I was a pastor's wife when my husband went to be with the Lord. We were a team and did the majority of our ministry together. It was almost immediately evident that my role in life, the church, and ministry would change.

 

Three Bible passages were extremely important to me while the changes were occurring.

    

Psalm 46:20 says, "Be still, and know that I am God, I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." It was very important to realize God was in control and knew what was best for my husband and me. 

 

I needed to be able to rest and heal from my loss. I needed a way to tell what I was feeling. I had a good friend who would just listen to me talk about my husband and what I was feeling. I also wrote songs and poetry. If these outlets aren’t available for you, I highly recommend journaling. It lets you put on paper what is in your heart. While resting I received great joy knowing the ministries we performed during his illness and after his death were still bringing glory to God. I was given time to heal.

   

I am not a person who remains still for long periods and it was time to go back to work. What ministries could I perform without my partner. No longer could I be his assistant as he pastored the church and I wasn't an evangelist. Ephesians 4:11-12 tells us that God gives different abilities to different people for the purpose of edifying the body and perfecting the saints. God had given me talents in music, working with all age groups and a love for teaching missions. I didn't loose these talents when I got married, rather learned new methods to perform them. I continue to this day to work in these areas. God also gave me a desire to see my husband's ministry continue so I started a scholarship fund at Golden Gate Seminary which allows Christians to be trained and continues God's work in my husband's name.

    

Lastly, I leaned and continue to lean on Philippians 4:13 and 19 which state, "I can do all things through Christ which strengthen me... But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

 

I firmly believe that God has a plan for our lives and takes us home only when our work is completed. If I pray and God leads me to specific ministries, He will give me the ability and resources to perform each ministry.

    

If you have lost a spouse, I hope that this helps in some way to show you how important you still are to God and that you can still minister in His name.

 

Book Recommendation: When Grief is Your Constant Companion: God’s Grace for a Woman’s Heartache by Carolyn Rhea, New Hope Publishers. To order: www.wmustore.com