For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities.”
When pastors’ wives feel like giving up. *sigh*
Anyone in the role of First Lady of a church (or senior pastor’s wife) will tell you people can be “sometimey”. One day you’re the queen of the world, doing everything right, everyone’s superstar, and the next you’re the worst thing that came to the church. No wonder pastors’ wives feel like giving up sometimes. Dealing with people can be…a hot mess. I wanted to find a “pretty” word, but that one fits.
People are “wishy-washy” and that can stress out pastors wives.
Don’t you think deep-rooted in human nature is man’s ability to be well…wishy-washy? I do. Just look throughout scripture. One moment David is praising God for all His blessings and the next he’s stealing someone’s wife.
What about Elijah? Not long after his victory over the idol worshipers, he was crying in the desert questioning the purpose of his very being. Yep, we’re “sometimey” creatures.
As women (in the fishbowl) we can be particularly burdened with the weighty struggles associated with being senior pastor’s wives. Most congregants can’t fathom the loneliness, challenge, and distresses in our lives- they see only the blessings, favor, and position.
Ahhhhhh, but there’s so much more to it than that, as you know. There are the hospital visits, the horrible things that happen to your church loved ones, the confidential secrets you keep. Oh yeah, what about the times you make plans only to have something bad happen in the congregation.
It hurts me so much when they hurt that I have had times we didn’t even go on vacation because something happened to a church member. It can be a lot. Sometimes, the unimaginable burdens can make the strongest of Christian pastors’ wives ask “did God call me to this?”
The only One who really matters sees you.
But, God knows. He sees you. He allowed you to be exactly where you are for a very specific, divine reason.
He sees your faithfulness behind the scenes and the secret sacrifices you make every single day.
He’s proud of you for remaining constant through the trouble and standing firm for His righteousness.
He understands the tears of disappointment and bottles each and every one because He loves you so much. You’re not forgotten, forsaken, or fighting these battles alone.
People may be hot one moment and then lukewarm another, but your biggest Cheerleader never is. Try to keep your focus on Him and not the church people, ok?
Remain faithful to Him, His Laws, and His expectations without wavering and you’ll be blessed, promoted, and effective in all you do for the Kingdom.
Amen?
For You have considered my trouble;
You have known my soul in adversities.”
Pastors’ wives feel like giving up, but worship will re-charge you!
I feel like giving up right now. Nothing Is helping. I’m getting to a point where I’m questioning everything..
I’m so sorry. Please hang in there and continue to trust Jesus and pray. Be not weary, you can’t get through this. You’re strong because He lives inside of you. You know what else? Many, many women can relate and have been there, including me. Please turn to someone in your community you can talk to. I’m praying for you. I really am.