When It’s Hard! How Does a Ministry Wife face “hard?”

I can’t believe we are at the end of the first quarter of 2022! At the time of this writing, Ukraine is under attack. There are approximately 1.4 million women who have fled their country. Families are separated, and their futures are unknown. Our world is still maneuvering a world filled with an unpredictable virus, and for many who have lost loved ones, the grief is as fresh as the morning dew.  

I’ve heard a repeated phrase from ministry wives, “It’s been hard.” This phrase comes from the lips of women who haven’t quit— it’s a statement made by courageous women who find themselves weary. Perspective comes when we hear of the 1.4 million women displaced from their homes and the loss of all they have once called home. And yet, as we adjust our perspective, our lives can soon compete for our faith and peace.

How do we as ministry wives respond to the hardest of times? Do we respond in faith or fear? Have we fortified our faith with the Word and time with our heavenly Father? Have we developed a “no quit” mindset?

I recorded a podcast (available this week) where a Ukrainian ministry wife told a friend of mine they were staying in their country to help those who can’t or won’t leave. They will help with relief and minister to the wounded and displaced. Her bravery is overwhelming to me. She has daughters living in the U.S. Daughters who have asked her to come and be safe. She has decided to stay in the country of her birth. She will remain with her husband. They will minister to those God sends.  

I know many of you, who like the ministry wife in Ukraine, you will do what the Lord has called you to. You will stand. You will pray. You will not leave your husband but will stand beside him, and minister to those God sends.  

You and I must keep a Biblical perspective during these trying times.

The following thoughts and verses are some that get me through the “hard.”

• We are nearer to the second coming than ever before. (Matthew 24:6-8)
• Trouble is a part of this world. Jesus said so. (John 16:33)
• This World is not our home. Stop living like it is. (Hebrews 13:14-16)
• Nothing in this World is eternal except the souls of the men and women. (Matthew 25:46)
• Church strife is not the hill upon which to die. (except if it’s blatant theological/biblical error – then count your cost and stand.) Don’t act like the world. (I Corinthians 3:3 NLT)
• Spiritual Warfare is real. The devil hates you and your family. (I Peter 5:8)
• Sheep need a shepherd- even when they are ornery. (Matthew 9:36)
• Relationships matter to our Lord. Protect them. Love God. Love People. (Matthew 22:37-40)
• Your prayer life is key to living in and experiencing peace. (Philippians 4:6-7; I Thessalonians 5:16-18)
• You need a sabbath every week. Pull away, even for a few hours, and be still. (Jesus is our example) (Psalm 46:10; Exodus 20:8; Exodus 34:21)

So as we continue to walk through some hard things and ministry life is a continual ebb and flow of hard and glorious things, may we keep our eyes on the One who has called us. May we walk, no, run the race He has set before us until we cross the finish line, and He welcomes us home!

Maranatha, dear Sisters! MARANATHA!

Love you and I’m praying for you!

Diane