When God Calls You to Remember and Surrender
As of this writing, as I host the first “Refresh Retreat” of 2025, I have just received word that my baby sister has died. Sadly, I lost touch with her several years ago, and yet the sadness could swallow me. She was my baby sister – I loved her.
As I sort through these emotions, I am struck by God’s amazing grace in and for my life. Truthfully, I don’t understand it. This grace is such an unspeakable, lavishly beautiful gift to me – to all of us – if we only receive it – take it for the incredible gift it is. He offered me a way out of my sin, and I followed Him. If I had not followed Him, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I would not have surrendered to this ministry life or found the man I married forty-one years ago. I would not have my beautiful girls. I am struck by the importance of that decision to follow Him. I didn’t know the plans for my life, and yet, decision after decision – I have chosen to follow Him. When I have made mistakes – He again extended grace. Marvelous, wonderful grace.
I want to serve Him because of His incredible grace to and for me and the example of giving His life for many. As we contemplate the coming day of an Easter celebration, what if we began to think of the grace He has given us? What if we re-dedicate our lives to living in service for Him and in service of others? Let’s examine our lives in light of the grace given to us, and then let us serve Him and others without reservation!
Scripture: Matthew 20:28
“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
As a ministry wife, we carry a unique calling. We support our husbands, help to care for the congregation, and often serve behind the scenes. The season of Lent invites you to reflect on Jesus’ servant-hearted love and how it speaks to our ministries.
It reminds us that our service is not about recognition but about following Christ’s example of humility and sacrifice. Jesus, the King of Kings, knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. He endured suffering for the joy set before Him. He gave everything, not for His glory, but for the salvation of others.
Sometimes, the demands of ministry can feel overwhelming. You may feel unseen, weary, or even discouraged. But Lent reminds us to return to the source of our strength—Jesus Himself. His love sustains us when we feel empty. His grace is sufficient when we feel inadequate. His presence assures us that our labor is not in vain.
The Lenten season is not found in Scripture. Still, from the early days of Christianity, time has been set aside before Easter for intensified preparation and reflection of the price paid by our Savior. It is held forty days before Easter and is marked by fasting, repentance, and praying. Many celebrate this fasting period by referencing the period where Jesus was fasting and battling satan found in Matthew 4:2.
This Lenten season, embrace the invitation to rest in Christ’s love. Serve joyfully, knowing that your faithfulness, whether seen or unseen by human eyes, is seen and precious to God. Let your heart be renewed in His presence, and may you find deep peace in the One who came to serve.
Reflection Questions:
- In what ways is God calling you to serve with joy and humility?
- How can you lean on Christ’s strength rather than your own?
- What burden do you need to surrender to God this Lent?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, You came not to be served but to serve. Help me follow Your example with a heart of love and humility. When I feel weary, remind me that You are my strength. When I feel unseen, remind me that You see and cherish every act of faithfulness. May this Lenten season draw me closer to You, deepening my joy in serving You and Your people. Amen.
