When God says, "Wait..."

"Rejoice in the Lord always:   
and again I say, Rejoice!"
~ Philippians 4:4 (KJV version)






For sometime now, both my husband and I have been feeling a call into the ministry.

I remember when my passion first sparked for missions. I was in the third grade and had just met my first missionary, or at least my first woman missionary. She was a missionary in Yemen but while she was in the states, she led the children's ministry at my church. From that moment on, I knew I was going to be a missionary and spread God's love to those who never heard of Him.

Well, you know how it is when you're a kid; out of sight, out of mind. It wasn't until I was in the youth group that the passion came out of hiding. To be more specific, it was at my first mission trip, a World Changers event in Mobile, Alabama. As time passed, the spark dimmed again.

I wish I could tell you that we are on our way into the ministry now, but alas I cannot.  However, the ministry is all around us.  My husband were sure we were headed in one direction and now things have taken a 180 degree turn.  Our ministry of choice is not to be, at least not right now, but God has another ministry in mind. 

Back in July, my husband joined the Canadian Forces.  It's been hard because we have been separated since then while he is basic.  It's been tough, with a 4 year old missing her daddy and a now 7 month old little boy who doesn't really know his daddy.

You might be saying to yourself right now that this is awful and how can this really be God's will?  So, here is my answer as I see it and feel it.

One, God has not totally removed the desire for the ministry, He simply has just changed the focus of the desire.  That's not to say that one day we might actually end up doing the other ministry, but we may have been trying to make our desires be God desires.  And, of course, that is impossible.  God's desires surpass us, and to think that we can influence Him is just arrogant and ignorant.  God is the Creator and we are the created.

Second, my husband has grown so much over the last few months.  This time apart has done him good.  He is able to reflect and focus on making himself better without a family in tow.  He also has the motivation he was lacking.  Most of all, his walk with God is better than it was before he left and I thank God for that!  God knows what He is doing even though we might not understand.

Third, I have grown myself.  Like my husband, I have been trying to take this time to be a better mom and a better wife for when we are together as a family again.  This time apart has also brought to my attention my faults and shortcomings.  None is without fault, but it's what you do after realizing your faults that counts.


Last, right now our ministry is in how we handle this tough time apart.  When things are good, our witness isn't as strong or really seen.  However, when we are facing trials, that is when our witness is strongest.  That is when we are most watched.  That is also when we should really be on our guard.  When others see our that we can rejoice, even through pain, that is what really makes people think.


Happiness is fleeting, but the Joy of the Lord is our strength!