He's Gotten The Victory!

In "Other" Words
This week's quote is:
"At the heart of the story stands the crossof Christ where evil didits worst and met its match."~ John Wenham ~

A survey question asked of a group of ministers’ wives, “If you could live your life over would you make the same life choices again?

Would I choose to marry a man who became a pastor and walk down the difficult, sometimes heart-breaking path of the minister’s wife?

Hmm. I had to think about that question with all its ramifications. In the ministry we have seen the worst the enemy can throw at people –in the lives of the lost, in the lives of our church family and in our own family.

We’ve sat at the bedside of those suffering as they died. We’ve seen the angry look in the eyes of teenagers who are hooked on drugs, but refuse to accept Christ because of hurts and judgments Christians have heaped on them. We’ve seen the hopelessness in the eyes of the mentally ill, wondering if Jesus could possibly love them in their state of mind. So much evil in the world that causes so much pain. And the list goes on.

Yet, in the heart of the believer is the Christ of the cross Who has the final word by bringing beauty out of the ashes. The cross made way for the resurrection. Death gave way to life; but not just life – it gave way to abundant life!

In spite of all the tears I’ve cried in the ministry over the evil; in spite of all the times I felt crushed because evil won a particular battle, I’ve seen Him rise out of the ashes and do amazing things. I’ve experienced an amazing joy!

Many times, I’ve seen death become a celebration of life as believers passed on, yet rather than mourning, their families celebrated life and hope. I’ve seen miracles and answers to prayer up close and personal. But there’s no greater joy and victory than rejoicing with the angels over one soul that finds new life in Jesus.

For me personally, what Satan meant for evil, Jesus has used in such a marvelous way, I can stand before Him with a thankful heart. Today I am able to minister to women who’ve been hurt by their past. Together, my husband and I minister to those young pastors and wives who’ve suffered painful experiences in ministry and are on the verge of giving up. We wouldn’t have those ministries if the enemy hadn’t thrown his worst at us.

If I had it to do over again, would I make the same life choices? Would I choose ministry as a career path? I would have to answer, “YES!” Because in spite of everything, “He’s gotten the victory. Hurrah!” (Hinds Feet In High Places)

If you would like to join us on: Tuesday, April 3rd
Visit "Sting My Heart" to read her take on the quote and to leave your link along with the other participants.

http://www.eph2810.com/