“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people, that I am going to do these things, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you have gone. I will show the holiness of my great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, when I show myself holy through you before their eyes.’” Ezekiel 36:22-23
There was a song our kids would sing that said, “He’s Still Working on Me.” Although the tune was perhaps intended for children, the words belong to you and me. “He’s still working on me… Oh, how patient He must be… Took Him just a week to make the sun and stars… Jupiter and Mars. Oh, how patient He must be… ‘cause He’s still working on me.”
The thought that any ministry for you or your mate is all over because of Satan’s attack on your family is not of God. It is the enemy’s lie, born in the pits of Hell. God will always be working on you and your spouse. If the enemy cannot destroy your marriage, he will attempt to destroy your ministry.
That ministry begins in your own home. If you have children still at home, they need the ministering that only you can provide. Your spouse needs the ministering that only you can provide. There is a lost and hurting world that needs the ministering that only you can provide. Don’t believe the lie that your opportunities to minister are over. Ministry is about sharing Christ in your everyday life, and it is not about running a non-profit or having a huge platform.
…For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. Philippians 2:13
A great starting place for ministry to others is with your own testimony. It may not be necessary for you and your mate to stand and confess every detail aloud on that first Sunday you’re back together. Being able to praise God for your marriage restoration is most important.
It is crucial that you and your mate proceed into your personal ministry at the same pace. If your returned prodigal is uncomfortable sharing your family’s story for years, wait until the Lord moves on their heart. Your marriage could be damaged and possibly destroyed if one mate shares too much detailed testimony before the other is ready.
Pray about your spouse becoming comfortable with using your restoration story to help others. Don’t force or manipulate that one you love in an attempt to move the process along. Ask God to touch a heart. After all, isn’t that the way your mate came home? Your prodigal may be uncomfortable sharing at all, but it may give you encouragement to share your story with others. Sharing your testimony is not about telling people all your dirty secrets but sharing what Christ can do in a person’s life.
We love testimonies of restored marriages. Others also love those testimonies because they provide hope. When we ask a recently restored couple to share their testimony, that first acceptance often comes with some hesitancy.
An important area of ministry is available to you even if your spouse hasn’t reached the point of public testimony. You need to be praying each time a couple gives their testimony. Ask the Lord to use their words. Ask Him to block words that need not be said or that could harm someone. Ask that His anointing is on the testifying couple. Then, by faith, you may see in the days ahead that you and your spouse will stand and share your testimony.
Another important concept about your ministry and your testimony needs to be carefully and prayerfully discussed with your mate. How much detail do you share? You would be hard-pressed to find a dozen people who know the name of anyone Bob was involved with while divorced. Yet hundreds, if not thousands, of people know of his victories over many circumstances and situations. Ask God to help you and your spouse find His will for revealing your family’s circumstances. Your testimony can be a blessing and an encouragement to someone whom no one else could ever touch.
What does the Lord desire for our restored families and ministries? His desire is that He receives glory through our restoration and that we share with others what He has done.
Long before he came home, Bob wrote words that he sensed the Lord would be pleased to have him write. His words affirmed that prodigals do come home. Little did he realize that manuscript would be the launching pad for a ministry that would touch thousands of couples worldwide.
As you see God’s will for your restored marriage, be like Paul on the Damascus Road. After the Lord had gotten his attention, Paul asked, “Lord, what would you have me do?” The Lord replied, “Get up. Go into the city and it will be told you what to do.” The rest is history as Paul became one of the apostles most used by the Lord.
You and your spouse have been knocked for a loop by marriage interruption. Perhaps you’re still stunned and asked the Lord what He would have you do. His answer remains the same as was Paul’s: “Get up, go into the city, and it will be told you what to do.”
Our Lord leads each step of the way. Trust in Him. Seek His will and His ways. Reflect His love. Flee from Satan. Your days of ministry have not ended. You have a powerful story to share for years to come.
God bless,
