Monday's Marriage Moment - So Many Responsibilities!

No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.
-1 Corinthians 10:13 (MSG)

I love being a wife, but it is not all that I am. I am a mother. I am a daughter and a sister. I am a minister and an author. I am a friend. I am an educator and a mentor. I am all of that and then some. I don't say that to boast. Chances are you have similar roles in your life, and you could probably add a few that I left out. I am pointing this out today because if I am not careful I can get out of balance.

I had a startling reality with one of my children this weekend that reminded me of my need to order all of my responsibilities. As much as I love teaching, ministering, and writing, I fully believe that my family comes first. However, sometimes my actions don't reflect this belief. That was hard to type!
It's not that I intentionally put other things first. It's actually very subtle, but if I am not focused other things can creep there way to to the top of my list. I can get caught up in ministering to wives, writing, or teaching and neglect the very people I hold so dear. I am guessing that perhaps you can too. Sometimes I think that they can handle things themselves or they will be fine, and I take care of things that I think need my attention, but the truth is that my family needs my attention. Maybe you get caught up serving in ministry or helping your friends. Maybe, for you, it's working on your business, launching a ministy, or working at your place of employment. Whatever it might be, I encourage you to take a harsh look at what is really important.

I never want to get so caught up in the public ministry that God has assigned me that I don't steward well the ministry He has given me at home. It's a delicate balance. Actually, it's a very clear order:

1. God - Let's be clear. God is first. Not church. Not ministry. Not the things that go along with serving God, but God Himself is first. If we don't settle this we will overextend ourselves doing godly things without God's approval.
2. Family - Our first ministry is our family. After God created Adam He created a wife and family for him. This should show us the significance of family in God's eyes. 
3. Everything else - Yep...everything else comes after God and family. 

As I was presenting my requests to God, asking Him how to keep my life in right order with so many responsibilities, He gave me a very clear answer: trust Me. He reminded me that I was never designed to do it alone. Yes, I have an amazing husband that helps me more than I deserve, but I have almighty God walking this journey right beside me. Many times I don't rely on His strength until I have tried it all on my own, but I am declaring an end to that today. I'm asking Him for strategies and steps to handle all that He has put into my care, and I believe that He is going to show me exactly what to do. He already gave me the first step - trust Him. I encourage you to do the same.