Do you have any advice for this? Can you help me figure this out? I need….

Do you have any advice for this? Can you help me figure this out? I need….

These are all phrases minister wives hear when talking with church members. The position we hold is one of trust. People trust you. Members want your advice. You are a safe spot for them. Wow! What an honor! And also, if I’m being honest, can also be a spot of stress.

We want to give the right advice. We want to lend a helping hand. But, what if we say something wrong. Or what if we hurt a member’s feelings? Will my husband get in trouble for my words? And why do they think the minister’s wife is the one with all the answers?…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV

I want to encourage you as you lean into your role as a trusted mentor and friend. Pray. And I know each of you are praying women already, but hear me out. When someone comes to you with a problem, before speaking…pray. When someone needs your advice…before you spit out what YOU think they need to hear…pray. Ask God what HE wants them to hear and then stop to listen expecting God to answer. Even if this means that you tell them, you will get back to them. Let them know you want to go to the Father on their behalf before giving them your earthly wisdom. I think they all would appreciate you telling them you want to find heavenly wisdom for them.

When we go to the Father before speaking, we lean not on our own understanding. We trust that what we say is coming from Him. Then, our burden of “what if I said something wrong,” becomes light because we know God was the one helping us guide.

Your position is one to hold so close to your heart and thank God for trusting you with it! He wants you to lean on Him and not carry others burdens alone. You are an encouragement to so many! Thank God for that, and go to Him on the behalf of others.

- Kadee Jenkins, Nashville, TN