Jean, a newly-ordained pastor...
Illustration
Jean, a newly-ordained pastor, was appointed to serve her first church. She has answered God's call, and every decision she made was based on whether or not it was faithful to that call.
Initially, her husband had agreed with her and supported her goal. However, at the last minute, he informed her that he would not be comfortable as a pastor's spouse. She would have to choose between her marriage and the church, because he was not willing to relocate. He left the house in anger.
Jean was torn. As she prepared for bed, alone, she dropped to her knees and poured out her heart to God. "Oh God, what shall I do? My beloved husband is going to leave me. But how can I be disobedient to you? And how can I let my husband go?" Her breath came out in deep sobs. Eventually she fell into a fitful sleep, still wrestling with indecision, and the peace she sought would not come.
Finally, a strange quietness brought relief to her spirit. A voice penetrated her consciousness saying, "Jean, my child, do not be afraid to go to the church. The Holy Spirit will deal with your husband. Leave all that business to me." She then sank into a peaceful sleep.
Her husband was there when she awoke, and said, "I'm sorry I left in such a huff. We'll do this together. I'm satisfied that this is where we belong."
Initially, her husband had agreed with her and supported her goal. However, at the last minute, he informed her that he would not be comfortable as a pastor's spouse. She would have to choose between her marriage and the church, because he was not willing to relocate. He left the house in anger.
Jean was torn. As she prepared for bed, alone, she dropped to her knees and poured out her heart to God. "Oh God, what shall I do? My beloved husband is going to leave me. But how can I be disobedient to you? And how can I let my husband go?" Her breath came out in deep sobs. Eventually she fell into a fitful sleep, still wrestling with indecision, and the peace she sought would not come.
Finally, a strange quietness brought relief to her spirit. A voice penetrated her consciousness saying, "Jean, my child, do not be afraid to go to the church. The Holy Spirit will deal with your husband. Leave all that business to me." She then sank into a peaceful sleep.
Her husband was there when she awoke, and said, "I'm sorry I left in such a huff. We'll do this together. I'm satisfied that this is where we belong."
