I want to start this devotional thought by asking you a poignant question: Is it worth it?

I mean, really? Let us lay aside the façade. The Sabbath clothes. The pastoral spouse privileges. I am sure you can, like the familiar hymn, "name them one by one" ….seriously! And ask yourself again, is it worth it?

The reality is your spouse's job is subjectively hard. You will be criticized, advised, publicly shamed, praised but talked about at the Sabbath lunch table and more. And where does this leave you?

Undoubtedly, we are warned in Scripture that in the last days humanity will have a form of godliness but be “unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good…” (2 Timothy 3:2, 3, NKJV). We are ministering in hard days!

Is it worth it?

No doubt there are perks. Flexible hours. Working for the Lord. Serving and working with amazing people. Seeing individuals come to know Christ! Changed lives!! And the list goes on.

In my experience of standing by my husband these 37 years in ministry, there is no greater joy than knowing God is changing lives.

Christian author Lysa Terkurst states: "We will steer where we stare." So, here is my next question: What are we focusing on in ministry? The joys or the sorrows? Because that, my friend, will reveal the answer to our "Is it worth it?" question.

Our focus determines our destination.

I hope you will join me in saying, "No matter the challenges, the pain, the accusations, and more, it is worth it."

"Well done!" is what we all long to hear. May you and I be found faithful until He comes.

If you find yourself saying more frequently than you care to admit, "It is not worth it," these resources are available for you to get help.




Malinda