Embracing God's Unique Calling in Ministry

 

Summary

In this heartfelt message, I shared my journey of becoming a pastor's wife, a role I initially never envisioned for myself. Under the starlit skies, Pastor Tony Evans revealed to me his calling to be an evangelist, which later evolved into a pastoral calling. This shift required a significant adjustment on my part, as I had not been specifically called to be a pastor's wife. The transition was challenging, taking about two years for me to fully embrace this new role. Despite the initial struggle, my love for God, my husband, and my own calling to ministry sustained me through this period of change.

Reflecting on this journey, I realized that God had a purpose for me that aligned with my unique gifts and skills, even if it didn't fit the traditional mold of a pastor's wife. The scripture from Jeremiah 1:5, which speaks of God's purpose for us even before we are born, became a cornerstone of my faith and understanding. It reminded me that God had placed me exactly where I needed to be, serving alongside Tony while staying true to who He made me to be.

Over the past 36 years, I have seen God work through my life and ministry, affirming that His plans are always perfect. This experience taught me the importance of embracing our God-given identity and trusting in His purpose, even when it seems contrary to our expectations. By leaning into my calling and using my gifts, I have been able to serve effectively and joyfully in ministry, supporting Tony and fulfilling God's plan for my life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embrace God's Unique Calling: Each of us has a unique calling from God that may not fit traditional roles or expectations. Embracing this calling requires faith and trust in God's plan, knowing that He has equipped us with the necessary gifts and skills to fulfill our purpose. [00:48]

2. Trust in God's Timing: The journey to understanding and accepting our calling can take time. It's important to be patient and allow God to work in our hearts, transforming our doubts into confidence in His perfect timing and purpose. [01:19]

3. The Power of Scripture: Scripture can be a powerful source of encouragement and guidance. Jeremiah 1:5 reminds us that God has a plan for us even before we are born, affirming our identity and purpose in Him. [01:55]

4. Support in Ministry: Serving in ministry alongside a spouse requires mutual support and understanding. It's essential to communicate openly and encourage each other in your respective callings, fostering a partnership that honors God. [00:20]

5. God's Faithfulness in Our Journey: Reflecting on our journey with God reveals His faithfulness and provision. Even when the path seems uncertain, trusting in His guidance leads to a fulfilling and impactful ministry. [01:19]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:20] - Tony's Calling to Pastoral Ministry
- [00:48] - Adjusting to a New Role
- [01:19] - Sustained by Love and Calling
- [01:55] - Embracing God's Purpose
- [02:30] - The Power of Scripture
- [03:00] - Serving with Unique Gifts
- [03:30] - Partnership in Ministry
- [04:00] - Trusting God's Plan
- [04:30] - Reflecting on God's Faithfulness

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What was the initial reaction of Lois Evans when Pastor Tony Evans shared his calling to pastoral ministry? How did this impact her personally? [00:20]

2. How long did it take Lois to adjust to her new role as a pastor's wife, and what were the key factors that helped her during this transition? [00:48]

3. According to the sermon, what role did Jeremiah 1:5 play in Lois Evans' understanding of her calling and identity? [01:19]

4. How did Lois Evans describe the use of her unique gifts and skills in her ministry alongside Tony Evans? [01:55]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does Jeremiah 1:5 provide comfort and assurance to individuals who may feel uncertain about their roles or callings in life? [01:19]

2. In what ways did Lois Evans' journey reflect the importance of embracing one's unique calling, even when it doesn't fit traditional expectations? [00:48]

3. How can the concept of mutual support in ministry, as described by Lois Evans, be applied to other partnerships or relationships? [01:55]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between personal calling and the broader purpose God has for each individual? [01:19]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt called to a role or task that didn't align with your expectations. How did you navigate that situation, and what did you learn from it? [00:48]

2. Consider the unique gifts and skills God has given you. How can you use them to serve in your current context, even if it doesn't fit a traditional role? [01:55]

3. How can you support a friend or family member who is struggling to embrace their calling? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [01:55]

4. Think about a period of transition in your life. How did you see God's faithfulness during that time, and how can that experience strengthen your trust in His timing now? [01:19]

5. In what ways can you incorporate scripture, like Jeremiah 1:5, into your daily life to remind you of God's purpose and plan for you? [01:19]

6. How can you and your spouse or close friend work together to support each other's callings and ministries? What specific actions can you take to foster mutual understanding and encouragement? [01:55]

7. Identify an area in your life where you need to trust more in God's plan. What steps can you take this week to surrender that area to Him and seek His guidance? [01:19]

Devotional

Day 1: Embrace Your Unique Calling
Embracing God's unique calling for your life means recognizing that your path may not align with traditional roles or expectations. It requires faith and trust in God's plan, knowing that He has equipped you with the necessary gifts and skills to fulfill your purpose. This journey often involves stepping out of comfort zones and embracing the unknown, trusting that God has a specific role for you that only you can fulfill. As you lean into this calling, you will find that your unique gifts and talents are perfectly suited for the work God has prepared for you. [00:48]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: What unique gifts and talents has God given you, and how can you use them to serve others in a way that aligns with His calling for your life today?


Day 2: Trust in God's Timing
Understanding and accepting your calling can be a journey that takes time. It's important to be patient and allow God to work in your heart, transforming doubts into confidence in His perfect timing and purpose. This process often involves waiting and trusting that God is orchestrating events in your life for a reason. During this time, you may experience growth and transformation that prepares you for the work God has planned. Trusting in God's timing means surrendering your own timeline and expectations, and allowing Him to guide you in His perfect way. [01:19]

"But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day." (2 Peter 3:8, ESV)

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are struggling to trust God's timing? How can you surrender your timeline to Him and find peace in His perfect plan today?


Day 3: The Power of Scripture
Scripture serves as a powerful source of encouragement and guidance, reminding us of God's purpose for our lives. Jeremiah 1:5 speaks to the truth that God has a plan for us even before we are born, affirming our identity and purpose in Him. Engaging with Scripture allows us to hear God's voice and understand His will for our lives. It provides comfort and direction, especially during times of uncertainty or doubt. By immersing ourselves in God's Word, we can find the strength and wisdom needed to navigate our journey with faith and confidence. [01:55]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate more time in Scripture into your daily routine, and what specific passage can you meditate on this week to encourage and guide you?


Day 4: Support in Ministry
Serving in ministry alongside a spouse or partner requires mutual support and understanding. It's essential to communicate openly and encourage each other in your respective callings, fostering a partnership that honors God. This involves recognizing and appreciating each other's unique gifts and contributions, and working together to fulfill God's purpose. By supporting one another, you create a strong foundation for effective and joyful ministry, allowing both individuals to thrive in their roles and make a meaningful impact. [00:20]

"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: How can you better support your spouse or partner in their ministry or calling, and what specific actions can you take this week to encourage and uplift them?


Day 5: God's Faithfulness in Our Journey
Reflecting on your journey with God reveals His faithfulness and provision. Even when the path seems uncertain, trusting in His guidance leads to a fulfilling and impactful ministry. God's faithfulness is evident in the way He orchestrates events and provides for our needs, often in unexpected ways. By looking back on your journey, you can see how God has been present and active in your life, guiding you towards His purpose. This reflection strengthens your faith and encourages you to continue trusting in His perfect plan. [01:19]

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Reflection: Take a moment to reflect on your journey with God. How has He shown His faithfulness to you, and how can you use this reflection to strengthen your trust in His future plans for your life?

Quotes

"Hi, I'm Lois Evans, and I'm happy to come to you today to talk about a ministry that's dear to my heart. And that's the Pastor's Wives Ministry. You know, under the starlit skies, Pastor Tony Evans told me that God had called him to be an evangelist. God had called me to ministry as well but not specifically to be a pastor's wife." [00:00:00]

"So when Pastor came home and shared with me that God had changed his passion, God had changed his calling to being a pastor, I thought he was kidding. But after serious conversation, I realized that he was really honestly telling me the truth. So things changed, and I had an adjustment period of about two years of adjusting to the fact that I had to be this lady that I thought I could never be, simply because of the gifts God had given me that didn't really naturally match what I had grown up seeing of a pastor's wife." [00:20:30]

"But because of my calling and Tony's calling and our love for the Lord, we started as a pastor and pastor's wife 36 years ago in our home. So for the first two years, again, my calling kept me going, my love for my husband kept me going, and most importantly, and first really, my love for the Lord kept me going, because just maybe, just maybe, this is what He had in mind when He called me to minister even before I met Tony Evans." [00:58:02]

"I remember just sharing with Tony, 'Um, I am not sure this is going to work for me, because what I'm being asked to do doesn't match who God's made me to be.' And he reminded me of the scripture that I share with women today that transformed and changed my life, and that's Jeremiah 1:5, 'Before I was placed in my mother's womb...'" [01:24:00]

"This is exactly where God wanted me 36 years ago, to serve alongside Tony but executing and using my gifts and skills in ministry. So God showed Himself real with me executing who I am and who He made me to be in ministry as a helpmate alongside Tony Evans." [01:48:56]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Apr 17, 2013. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?