It's OK For You to Have a Different Ministry Than Your Spouse! Free Reprint Article

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It's OK For You to Have a Different Ministry Than Your Spouse!

by Tonja Taylor
11/30/2022 / Christian Living

4 Now there are distinctive varieties and distributions of endowments (gifts, extraordinary powers distinguishing certain Christians, due to the power of divine grace operating in their souls by the Holy Spirit) and they vary, but the [Holy] Spirit remains the same. 5 And there are distinctive varieties of service and ministration, but it is the same Lord [Who is served]. 6 And there are distinctive varieties of operation [of working to accomplish things], but it is the same God Who inspires and energizes them all in all.--I Corinthians 12:4-6, AMPC

I used to think strong Christian couples had to do everything--especially together, to prove that they were in unity. When both are mature Believers, there is a freedom to go different directions, to the glory of God.

Not only has my dear husband--who loves the LORD with all his heart, body, mind, soul, and strength, and loves me as Christ loves the Church (and who proves that, daily)--not been interested or wanted to help with most of the ideas I've had from the LORD (knowing that they were from God), but I've finally realized it's OK for me to follow what I know I am to do, whether my husand is involved or not.

This used to discourage me, because unity is a huge deal with Believers, especially in marriage.

However, each of us has different gifts. We are not "twinkies" and the LORD created us as He wanted us.

When we know we are following Him with all our hearts; in His Word and prayer daily; attending and being accountable to and covered by a Bible-believing church; worshiping Him with our lives, and staying focused on Him the best we can daily, being quick to repent when He reveals that need to us; then when we are inspired with ideas that stay, and especially grow, we are being led by the LORD and should obey.

Ideas are easy, and come often. However, that does not mean they are from God for us to do. Sometimes we can pick up on what He has for a whole church, or another Believer who is close to us.

If we believe the LORD is leading us to do something--especially if it is bigger than something we've done before (which is usually the way He works--to expand our faith and help us think bigger, and reach more people for Him!)--we should pray and ask for Scriptural confirmation, and even confirmation from other strong Believers, before we act.

The LORD is not in a hurry and will never pressure anyone. He leads us, and He watis to be gracious to us. He knows us better than we know ourselves, and is very patient with us, His precious kiddos.

Praise the LORD!

We do need to learn to obey quickly, when we are sure that we're sure that we're sure that He's told us to do something. That comes with time, as we learn to trust and obey Him more.

There have been times I knew the LORD was telling me to do something, and my spouse was not in agreement. As I got rid of negative emotions, continued to love and serve God and then my husband, and waited on the LORD, almost always my husband would come into agreement.

Through faith and patience, we inherit the Promises.

Be assured and understand that the trial and proving of your faith bring out endurance and steadfastness and patience.--James 1:3, AMPC

Here [comes in a call for] the steadfastness of the saints [the patience, the endurance of the people of God], those who [habitually] keep God’s commandments and [their] faith in Jesus.--Revelation 14:12, AMPC

So, if you know the LORD is leading you to do something, and your spouse is not yet in agreement, release your negative emotions (fear, frustration, bitterness, disapointment, etc.) to the LORD. Ask Him to touch your spouse's heart and give him or her peace and grace about the matter.

The LORD knows how to make things right, and it sometimes takes longer than we want, but may He help us remember that we're not (Thank the LORD!) trying to accomplish things to please the LORD. We already please Him through (and only through!) the Blood of Jesus that covers us (as long as we have truly believed in Christ Jesus as our Savior and LORD, by asking Him to forgive us our sins and cleanse and save us by what His pure blood did to pay for those sins, when He died on the cross over 2,000 years ago!)

Ask Him to help you continue to love and serve your spouse; to yield to His love in you for that person, and to help you see things through their eyes.

Usually, fear is the culprit in disunity about any matter. So rebuke and repent of and renounce fear on your behalf, and (as much as possible, since you are one with your spouse) on behalf of your spouse, for the LORD did not give us the spirit of fear, but power, and love, and a sound mind (self-discipline), in the Name of Jesus! Ask the LORD, Who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, to build the faith of you both; to give you courage to follow Him and be in unity, even if you're not both doing the same thing to bring Him glory and draw others to Him.

Continue to pray over your ministry idea(s), and ask the LORD for greater insight about it. There is always more to learn. Pray for the people who will be involved and touched, even if your spouse is not.

He will work it out. He is faithful forever! As I and my husband have discovered, we are growing closer to God--and enjoying sharing our various adventures as we serve in different ministries--and to each other! It is actually a freeing, refreshing thing!

¹¹For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.--Jeremiah 29:11, AMPC

And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.--Philippians 1:6, AMPC

Through books, courses, presentations, service, prayer, worship, and more, Tonja and her husband live to exalt God. Her series for girls, P.O.W.E.R. GIRL ADVENTURES, is now out (books I-V), along with LEGACY; YOUR HOLY HEALTH: VISIONS OF THE KING, and more. See the "River Rain Creative" YT channel.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

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