Great Commission Churches

May 2011 

Dear Sisters,

Do you have a favorite verse? Is there a portion of Scripture or a particular truth from God's Word that you come to often, particularly during times of stress or trouble?

When feeling helpless or needy, I have found myself many times repeating Romans 10:13, "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." The simplicity of His promise is so true. After I pray out loud, "Jesus, save me!" His help and grace have always come to me in some way.

Four pastors' wives share with us the verses that have encouraged them in the Lord. As the verse in the front foreword of my Bible states, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever" (Isaiah 40:8). What a privilege to have God's Word so available to us, to comfort and guide! Women-let's get in the Word!

With you,

Sandy Hopler

What verse has encouraged you the most in your walk with God-and why?

Genesis 12:10-20, 20:5

Many verses have encouraged me, but as a pastor's wife, I think a story has encouraged me more than a verse. I shared this at the southeast pastors' wives time because I think it is so important to keep in mind.

When Abram and Sarai went to Egypt, Abram was afraid for his life. He believed the Egyptians would kill him on account of his beautiful wife, so he told Sarai to "lie" and tell the Egyptians she was his sister. Abram seemed to be looking out for himself and not trusting God. But the Bible never says Sarai disagreed with Abram's request or didn't follow it. What a bad decision Abram seemed to make. But God protected Sarai and never let any harm come to her. In fact, when they left Egypt, they left with much more than they came with. God took a bad situation, protected the couple, and blessed them in the end.

As a pastor's wife, there will be many times that you may think your husband is making a bad or unwise decision, whether it is within your family or the church. If appropriate, a respectful appeal is wise, but there will be times when the right thing to do is keep your mouth shut and know that as you follow your husband you are being protected and blessed by God. Your husband has been named a pastor because other men of character who may have walked with the Lord longer have sought the Lord about naming your husband a pastor. It is not a decision made lightly. Your husband is a man of character who is seeking to love the Lord, you, your children, and the saints wholeheartedly. Trust the Lord in this!

-Barbara Wilson

Cary, North Carolina

Psalm 139:1

I have many "favorite" verses, but Psalm 139:1 has been my all-time bedrock, "go-to" verse. It says, "O Lord, you have searched me and you know me." I love it! Now to some people the thought of God searching them can be intimidating, but I have learned over the years that God's "searching" is a good thing. When something is searched out, there are no hidden pieces of information. You understand every angle and are well acquainted with the subject. It implies intimacy and closeness. Someone interested enough to get the teensy-weensy details, wants to "be there," up-close and personal. I am comforted and warmed every time I read Psalm 139:1, as it reminds me that my loving Heavenly Father passionately knows and understands me, unlike any other (including myself!). No matter where I am, or what my situation, He continually studies me, all for the purpose of drawing close and blessing and meeting my needs.

-Dawn Bovenmyer

Ames, Iowa

Three Top Verses

Now this is a very broad question. The whole Bible, right? One verse? Come on! I guess I'll narrow it down to three verses. The verses that I share the most with people:

1. "Walk before Me and be blameless." (Don't be a people-pleaser) Genesis 17: 1 NASB
2. "The nearness of the Lord is my good." Psalm 73: 28 NASB
3. "God is good and what He does is good." Psalm 119:68 NIV

-Mary Knox

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Luke 1:45

A verse that has encouraged me over the years is Luke 1:45, "And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord." This verse says to me that the promises spoken by God are there for us to believe and to observe the fulfillment of them. They are steadfast, trustworthy, and worthy of our focus. A heart of faith, ready to believe and see God do His work, will be rewarded (Hebrews 11:6). Fear and doubt will not be rewarded.

We must have our focus be on Him and His promises. We all desire our children to follow the Lord and, with 11 children, I have held fast to this verse when my heart wants to fear. I believe that God wants to uniquely use each of my children and I can confidently trust Him in this, for this is His heart also. One by one I am claiming that God will capture his/her heart for Himself. Within the last two months, five of my children have been a part of a gospel presentation and brought someone to come to know the Lord. He is faithful and will fulfill. To God be all the glory!

-Jan Gordon
Gainesville, Florida