What if this is it?
What if I'm the only Bible that some people read? What is the message they receive?
What if someone is looking to me to see an example of Christ?
How often do I fail them?
Me, your pastor, Billy Graham, John Piper, the neighbor next door... we're all a work in progress--saved by nothing but the grace of God. Oh how we fail.
I'll never be an example of perfection, but I can point you toward a perfect God who transforms those who believe through His Son.
I don't have a flawless past, and I doubt I'll have a flawless future--but I can point you toward the grace of God that says, "Neither do I condemn you, go and sin no more."
If you've been hurt by people. If you've been hurt by the church. If you've been hurt by your own sinful desires, take your eyes off this world because you won't find fulfillment in anything less than faith in Jesus Christ.
Yesterday afternoon I received a letter of encouragement from a reader (Rachel). I don't know what you would call this. A word of prophecy perhaps? It came at a time when I was doubting my ability to serve in this ministry.
I was having one of those days when I start believing the voices that tell me that I can't write. When I started listening to the voices that remind me how I'm a sinner unworthy to deliver a message of hope. Why would God use a cracked vessel like me who has failed Him, when there are so many women more equipped to share the Gospel with you? Why am I here?
I pray. I weep. I immerse myself in the Word day after day hoping that I might be worthy of this calling. But without fail He always brings me right back to grace. And thus far He continues to use me here at Time-Warp Wife.
This is the message I found in my inbox. Tears streaming down as I share them with you:
You will know me in a deeper way because you will be following me, one step at a time. My Word is a lamp unto your feet and a light unto your path. Take one step at a time, allow me to cultivate in you a spirit of humility, discernment, kindness, and hope. Hope for women who may feel like they have no hope at all.And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. - 2 Corinthians 12:9
Hope for a generation of younger wives... For it is your calling to teach them how to love their husbands and children.
Yes, Indeed I speak to your heart in the small things. In the baking of bread and the washing of floors, in the mending of clothes and the guiding of little hearts. Listen each day. The small things in life that bring you such joy are the same things in which I will speak to you.
You are my child in whom I am well pleased. Continue on your journey, my sweet daughter. This journey of joyfully serving your family and in teaching other women, but do not rush. Abide in my love and you will bear much fruit.
Amen.
Keep your eyes on the Lord, walk in His grace, and remember that you may be the only Bible some people read.
You are loved by an almighty God,
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I'm sitting here reading this with tears streaming down my face! I just had a talk with my husband this morning about feeling like the little things don't matter. I'm experiencing "empty nest" for the first time--but not with college age kids. With my elementary kids! My baby went to Kdg. this year, so now I have a 5th, 3rd, and Kdg. I was fine for the first month after school started, as I had a lot to do each day. But this week is the first week I've been home all day and am starting to lose my mind!! I am looking at piles of laundry, dishes in the sink, cleaning that needs to be done and thinking, "Is this IT? Is this the rest of my life? Am I really just a maid now, at least during the day while the kids are gone?" I'm struggling to see how God can use this time for Him and for me. I'm scared for the future and where He wants me to go.
ReplyDeleteBut this "Yes, Indeed I speak to your heart in the small things. In the baking of bread and the washing of floors, in the mending of clothes and the guiding of little hearts. Listen each day. The small things in life that bring you such joy are the same things in which I will speak to you.
You are my child in whom I am well pleased. Continue on your journey, my sweet daughter. This journey of joyfully serving your family and in teaching other women, but do not rush. Abide in my love and you will bear much fruit." spoke so much truth to me that I can't thank you enough! I know the little things matter, I know he's here with me each day, and I know He'll show me my next steps! This was the boost I needed this morning and I'll be taking this with me all day :)
Thank you sweet sister!
Nichole from Indiana
Oh, gosh Darlene, I'm so glad that a kind soul sent you that prayer when you needed it. It's beautifully prayed and undeniably true. I am very thankful for your ministry...both at home and in cyberspace. How humbling to realize that we "may be the only Bible some people read and the only Jesus some people see"! As I often notice...words are just words, but when they are skillfully woven together into sentences, they can be life changing. That quote is a perfect example.
ReplyDeleteIn His Grace~ Ellen
This is very encouraging to me. I just started a blog only a few weeks ago and I am already wrestling with such thoughts. Am I equipped? Why would they listen to me? But you are right, if we are abiding in Him we are connected to the only one who is Holy and what they see is us will only be Him. I am very encouraged by your writing and you were a part of the inspiration that led me to begin writing. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMelissa King
Dearest Darlene, This post tugs at my heart so much. God truly has given you a gift and it is through these gifts that my eyes have been opened. My marriage is changing into what it should have been all along. With your guidance and encouragement through Christ I have found my path as a help meet and as the mother that I should have been. I just want you to know that I see our Lord in you and the words your write everyday. Thank you so much and glory be to God!
ReplyDeleteYou are fearfully & wonderfully made,
Tori DeHaven
Thank you so much for your encouragement and your honesty. I am also a mother of four, three of whom are still at home. I am not a "young" mother (50) and my husband and I have been married for 27 years but I still struggle with so many things. Your honesty and reminder of Gods Grace really help me to keep going. It reminds me that I am not the only one that struggles. I have to work full time and I am just tired but I am reminded to keep looking to the Lord and his strength. Thank you and God Bless!!
ReplyDeleteDeanna
Washington State
Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt is His perfection in you that He uses through your brokenness. He "leaks" through the breaks as he heals them. Write on.
Y
Amen, Thank so much! God Bless Your Families and Friends! I Love Jesus, because He Loved me First!
ReplyDeleteDarlene, I have been following your posts for almost 1 year now. Last November I bought your book and it brought my husband and I back from the edge, and now our relationship is so beautiful. I have fully embraced being a time-warp wife, and I now follow many other wonderful blogs and it all started here... looking for some guidance... and I found your writing. I do not own a bible, I read what I can on the internet, "What if I'm the only Bible that some people read? What is the message they receive?" You ARE the only bible I read, and the message is wonderful, warming, and so genuine. I have become a different woman, and a happier wife and mother. I never post, but I felt I had tell you how much you have touched my life, when you wrote the above quote in your blog. Thank you!
ReplyDelete