It was the first weekend in May and I was so excited as I was packing for an overnight trip in Pigeon Forge. My daughter was going to be in Dolly Parton’s homecoming parade representing her title, “Miss Smokey Mountain” totsy queen. I was sad to be leaving my husband behind, but looking forward to some girl time with my best friend. While we were at the parade, I received an email from my Sunday school teacher asking if anyone would be willing to teach the class the following weekend. I immediately thought to myself, “I can do it! God has been teaching me so much about marriage in the past few months, I would love to share it with others!” After thinking that, the devil put thoughts of doubt in my head and I began to question my ability. I remember saying under my breath, “I’m a woman, I’m too young, and God I’m not qualified.” I decided that I wouldn’t respond until after praying more on the subject. That night when I went to bed I told God I only wanted His will for my life and asked Him to help me make the right decision.
At 5am that next morning I was awakened out of my sleep as God began forming a lesson for the class in my mind. He revealed to me the topic He wanted me to teach on and specific priniciples that needed to be shared. I was in awe that God chose me to bring forth His word. I emailed my teacher back and told him what had happened. He was as excited as I was and he quickly got the approval for me to be a “fill in” from our pastor. I was confused as to why God wanted me to speak about pain and suffering and not marriage. Pain and suffering was something I knew all too well about since I had discovered my husband had an affair, but still I would have chosen another topic.
That next Sunday arrived and I was eager and nervous. My husband who normally didn’t attend church, was there to support me fully. One by one church members began filling up the fellowship hall to hear my lesson. My opening statement was this:
“Today I want to talk about pain and suffering that we have to go through sometimes in our lives. Why does God allow us to go through such hard times and how can we deal with the hurt and pain inside? First off I want to share with you that 4 1/2 months ago Richie and I hit rock bottom in our marriage. We were both very unhappy and had decided to separate, but because of God we agreed to work things out and God completely restored our marriage. Some of the things that were said and done at that time, filled my heart with a pain that I thought was unbearable. I don’t know how many times I sat in my car asking God, Why me? Why do I have to go through this? Lord please take this from me! But deep down I knew that everything I was going through would make me stronger and be used to glorify God. Maybe you’re going through something today; maybe you’ve lost your job, you’re having health issues, financial issues, marriage issues, or maybe someone really close to you has betrayed you and hurt your feelings. Whatever it is, just know that God has a reason for allowing you to go through it. Whatever the devil means to harm you, God will use it for good.”
Before I even got into the lesson several people had tears streaming down their face. Some because they felt my pain, others because they walked into the room with a heavy burden on their heart. I started off explaining the suffering that Jesus went through so that we could have salvation. Matthew 27:27-31 says, Then the governer’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem. Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering, yet we considered him punished by God, stricken by him, and afflicted. But he was peirced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquites; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:3-5)
After reading what all Jesus had endured on Earth, I felt a little ashamed for endulging in self-pity and complaining about the trials I was going through. My husband had betrayed me, but Jesus himself was betrayed by Judas and denied by Peter three times. Instead of feeling sorrowful, I should have been rejoicing. James 1:2-4 says, Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverence. Let perseverence finish it’s work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. I knew that not only was God doing all those things in me, but He also wanted to use me to help others in the same situation I was in.
I told the class that no matter how difficult our circumustances get, God wants us to always maintain the right attitude, right spirit, and right heart. God wants us to have hope and trust in Him. “But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him.” (Jeremiah 17:7)
After class a lady walked up to me and said, “If this lesson wasn’t meant for anyone else I want you to know it was meant for me.” She explained how it was everything she needed to hear. My heart was so full of joy and I was so thankful God had given me such a wonderful opportunity to share my testimony and share His word. After that day I filled in a few more times for the class and then eventually was asked to be the new teacher. It has been such a blessing and I thank God daily for using me to help strengthen other marriages.
I want to encourage you in two ways today:
1) Whatever you feel God is calling you to do or be don’t let the devil fill your head with lies that you’re not good enough. It doesn’t matter your age, race, gender, background, or education. If God is calling you, He will equip you!
2) You will have to endure pain and suffering in this world and maybe a lot in your marriage, but never forget that God can use your misery and turn it into your ministry. Often pain is the preview to pleasure.
Jesus said, ” I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this word you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
..weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning. (Psalms 30:5)
Classes are held every Sunday for pre-married and married couples at Cross Connection Church 6812 Lafayette Rd. Chickamauga Ga 30707 from 10am-11am. I’m also hosting my first marriage conference in February. If you would like more info please follow me at www.facebook.com/transformedwife or email me at rachel@transformedwife.com