Melissa Small supports her husband, Rusty, in his ministry as a pastor at Liberty Baptist Church while raising her 2 boys, James and Thomas. She also serves as the women’s ministry leader and on the worship team at her church. She has a passion for women growing deeper in their knowledge of God’s Word and fostering a supportive Christian community among women. A doctorate in Education and Christian Leadership aids in accomplishing these goals through teaching, mentoring, and Bible study.
Be still and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10
I like to be busy. Sitting still is hard for me. My heart hurts for others easily, and I am a problem solver. So, when I see a problem, I want to find a solution. This keeps my schedule full – with good things – but we all know there is an end to our time, our energy and our talents. Some problems cannot be solved in our human limitations. So, what do we do (as pastor’s wives especially, but really in any ministry context) when we cannot meet all the needs of those around us in their personal/family struggles, when we cannot take away the physical or emotional pain being experienced?
I know I start to think, what else can I do? But this is where I must take it to the Lord, the Maker of Heaven Earth, with boundless love, time, and solutions. He gives me peace that He is in control and is the One made to meet the needs that seem endless to me. He reminds me that He is God, unlimited, whereas I am very limited.
So, rather than the question I ask myself, “What else can I do?”, God in reverse intuition says, “be still” (and know that I am God). This is hard, but oh, so good for me to do! I find peace in Him and not only find how that sustains me, but how I can point others not to me for their sustenance, but to the ultimate Sustainer, the only One who can truly break through the pain, meet the needs, and provide peace in every situation.
I am so grateful to serve in ministry where I have a Source to go to for renewal, for guidance, and to be still when I want to do more, even when there is nothing left to be done. God is generous in all things. He offers wisdom generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). He offers rest to all who are weary (Matthew 11:28). He offers a perfect plan of redemption to make the world right. When burdens are heavy, it is a reminder that this world is not our home. I am so very grateful for that, too. Even so Lord, come quickly! (Rev. 22:20). Until then, we can rest in being still and knowing that He is God and experience peace in the moment. Amen.
