When I was a little girl my mother took me to church almost every Sunday. I loved church, I loved Sunday school, and I quickly became obsessed with the Bible. I spent a lot of days as a child memorizing scriptures, studying the different stories in the Bible, and quoting what I had learned in front of the whole church. I sang in the youth choir, participated in plays, and became the leader of a girl’s group called Rachel’s Reapers. I even wrote a poem once about God. It was so deep and so touching, that not only did everyone who read it cry, but I sent it off and it was published weeks later. Deep down I always knew that God was equipping me for something great. That one day I would be more than just a Christian who attends church on a regular basis, gives offering, and prays for her friends. Finally, after going through years of a bad marriage, being a bad wife, being lied to, betrayed, and cheated on, then being completely transformed into a new woman, a new wife; I can now say I know without a doubt, that I am called to a ministry that’s way beyond me. Something I never dreamed of or imagined would be part of God’s plan for my life.

Back in May of this year, God really began opening doors for me to minister to other women who have dealt with infidelity and other relationship issues. Women who have been hurt so deep, that the pain lingered on inside of them. I started reconnecting with old friends who I hadn’t seen in a while. Listening to their problems, praying for them, and speaking words of encouragement. Women started reaching out to me through Facebook, asking for marriage advice. Coworkers started coming to me for guidance and inspiration. Suddenly, the focus was not just on me and what I was dealing with, but on all the women I could help. I started witnessing more, sharing the gospel. My husband and I went from praying just about our marriage, to praying for other marriages as well. The more I obeyed God by pouring into the lives of others, the more God used me. For His word says, “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much..”(Luke 16:10). 

We know that God has a plan for each of our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”(Jeremiah 29:11). And we know that God will use what Satan tries to destroy us with, and turn it around for good. Romans 8:28 says, …In all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Therefore, we should not be so discouraged when bad things happen to us, when we have to endure hardships. I know it’s not always easy being happy when our world seems to be turned upside down, but if we put our hope in the Lord, our strength to keep going will be renewed. (Isaiah 40:31). We have to come to a place in our walk with God, where we decide to surrender everything. That means completely trusting him with our lives, with our marriage, with our kids, and with our finances. On the day my husband and I were trying to decide whether or not to give our marriage one more chance, before I knew about the affair, I remember saying to Richie, “No matter what happens I will get through it because of my faith in God.” Even if my husband would have left me, I still would proclaim victory. True victory is when we accept God’s will no matter what that may be. Joseph is a perfect example. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and thrown into prison, yet he never lost his faith in God. He even asked the other prisoners, ..”Why do you look so sad today?”(Gen 40:7). Because Joseph remained a faithful servant and trusted the Lord, he became a ruler over Egypt and saved thousands during the famine including all of his family.

I don’t know about you, but I want to be like Joseph. I’ve decided that instead of being consumed about what others have done to me, I will keep my eyes on what God is doing for me. You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. (Genesis 50:20). Not only did God save my marriage, but he is using my husband and I to help save other marriages. God can use whatever we are going through to teach us, mature us, and make us more like him, and to help others in similar situations. Even when things don’t make sense and we don’t know what God is doing, we can know that he’s always up to something good. That God loves us and wants the best for us. Give God your hurt and your pain as an offering. Ask him to take it and bring forth a harvest. A harvest of joy and gladness. Something that will bring Glory to his name. Even in the midst of your trial, let everyday be a new opportunity to witness to someone, pray with someone, and lift someone else up.

Daniel went in the Lion’s den, Moses went through the wilderness, Shadrach, Meshach, and  Abednego went in the fiery furnace, and Paul and Silas were thrown in prison. What are you going through today? Is your marriage near divorce? Is your health report bad? Are your kids into trouble? Is your bank account empty? Whatever is is, God will bring you out of your mess. He will make you more stronger and more courageous than ever. God can make your marriage better than it ever was. I know because he’s done it for me. Just don’t give up. Don’t lose heart. Fear not for I am with you; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous hand. (Isaiah 41:10). 

“You’ll get through this. It won’t be painless it won’t be quick. But God will use this mess for good. In the meantime don’t be foolish or naive. But don’t despair either. With God’s help you will get through this.”-Max Lucado

It’s The Will Of God

When heartaches dim the sunlight and roads are rough to trod, try not to show your discontent, for it’s the will of God. God works in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform, and to his will each one of, must always conform. I know it’s difficult to see the good in tragic things, yet from the hardships of this life, untold treasures spring. All things both good and bad are part of God’s almighty plan, a test to see if we are worthy of his holy clan. The will of God governs the world, he holds us in his hand. Give your love and he will give you faith to understand.-Ben Burroughs

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog. I pray you have been encouraged! Please feel free to contact me for prayer or concerns. Please like my page at www.facebook.com/transformedwife and subscribe to my email for future posts. Classes are held weekly at 6812 Lafayette Rd. Chickamauga, Ga 30707. For  more info email me at Rachel@transformedwife.com