“Karen’s Notes!
Insights from a Glory-Bound Lady”

Selected Notes
Volume 3 Number 29 “In Honor of Your Pastor’s Wife”

August 5, 2020

Years ago, Karen and I were invited to speak to pastors and wives at a retreat sponsored by the Practical Bible College. We were so honored to be invited, and there we were reacquainted with friends from long ago as well as we met many pastoral couples new to us. I was to speak several times to the couples. However, in one of the sessions, Karen spoke to the ladies and I spoke to the men. From Karen’s notes that she prepared for the pastors’ wives I want to share with you today. It is my intention for the next several weeks to honor the faithful wives of pastors all across the United States and around the world.

Karen’s outline for the workshop:
1. Preparing for disappointments
2. Sharing our disappointments
3. Caring through our disappointments

Karen’s introduction: Does it sometimes appear to you that nobody cares about your needs and your heartaches? Does it seem that nobody is listening? Take heart! God has a plan for you and He cares. He wants to make Himself REAL to you as you face your disappointments.

Hurts and disappointments come in a great variety. They can range from a broken dinner engagement to the loss of a loved one. It can “hurt” for a moment or the pain can continue for months. Because we don’t know what crisis might be waiting, we must be prepared. Before the disappointment or crisis strikes, determine in your heart:

1. God is in control. “…know that the most High rules in the kingdom of men…” (Daniel 4:32). As a child holds his or her parent’s hand, so we can know that God is holding us. “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness” (Isaiah 41:10).

Michael’s observation: The things that were in Karen’s workshop notes for the pastors’ wives are certainly true and very important for each of us. But men and ladies, I want you to consider your pastor’s wife. I hope that you deeply appreciate her and the ministry which God has entrusted to her. Seldom does the pastor and wife’s phone ring with good news. At a moment’s notice, emergencies arise, heartaches strike, plans change in the lives of the pastor and his wife. Be encouraged by the truth that God is in control and holds us. Be an encouragement to your pastor’s wife. I can hardly wait to share the next two things in Karen’s outline. I’ll tell you this: they’re really good!