Read today’s Inspriration from Rhonda Love:
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8 NLT)
Loneliness is an epidemic and ministry wives aren’t exempt from feeling alone and isolated. I believe “loneliness” is a trap the enemy uses to prevent us from building friendships and trusting one another. Trusting others is probably the greatest challenge we pastor’s wives face.
Years ago before we settled into pastoring we traveled with a singing ministry. It was very sad that we usually located the pastor’s wife by her countenance. I didn’t quite understand at the time. Fast forward twenty-four years, I get it. We don’t plan on being this guarded, we desire friendships within the church but over time things happen that encourage our shut down.
There’s a progression to the island called “Lonely.” It’s subtle, typically we’ve arrived on the island before we realize it.
- Lonely feelings take root in the emotions.
- Isolation.
- Building imaginary walls of protection.
- Remaining isolated is temporary; not intended for long term.
Ladies & Ladies: I’ve found the solution to bulldozing the walls that have kept me safely tucked in and everyone else out, including God:
~Know who you are~
~Know Whose you are~
The following passages are borrowed from Lysa Terkeurst’s book, “Made to Crave”. Spend time marinating in them, let the healing begin. It’s a choice!
(insert your name)
the forgiven child of God (Romans 3:24)
the set-free child of God. (Romans 8:1-2)
the accepted child of God. (1 Corinthians 1:2)
the holy child of God. (1 Corinthians 1:30)
the made-new child of God. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
the loved child of God. (Ephesians 1:4)
the close child of God. (Ephesians 2:13)
the confident child of God. (Ephesians 3:12)
the victorious child of God (Romans 8:37)
Don’t let past disappointments blind you from God’s divine appointment.
Love,
Rhonda
