lead her to christ. i will be praying for you & please keep us updated on how it all unfolds.
ReplyDeleteThanks for asking for the prayers from the Body of Christ! That is what we are here for.:)
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough job, but how amazing to be chosen by the Creator of the universe to do it! If you ever find the answer to the when-to-act/when-to-listen question, please let me know. I feel responsible for fixing everyone's problems, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I will be in prayer for you, your church, this sweet girl and her children.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely praying for you, Ben and this sweet family! What an awesome opportunity God has obviously hand-picked for you and Ben. Thanks for inviting us to support you in prayer!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tracy
Thanks for being availible with out hesitation! I can't wait to find out more about our new friend, and her boys! I am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteThanks for being availible with out hesitation! I can't wait to find out more about our new friend, and her boys! I am praying for you!
ReplyDeleteHe totally made you for this job. I loved this post Sarah.
ReplyDeleteSarah, I think you did end up doing what you set out for, just in a different avenue, and a more effective one! You've grown so much since college. You're totally prepared to handle what life throws your way!
ReplyDeleteyou made me cry....isn't God amazing?! Watching Him at work in you is amazing and beautiful to watch. Thanks for sharing your heart yet again, with honesty and sincerity.
ReplyDeletelove you..
Absolutely, consider it done!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great opportunity to be a witness for Christ. But then, I guess we are always witnesses for Christ in one way or another when you think about it....
Big hugs,
Tiff
Will be praying for you and the young family.
ReplyDeleteI've already said a prayer and plan to continue.
ReplyDeleteYou are doing an amazing job Sarah! So glad to be able to be of prayer support!
I will be praying for this young mommy and for you. I pray the love of Jesus shines through everything you say and that this woman's life is forever changed by knowing Jesus!!
ReplyDeleteI think God chose you for a reason! He will be there with you. I of course will pray for y'all and the young mommy and her children.
ReplyDeleteI will be praying that you & your husband can be used by the Lord to touch this young mom & her children:)
ReplyDeleteIt is exciting to know all the HE can do!!!! ... and super exciting to see it happen:)
You've got such a great heart, one that wants to show the love of Jesus! I'll be praying for you and for her as well.
ReplyDeleteHere we go again ... I started out in social work when I went to college, quickly changing to education after just a short time.
ReplyDeleteI pray God shows you and Ben how you can help this woman.
Praying now, Sarah. There is a reason God directed this woman to you...He will give you the wisdom to minister to her.
ReplyDeleteThe Lord led her to the right place and people. I will pray the Lord gives you his wisdom, compassion, and love as you share Jesus with this woman. Thank God He's got all the answers even when we don't. It's so encouraging and wonderful when He changes lives. Thanks for the great post.
ReplyDeleteSomehow I missed this yesterday...but I'm prayin' now!
ReplyDeleteYou know, it's this odd sort of balance--God has gifted us for certain things, yet the places where He uses us are the places we *feel* weakest...yet that is where He's gifted us. Kinda makes you cock your head and go, "Huh?" doesn't it? It's His system for getting the glory, and I can see it firmly at work in you.
May you make your mouth available to the Spirit's words and your hands and heart open to His direction. And may Jesus heal this 'blind' woman today!! Amen.
-J
Thanks for your post. . .I feel exactly the same way! It is a difficult job, a pastor's wife. . .I'll be praying for that young mother with you!
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat story. I pray that you'll be that encouragment she needs!
ReplyDeleteI have chills of excited anticipation for you and this desperate mom. I will certainly be praying for her (and your family) and anxiously looking forward to an update. I love the hope that is in the air when Jesus is up to something!
ReplyDelete