May 30, 2011 Devotional

Square Peg, Round Hole

In our first year of marriage God spoke to me during prayer and told me my husband was going to be a pastor.  My reaction wasn't what you would call "heavenly." I told God, "That may be true, but you called the wrong girl to be his wife!" I thought, "Why didn't you tell me this before we got married?"
 
I knew plenty of girls in our church that would love to be a pastor's wife, so why me? I didn't want this. All the pastor's wives I knew were extremely nice, petite and always seemed to be from the South.  I'm a 5'10" Northern girl and can be a bit on the sarcastic side.  I thought I didn't fit.
 
As the years went on, I kept what God told me in my heart, without telling anyone.  We'd been a part of three different churches because of my husband's job promotions and relocations.  Each church we were in God would remind me of what He said, but I'd reply, "No Lord, not here.  I can't do it."
 
Then it finally happened. 17 years into our marriage God told my husband in an audible voice that he was called to the full-time ministry. You can't really ignore that! I had peace about starting our ministry in the church we were in, but I didn't realize I was called to be working right alongside him!
 
So many times I feel unequipped to be in the position I am in, but God reminds me in His Word that he will equip me and strengthen me (Hebrews 13:21). If I lack wisdom, He will give it to me (James 1:5).  He has given me His Holy Spirit to direct and guide me (John 16:7).
 
He has taught me not to live by the feelings I have but by what His Word says I am and can be. I don't need to be everything to everybody; I just need to be willing and obedient, and He will work through me. God does give us the grace and ability to do the job He has put before us. We come in all shapes, sizes and personalities so that we can reach people of all shapes, sizes and personalities!

Cathy Bartell

Faith Family Church
Victoria, TX
www.faithfamilyvictoria.org