Is Divorce The Only Thing God hates? Marital Abuse In The Church.

An extract from my book, FREE TO SERVE: GOD’S LIBERATED WOMAN,” published in 2006 by Xulon Press

There is no endorsement or provision within the scriptures (bible) for a man to beat his wife into submission! So, why does it keep happening, and why does the Church remain silent or seem to endorse it?

Defining Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is aggression or violence that happens in the home when a grown-up attacks or threatens another adult in the family. The victims are often women, though it can also happen to men. Domestic violence is prevalent in every society and can sometimes result in the death of the victim.

In writing this book I have done my best to remain unbiased and state the truth as described in God’s word. I believe I have maintained integrity, by not slandering the men or portraying them as bad, evil or the perpetuators. However, the issue of domestic violence cannot be addressed without discussing issues that cast a shadow on the male gender. My intention is not to cause offence but to bring awareness of a prevailing problem and suggest possible ways of tackling it.

It is Not Right For Him To Do This To Me, Is It?

My friend Hannah (name changed for privacy) told me a sad story about a woman who came to her shop to have her photograph taken. The woman looked well dressed and had sunglasses on. However, when she took her sunglasses off, Hannah realised that she had been badly beaten up and had a terrible black eye. After hesitating for a few moments, the woman asked Hannah, “It is not right for him to do this to me, IS IT?” and then burst into tears.

As Hannah held and comforted her, the woman told her how her mother-in-law had sat and watched, as her son (the woman’s husband) beat her up. On another occasion, when her husband beat her up, the woman said she called her church, one of the biggest in London, and was told by the Pastor or counsellor that she must “submit to her husband and pray for him”. There was no one she could turn to, which was why she decided to have a picture taken of the bruises and black eye as evidence.

Interestingly, this happened in London, where domestic violence is a crime and there are laws in place against it. My heart goes out to women in countries where it is still legally acceptable for a husband to beat up his wife. Unfortunately, many cultures interpret submission to mean the domination of the woman by the man. Hence, in many cultures it is okay for a man to beat up his wife.

I had a friend (name withheld) whose husband used to beat her up with his belt, or anything he could lay hands on. I did not hear from this friend for several years, and then one day, she turned up, out of the blue, at our doorstep and announced that she had divorced her husband. Cobby asked her why. She told him that she pictured herself one day lying in a coffin, and that gave her strength to leave him. What a painful decision to make!

Why Does The Church Allow It?

Both the women in these two narratives, the woman who went to Hannah’s shop and my friend, are Christians. So why does the Church allow it? It is a terrible tragedy that the Church seems either indifferent to or incapable of handling the problem of domestic violence. There are many Christian women who are physically abused by their husbands (and I know a few), who have no one, except perhaps, a few close friends and family, to turn to for support. It is a real shame that the Church turns her back on them and cannot even offer them help and support.

It is no wonder that so many Christian women struggle with low self-esteem, depression, eating disorders and compulsive behaviours. It is no wonder that religious homes in the United States, for example, are ranked among the highest in incidents of domestic abuse, second only to the homes of alcoholics. It is a real shame that countless numbers of women who have contacted their pastors or churches to report their abuse are either told it is their fault or asked to ‘submit’ and pray.

You Must Be Making Him Angry!

A woman, who finally gathered courage to seek counsel from her pastor, because of the consistent slapping and hitting she received from her husband, was told, “He is your husband, you just can’t leave him. It is his house. You are his wife. He has the authority over you. You must be making him angry.” The pastor actually blamed this woman for her husband’s abuse! When she sought counselling on another occasion, the pastor told her not to worry and that even if she died, she would go to be with the Lord, so she wins either way. Eventually, this woman’s husband killed her!

What I do not understand, and someone may have to explain to me, is how a husband beating his wife brings glory to God. The word glory means essence, weight, excellence, splendour and honour. How can wife-beating reveal the husband’s or God’s splendour, honour and majesty? It is a perverted and sick way of thinking and I believe the pastor should have known better. How can the theology of many of our pastors be so twisted?

A friend of mine would like me to also state that not all pastors are like that. I totally agree with him, so please don’t get me wrong. I know that leaders like John Sanford and others go a long way to deal with these issues in a positive way. There are also pastors who do not tolerate domestic violence.

This Man Beats His Wife

I was invited to a church a few months ago to discuss quality time between husband and wife. As soon as I sat down, I began to look around the room, and my gaze fell of a decent-looking man. My immediate thought, however, was, “This man beats his wife.” I was shocked, and began to repent for what I considered was a negative and judgemental thought. However, when the floor was opened for questions and contributions, the man got up and proudly announced that one day, he beat his wife up and that taught her to submit and respect him. Again, I was shocked!

However, I thank God for the prompt response of the pastor and his wife. They emphasised that his actions were wrong and that under no circumstances is it acceptable to beat your spouse. They also went further to express their disapproval of the prideful and confident manner in which the man spoke about his abusive actions. I was really pleased by the way the whole situation was handled.

Is Divorce The Only Thing God Hates?

Yes, there are many more negative stories about domestic violence in the Church, and this should not be so. The scripture often quoted to justify the Church’s lack of positive action is that God hates divorce. Yes, it is true that God hates divorce, but that same scripture talks as much about God’s hatred of the abusing of wives as His hatred for divorce, yet that is often ignored.  A more careful look at that particular scripture reveals that it is more than just divorce that the Lord hates.

Malachi 2:13-16

“And this you do with double guilt; you cover the altar of the Lord with tears [shed by your unoffending wives, divorced by you that you might take heathen wives], and with [your own] weeping and crying out because the Lord does not regard your offering any more or accept it with favour at your hand. Yet you ask, why does He reject it? Because the Lord was witness [to the covenant made at your marriage] between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have dealt treacherously and to whom you were faithless. Yet she is your companion and the wife of your covenant [made by your marriage vows]. And did not God make [you and your wife] one [flesh]? Did not One make you and preserve your spirit alive? And why [did God make you two] one? Because He sought a godly offspring [from your union]. Therefore take heed to yourselves, and let no one deal treacherously and be faithless to the wife of his youth. For the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I hate divorce and marital separation and him who covers his garment [his wife] with violence. Therefore keep a watch upon your spirit [that it may be controlled by My Spirit], that you deal not treacherously and faithlessly [with your marriage mate].” (Amplified)

It is perfectly true that God hates divorce; yet, He hates the abuse of a woman just as much as He hates divorce. God hates it when men deal treacherously and violently with their wives, to the extent that He refuses to receive the men’s offerings and prayers. Why?

Firstly, because God loves women, created in His image, and precious in His sight. The second reason is that God’s purpose and plan for marriage is jeopardized when a man subjects his wife to treacherous behaviour. Thirdly, the wife and husband are one flesh and that unity and bond is broken because of the abuse and betrayal. I don’t believe that this scripture has had as great an impact on men as it should, and I pray to the Lord that it does. Wife beating and abuse, physically, mentally, psychologically and financially, is a sin and God hates it. Beating a wife up does not make her submit. It might make her passive, acquiescent and phlegmatic, kowtowing to her husband and yielding to his every whim, but that is not submission because the woman’s resources are under-utilised and her strengths are suppressed.

What Can We Do?

For too long, the Church has failed to address this issue of domestic violence. The Church needs to be actively involved in constructively resolving this problem. We can no longer sweep the dirt under the carpet. I suppose it is much easier to tell a woman to grin and bear it “in the Name of the Lord” than to get a man to face up to himself. The male ego would rather bond with an abusive husband and allow the abuse to continue than to stand up to him and make him admit that there is something crucially wrong. This is very, very wrong in God’s sight!

Why should we choose the easier option? Why should women continue to suffer? The Church’s theology regarding women needs scrutiny, re-thinking and re-vamping. Jesus Christ, our Lord, Saviour and Master set an example for us all in his interactions and dealings with the women around Him. A perfect example was the woman who was caught in adultery. Jesus dealt with that woman with much tenderness and mercy. No one can convince me that God’s bowels do not churn every time one of His sons (a husband) beats up one of His daughters (a wife)!!

So, what can we do? We need to become proactive instead of passive. I believe the Church can help in three areas:

1. Prevention: The Church can begin working to prevent the abuse of women from happening in the first place by acknowledging the problem, by teaching the truth of God’s word accurately, not covering up for the men and working with victims and offenders to prevent it recurring. Marriage seminars should also deal with the issue in a radical and positive manner. Seminars for singles should also address the issue.

• Protection: The Church can offer refuge and protection for victims and their families. It would also be a good thing to familiarise ourselves with the Word of God and also, the laws of the land (where applicable).

• Support: The Church can offer support for victims to rebuild their lives, and also support for the offending husbands to identify the root causes of their anger and violence toward their wives, and then begin the process of restoration, healing and reconciliation between the couples. Counselling is also an effective tool, which could be implemented.

• Prayer: The Church can begin to pray earnestly for change. The surest and quickest way we can bring about change is to pray, pray and pray.

Unfortunately, there are many societies and cultures that do not have any social networks or legal frameworks to address and support victims of domestic violence. It is also a fact that some cultures and religions actually endorse the abuse of women. It appears that these cultural and societal influences have not only permeated the Church, they are actually the lenses through which we regard and deal with the issue of domestic violence.

SOMETHING NEEDS TO CHANGE WITHIN THE CHURCH, VERY SOON AND QUICKLY!!!

The Goal Post Of Life

THE GOAL POST OF LIFE

I first wrote this, several years ago, when I had just overcome a bout of sickness. I was tired, fearful, confused and lost, despite the seemingly huge success in ministry. I was full of doubt and unbelief, and had unfulfilled expectations, desires and dreams. I felt a sense of loss of purpose and life seemed meaningless, of no point, and had no fulfilment.

Ecclesiastes 1:2-9 NLT – “Everything is meaningless,” says the Teacher, “completely meaningless!” What do people get for all their hard work under the sun? Generations come and generations go, but the earth never changes. The sun rises and the sun sets, then hurries around to rise again. The wind blows south, and then turns north. Around and around it goes, blowing in circles. Rivers run into the sea, but the sea is never full. Then the water returns again to the rivers and flows out again to the sea. Everything is wearisome beyond description. No matter how much we see, we are never satisfied. No matter how much we hear, we are not content. History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new.”

It felt like I was on a treadmill, working hard, getting tired and weary but going nowhere. This was the case, even though I had achieved much in the ministry and many look up to me. Thoughts of eternity plagued me, as someone I knew very well had just died. My faith was shaken, as I began to ponder and wonder, is this what life is all about? Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Meaningless, everything is meaningless!

No one knew or understood what I was going through, not even my husband, family or close friends. To everyone, I was doing well, and successful, but I was struggling within me. In the end, I took a sabbatical for six months, to try and sort myself out.

Whilst driving home one day, I suddenly cried out to God, “Lord, it appears You’ve changed the goal post, and I don’t know which direction to play!” WOW!!!

The Goal Post

What is a goal post or goal? A goal is a desired result a person envisions, plans and commits to achieve within a timeframe. A goal is a guide post that determines our actions and activities. In sports, a goal post determines the direction, course and length of play; and in many sports a goal is the only method of scoring. The goal determines whether we win or lose.

As such, it felt like there was no longer a goal to my life; even though I was still playing – living it and going through the daily ‘rituals’ – there seemed to be no purpose and I was not getting the results I wanted or had anticipated.

The Goal Post Hadn’t Moved

Upon much reflection and prayer, I soon realised that the Goal Post had not moved. The problem was with me – I had taken my eyes off the Goal Post! I had been playing the game of life without keeping my eyes on the Goal. I had become more engrossed with playing life, than in attaining the goal of life. For me it was ministry, for you it might be a job and career, or your family, or your business, etc.

I was playing alright, but missing the target and had wearied myself in the process. Life was becoming vain, and like Solomon I could say, “Vanity of vanities, all is vanity! Meaningless!”

The Capsule Of Time

Time is a capsule – a window of opportunity within eternity. Everything within this capsule is unpredictable, unstable, shakeable and subject to constant change, aging and decay. Careers, marriage and family, relationships, education, health, houses, cars, economic and financial systems and structures are all unpredictable, unstable and constantly changing.

Yet, we make these our goals and play the game of life according to them; and seek to find security in them. We grow old, whether we want to or not, and death is inevitable. This means that if you and I live our lives without a perception of eternity, our constantly changing lives and everything in them become meaningless, futile, pointless and useless.

The Goal Post of Life – Jesus Christ, the Word of God

“The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” – Isaiah 40:8

 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” – Hebrews 13:8

Unlike the components of our daily lives, Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the same yesterday today and forever. He is predictable, stable, unshakeable and not subject to change, aging and decay.

Jesus Christ is the same in character – He is love, merciful, gracious, patient, longsuffering and full of compassion. He is the same in ability – He is able to do exceedingly abundantly above our expectations. He is the same in power, authority and strength. Jesus Christ is the same in truth – Indeed He is the Truth, and in Him there is no shadow of turning, lie or falsehood. Jesus Christ, the Word of God, is the steadfast, immovable and unchanging Goal Post of life. Therefore, all my other ‘goals’ must fit within Christ; He must be the Goal Post of my life!

The Way, The Truth And The Life

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” – John 14:6

“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out, and find pasture.” – John 10:9

Jesus Christ is the only Way to God. Jesus Christ is the Perfect and Absolute Truth of God. Jesus Christ is the Eternal Life of God. He is the Way of Life, the Truth of Life and, indeed, the Life of Life!

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die,” – John 11:25

With Jesus as our Goal Post, death ceases to be an end, but rather the beginning of new and eternal life. The words of Isaac Newton resonate in my heart, for Jesus Christ is, indeed, “My Lord, my Life, my Way, My End!”

Conclusion

In conclusion, I would like to ask you a two-part question “How are you playing the game of life and what is your goal post?” The answer is crucial, for when the capsule of time bursts, your response is what will determine whether you win or lose in eternity.

Philippians 3:12-14 – “Not that I have already attained,[c] or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”

May Jesus Christ be the Goal Post that is determining the course of your life now; and may you end up in Him.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace

CEO, Women In Tune

Mothers, Befriend Your Daughters!

There are not many stories in the bible about women and their relationship with each other. However, the one biblical story I know about a mother and her own daughter, breaks my heart! It is the story of Leah and her daughter Dinah. You will find the background and details of this story in Genesis Chapters 29, 30 and 34.

At first glance, what happened is not very obvious, but with careful scrutiny, you will discover a tragic story about a woman who failed her daughter so terribly that it resulted in her rape and the subsequent destruction of an entire city.

Background

Leah was the first wife of Jacob, who married her, not because he loved her, but because he was tricked by her father! Leah felt unloved by Jacob, unwanted, forced into marriage and despised. Leah became a bitter woman because of the rivalry that existed between her and her sister Rachel, Jacob’s second wife. The rivalry was so bad that the two sisters gave their maidservants to Jacob to bear children with him for them!

However, Leah’s bitterness, envy, jealousy and rivalry were further manifested in how she named her sons. Each son was given a name to reflect the victory she had over her sister, who was barren. For example, Leah named her first born Reuben, saying, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” She named her sixth born Zebulun, saying, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” (Genesis 29:32; Genesis 30:20)

A Daughter Is Born To Leah

“Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah.” – Genesis 30:21

After Leah had borne her sixth son, a ‘tragedy of culture’ occurred – Leah gave birth to a daughter! Dinah was the seventh child of Leah; and seven signifies perfection and completeness. However, Leah was so unhappy that she named her daughter Dinah – meaning, “judgement, contention, strife!”

Thus, Dinah grew up in a very dysfunctional home. Her outlook on life was very much focused on her four “mothers” – her mother Leah, aunt/stepmother Rachel and the two maidservants, Zilpah and Bilhah, who had borne children for her father Jacob. Dinah saw her mother Leah and aunt/stepmother Rachel fight for the attention of one man, her father Jacob. She saw the rivalry and bitterness, and her mother despised and unwanted. Unfortunately, however, Leah did not serve as role model for Dinah; and it is very likely that she despised her daughter for being a girl.

Question: What are our daughters seeing in our homes? What do they think of us? What conversations do they hear between us and our husbands? What do they hear us talking about on the phone? What do they think of the God we profess to serve? What do they think of our ministries? We need to ask ourselves these questions, because the answers should tell us what is shaping and forming our daughters’ outlook on life!

Dinah’s Rape

“Now Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she had borne to Jacob, went out to visit the daughters of the land.” – Genesis 34:1 (NASB)

“One day Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to visit some of the young women who lived in the area.” –  Genesis 34:1 (NLT)

One day, Dinah went out to look for the daughters, young women who lived in the area. Dinah left the security of her home to look for other women to relate with. Dinah wanted a different perspective of life, perhaps affirmation, perhaps something better, and went out looking for it among the daughters of the land.

“When Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land, saw her, he took her and lay with her and raped her.” – Genesis 34:2 (NLT)

Unfortunately, a great tragedy occurred, as Dinah was raped and defiled. This resulted in the men of Shechem being murdered, their wives and children being enslaved, Jacob and his family having to flee their home, Dinah losing any chances of a good marriage and God’s name being dishonoured among the heathen

Question: Who are our daughters and younger women looking up to or turning to for help? These days, our children do not have to physically leave home to actually leave home. Right in our homes, behind a laptop, on their tablets and smartphones, many of our daughters are leaving home and seeking other women as their role models. We, often, only become aware when it is too late or a tragedy occurs!

Befriend Your Daughters

“3 Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. They must not slander others or be heavy drinkers. Instead, they should teach others what is good. 4 These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, 5 to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God.” – Titus 2:3-5

This biblical instruction to older women applies to the mother-daughter relationship. However, I have discovered that the only way we can achieve this, as mothers, is for us to befriend our daughters. Yes, befriend your daughter – BECOME HER FRIEND!

In many cultures, women are taught to raise their daughters in a way that disempowers, rather than empowers, them. Many mothers even lie to their daughters about some of the realities of life, because they want to “protect them.” Unfortunately, this breeds distrust and once our daughters stop trusting us, we’ve lost them!

Mother, you need to befriend our daughter; I mean you need to become her friend, perhaps her best friend!  Of course, this is easier to achieve when our daughters are younger, but it is still possible, at any age. As a friend, and by practical everyday living, teach your daughter the following:

1. Teach her to know and revere God by spending time with her to read the word of God, pray and worship
2. Teach her to know Jesus Christ and to define her identity in Him. Demonstrate to her what it means for her to be a young woman in Christ, by living as a woman in Christ.
3. Teach her to pursue wholeness and individuality, by helping her to discover, appreciate and celebrate her uniqueness.
4. Teach her to value herself by putting value on her. Let her know her worth, that she is precious and can achieve anything she wants to in life, as a woman.
5. Be a lifestyle example to her, in your own behaviour, attitudes, conduct, conversations, dress sense and style, etc.  
6. Give her security by building a family and home based on love, laughter, fun, forgiveness and peace. Even if the circumstances in your home are not the best, use that as an opportunity to build strength, tenacity and resilience in her by engaging with her through the challenges within your family
7. Listen and talk and listen! Discuss the issues she wants to discuss (because these are the issues she will be discussing with her friends). Share your wisdom, knowledge, skills and life experiences with her.
8. Take time to have fun together – chatting, laughing (a lot), shopping, cooking, watching movies, listening to music, etc
9. Prepare her for marriage by teaching her the values to look for in a husband and how to build a healthy family
10. Encourage and help her with her education, career, ministry, profession or business choices and challenges.

 Finally

“Then Naomi her mother-in-law said to her, “My daughter, should I not seek rest for you, that it may be well with you?” – Ruth 3:1

May our relationships with our daughters be like the relationship that existed between Naomi and Ruth, her daughter-in-law. A story of friendship between two women from different generations that resulted in blessings and brought honour to God.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace

CEO, WOMEN IN TUNE

A Testimony of Deliverance From Death

“…My heart rejoices in the LORD; my horn is exalted in the LORD. I smile at my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation.” – 1 Samuel 2:1

I am in awe of our God because of this testimony, and every time I think of what He has done, I get covered with goosebumps and tremble within me at His faithfulness and mercies. I promised the Lord I would share this testimony at the right time, and I think the time is now!

This year, on 14th July, my husband, Rev Cobby Wallace, and I celebrated our 30th Wedding Anniversary. We were full of joy and very grateful to God, but it was a very low-key affair with just our family, simply because my husband was still in a lot of pain. This brings me to our testimony!

On Monday 15 June, my husband had an accident, and the fact that he survived and is still alive is a testimony of the faithfulness of God to me and my family. For you to understand the enormity of what God did, I must narrate the sequence of events leading to that faithful day.

Tuesday 9 June:

I got a phone call from one of my daughters in Christ, that the Lord had showed her that there was a threat against me, but because the enemy cannot touch me, he’s seeking to target a member of my family. She gave me details of the personalities involved and said the Lord had asked her to fast and pray against it. I also took it the Father in prayer, and asked for divine protection.

Thursday 11 June:

I had a dream, the full details of which I am not at liberty to disclose. However, in the dream, the spirit of death had entered my home, and I was given a time frame of 2-3 weeks. I was also given a document to sign, but fortunately, the pen was faulty and wouldn’t write, so I barely scribbled. It is the subsequent events that made me realise that I had been asked to sign my husband’s life away. When I woke up from the dream, I was very disturbed, of course, and cried out fervently to God. He reassured me that all would be well and asked me to give three thanks offering to three different people (He showed me who to give the offerings to). I called a colleague in ministry and shared the dream with him and we spent some time in prayer, then I entered into rest.

Saturday 13 June:

Late at night, just before laying down to sleep, the Holy Spirit prompted me, “You haven’t recorded the dream, write it down now!” So I sat up and wrote the dream down, before going to bed. I kept praying and pleading the Blood of Jesus over my family.

Monday 15 June:

The fateful day of my husband’s accident. It was a day we had set apart to pray, but my husband left home in the morning on a brief errand, which could not be avoided. He travelled by train. I was at home waiting for him to return and join me in prayer when my mobile phone rang. It was my husband calling me from an ambulance to tell me he had fallen on the rail track buffers at Liverpool Street Station! He was on his way back home and was checking the reader board to see what time the next train was due, when he saw himself falling, head first towards one of the buffers. (Those buffers are huge and made of solid iron, and are there to stop the trains from going further on to the platform). He doesn’t know what happened, but as his body surged towards the buffer, he reached up with his arm to protect his head, and that was what saved him.

Fortunately, there was already an ambulance at the station and they attended quickly to him and rushed him to nearest hospital. The bones in his arm and elbow shattered into several pieces, and he had to have a four and half hour surgery to repair the damage. Several pieces of bone had to be replace with metal plates! (I shudder to think what would have happened if his head had hit the buffer instead of his arm)! He also fractured his ankle; and was in hospital for about one week.

Shock

My family was in shock for days and I must say, I became quite fearful and tearful. I knew we were in the midst of a mighty battle! Also, were planning the “Arise Women Of Britain And The Nations Conference,” which was to take place the following week, and so I was under a lot of pressure. The next two weeks were almost unbearable, as I tried to juggle everything going on at the same time. My husband was discharged on the evening of the first day of the conference, and he is recuperating, to God’s praise and glory!

Appreciation

God is so good!!! I am truly grateful for the faithful brethren who rose up immediately to surround and cover us in prayer. I thank God for the prayers and support from Rev Danny, Rev Darlene, Rev Ruth, Pastor Mary, Minister Becky, and all our Women In Tune Country Directors and their teams who prayed and interceded earnestly for me, my husband and my family. I’m grateful for my parents and siblings who also prayed earnestly and called every day, especially, my Dad. Thank God for Pastors Linda, Azuka and Glenys and others who prayed for us.

Psalm 18:2-3, 46
“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies…. The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! Let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

Join Us in Praising Him!!!

The Lord God saved and delivered His servant from death! My family is so overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness to us! The Lord delivered and saved our husband and father from the hand of the enemy. Indeed, He revealed and exposed the enemy’s plans, in order to redeem his servant. We cannot thank Him enough! We are just in awe of Him! PLEASE JOIN US IN THANKING AND PRAISING THE LORD!!!

Psalm 124
“If it had not been the LORD who was on our side,” Let Israel now say- “If it had not been the LORD who was on our side, When men rose up against us, then they would have swallowed us alive, when their wrath was kindled against us; then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul; then the swollen waters would have gone over our soul.” Blessed be the LORD, who has not given us as prey to their teeth. Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” AMEN!!

Overwhelmed by God’s faithfulness

Cobby and Jennifer Abigail Wallace
WOMEN IN TUNE/QUIVER/CEDARS HOUSE

THE FATHER NEEDS YOUR WOMB!

(I shared this message at the recent ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN AND THE NATIONS Conference, and felt I should share it with you to challenge and encourage you).

One of the greatest biblical phenomena occurred when an angel appeared to a teenage virgin, to ask if God could use her womb to carry and birth the Messiah! In fact, she was not even asked, but was informed that she had been chosen and given the awesome privilege of carrying and birthing the Saviour of the world! Her response, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word,” resonates throughout the ages. (Luke 1:26-38)

The unequivocal truth is that the womb of woman is the designated gateway through which ALL humanity, and thus God’s purposes, come into existence. Even God could never come in human form without the womb of a woman. This was why at the beginning, God said it was not good that the man should be alone without the woman. There was no one with the apparatus, capacity and capability to reproduce the seed of humanity created in the image of God.

After the Fall of Man, God’s redemptive plan was unveiled in the garden of Eden with a promise from the sovereign LORD to Satan, “And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed. He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Thus, throughout the scriptures, from Genesis to Revelation, the enemy always sought to destroy woman, and especially, the Seed of woman. (Revelation 12:3-5 best describes this). It is also important to note, however, that throughout the scriptures, whenever the Seed faced termination or extinction, God would raise a woman to carry, birth and preserve the Seed for posterity.

Women Who Carried The Seed

1. Sarah: It began with Abraham, to whom God had promised dominion and the inheritance of the nations. The promise was to him and his Seed, yet, his wife Sarah was old and barren. (Genesis 17:1-8; Galatians 3:16) God visited them, and by the power of His word, old, barren, post-menopause Sarah gave birth to Isaac.

2. Rebekah: Rebekah married Isaac, but also struggled to conceive. God opened her womb when Isaac prayed and pleaded for her. When Rebekah took seed, the LORD said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah watched over this word from God, to ensure that the blessing of the Seed did not go to the wrong son, Esau, but to Isaac, the one chosen by God.

3. Tamar: Tamar cunningly took and reproduced Judah’s seed, to birth Perez, thus continuing the lineage of the Seed, the Messiah. (Genesis 38)

4. Jochebed: Pharaoh had issued a decree that the seed of Israel should be destroyed – all new-born sons should be killed at birth. Yet, Jochebed birthed Moses, who, as the deliverer of Israel, was a type of Christ, the Seed of woman. Together, with her daughter Miriam, they came up with a plan to preserved Moses’ life.

5. Ruth: At the end of one of the darkest periods in the history of Israel, we find Ruth, the Moabite, through the guidance of Naomi, positioning herself to take the seed of Boaz, and producing a king for Israel. Ruth birthed Obed, the father of Jessie, the father of King David, the forebear of Jesus Christ.

6. Hannah: We also have Hannah birthing Samuel, at a time when the word of God was scarce in Israel. Though barren, Hannah cried out to God, and He heard and opened up her womb. Through Samuel, the word and knowledge of God was restored back to Israel. (1 Samuel 1–3)

7. Bathsheba: Even Bathsheba played a role in birthing Solomon, and when the kingdom was in chaos, worked with Prophet Nathan to ensure Solomon was made king, according to the word of the Lord. (1 Kings 1:11-40)

8. Three Women: Finally, we have three women who facilitated the birth of Jesus, the Messiah – Anna, the old widow, who carried and travailed in prayer for Him to be born; old and barren Elizabeth, who carried and birthed John the Baptist (the forerunner of Jesus); and Mary the teenage virgin who supernaturally took seed, carried and laboured and birthed the Messiah!

One Thing In Common

The only thing these women had in common was the simple fact that they were women, created in the image of God with the ability and power to take seed and reproduce. In the natural, women are physically designed to fulfil this purpose. We have the ability to multiply seed, and create and birth new life.

The question is, if we are like this in the natural, WHAT ARE WE LIKE IN THE SPIRIT? In the spirit, we are the Church, the Bride of Christ. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we can give life to that which is dead or inanimate. (Hebrews 11:35) All a woman needs is a seed, and we need to begin to ask God to plant the seed of the Kingdom in us. What is dead in your community? What is dying and needs life? What needs nurturing? What can we influence?

“And from the days of John the Baptist until the present time, the kingdom of heaven has endured violent assault, and the violent take it by force.” – Matthew 11:12 (AMP)

There are very few things as violent as childbearing. Therefore, as women, and as the Church, the Bride of Christ, the Father is calling on us to rise up and take the seeds of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ – righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit – and incubate, travail and birth the Kingdom in our homes, communities, churches, villages, towns, cities and nations. The Father is calling on us to travail in prayer and warfare, and in preaching and sharing the Gospel!

The Time To Travail Is Here!

““7 Before she was in labour, she gave birth; before her pain came, she delivered a male child. 8 Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labour, she gave birth to her children. 9 Shall I bring to the time of birth, and not cause delivery?” says the Lord. “Shall I who cause delivery shut up the womb?” says your God.”  – Isaiah 66:7-9

To the many women (and men) out there, who have carried the promises of God for Britain and the nations in their spiritual wombs for many years, God is also saying, the time has come to enter into travail, for the time of delivery is nigh.

ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN!!! ARISE WOMEN OF THE NATIONS!!! AWAKE! ARISE! ACT!

You may watch the video of the entire message “THE FATHER NEEDS YOUR WOMB” which was recorded on ZOOM, by clicking on the link.

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
CEO/International President
WOMEN IN TUNE

THE EARTH IS THE LORD’S

“The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the waters…” – Psalm 24:1-2

This scripture has been resonating in my heart for the past couple of weeks, as I have reflected on the current predicament of humanity. I woke up the other day, literally, crying to God to heal broken humanity and our broken world; however, deep within me, these words resonate: “THE EARTH IS THE LORD’s.”

Indeed, the earth is the LORD’s, and all its fullness, the world and all the people who dwell therein! This means that the earth belongs to Jehovah God – He is the Creator, Owner, Master, Preserver and Caretaker of the earth. Like the rest of the Creation, the LORD reigns in the affairs of the earth and His Kingdom principles of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit shall always prevail.

“You alone are the LORD. You have made the heavens, the heaven of heavens with all their host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to all of them and the heavenly host bows down before You.” – Nehemiah 9:6

The LORD God is sovereign over His entire Creation; and certainly, He takes care of, sustains, preserves, restores, renews and gives life to His Creation, including the earth. In the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, it is very important and reassuring to know that God has not abandoned the earth and its dwellers, He shall surely help and restore us.

Psalm 104 gives an in-depth description about the LORD’s care over all His works. We can watch the marvellous cycles of the natural world, which keeps renewing itself and preserving itself year after year, as if guided by some unseen Person, without whom there would be chaos, darkness, death and decay. However, my heart jumped when I read verses 29-30…

“You hide Your face, they are dismayed; You take away their spirit, they expire and return to their dust. You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; and You renew the face of the ground.”

Evidently, the Spirit of God plays a big role in renewing life in the Creation of God. In the beginning, when the earth was formless and void, and covered in darkness, the Spirit of God brooded over the surface of the earth, to bring forth that which was determined by the Word of God. (Genesis 1:1-2).

““Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, ‘Thus says the LORD GOD: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’ So, I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.” – Ezekiel 37:9-10

Ezekiel stood in a valley of death, full of very dry human bones. Could those dry bones come back to life? Ezekiel was perplexed at the question, because naturally, it is impossible. Yet, with God, all things are possible, through the resurrection power of His Spirit. (Ephesians 1:19-21)

Currently, our earth is in chaos, darkness and facing death and decay. Yet, we find comfort in the unchanging nature of our God – if His Spirit could revive, renew and restore in the past, His Spirit can revive, renew and restore now! (Habakkuk 3:2) This is why we URGENTLY need a fresh move of the Spirit of God across the earth, in our communities, towns, cities and nations.

We are the royal priesthood of God, through whom He will accomplish His Kingdom purposes on the earth. (1 Peter 2:9). We, therefore, need to ask the Father to pour His Spirit afresh, to revive, renew, restore and refresh us again. We need to cry fervently, “Come Holy Spirit, COME!!!

Even more than that, as the royal priesthood, we need to begin to pray and declare that “THE EARTH IS THE LORD’s,” and command every ‘GATE’ that stands in resistance to the move of the Spirit of God in our lives, homes, communities, cities and our nation to shift. We must rise up and declare:

“Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O you gates! Lift up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory.” – Psalm 24:7-10

 ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN!!! ARISE WOMEN OF THE NATIONS!!! AWAKE! ARISE! ACT!

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace

CEO, WOMEN IN TUNE International
Convenor QUIVER

WE MUST LOOK TO JESUS

“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”” – Matthew 9:36-38

We are in the midst of a global crisis, and God is preparing the Church for one of the greatest moves of His Spirit on earth. This will bring in a mighty harvest of souls into the Kingdom, and God is stirring up all, especially women, to join His labour force! Many women are already praying earnestly, however, they must go a step further to preach/share the Gospel to/with others. Unfortunately, the argument that women should not preach is hindering many women from stepping up to be used by God to reach out to their families, communities and society with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

To truly discover the mind and will of God concerning women as labourers in His Kingdom, however, we must turn to Jesus Christ, since the Church originates from Him and is His Body. We must look beyond all else to our Lord Jesus, who is represented in our lives by the Holy Spirit. (John 14:15-26).

Before He ascended, Jesus released authority and power to His disciples, through the promise of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit came, He was not gender selective but fell upon all present and empowered them to preach and share the Good News, and raise and build the Church.

Looking To Jesus

There is enough proof in the bible that Jesus Christ is not biased against women preaching. First of all, there is nothing in the scriptures, said or done by Him that indicates that He does not want women to preach or share the Gospel. On the contrary, everything He did and said empowered women to leave their comfort zones to follow and serve Him. (Luke 8:1-3; Luke 10:38-42; Mark 14:3-9)

Secondly, it is true that Jesus chose 12 men and sent them out as apostles to proclaim the Kingdom, but, it is also true that Jesus first disclosed His identity as the coming Messiah to the woman at the well, and watched her drop her pot and run off to spread the Good News. A whole town was saved because of her actions. Again, after His resurrection, Jesus first revealed Himself to Mary, and then commissioned her to go and tell the others the Good News that He is risen!

The Greatest Evidence

However, the greatest evidence we have from Jesus Christ is the Holy Spirit. The purpose of the Holy Spirit coming on us can be found in Isaiah 61:1-4:

“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn, to console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they may be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He may be glorified.” And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations.”

Jesus fulfilled this purpose when the Holy Spirit came upon Him. After His wilderness experience, He came out in the power of the Spirit, went into the synagogue and took the Book of Isaiah, and reading out the prophecy, declared: “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing!” (Luke 4:16-21).

Long before He went to the Cross, Jesus declared that He had accomplished His task, because the Spirit had come upon Him!! The Spirit came upon Jesus to enable Him to preach the Good News of God’s Kingdom and demonstrate its works. The Spirit came upon Him to set captives free, and bring hope, salvation, restoration, healing and deliverance to humanity. The Spirit came on Him to raise the Church (oaks or trees of righteousness planted by God to reveal His glory). Jesus Christ, full of the Spirit and moving in His power, fulfilled all of these and more!

It is for this same purpose that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church. In the Great Commission, Jesus mandated ALL BELIEVERS, not just the eleven remaining disciples, but ALL His disciples, including women, to go out and PREACH the Gospel of the Kingdom. However, He cautioned them to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to preach and bear witness to Him from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the utmost part of the earth! (Matt 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 1:4,8).

In The Upper Room

God is not a respecter of persons, therefore, Christ’s callings and the Holy Spirit’s gifts are given freely, according to the will of the Father, to whoever is deemed worthy, male or female, young or old. (1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:11-12; Galatians 3:26-29).

The record of those who were in the Upper Room, praying and waiting for the promised Holy Spirit gives the names of the eleven remaining apostles, and also, deliberately, mentions that the women and Mary, the mother of Jesus were present, together with the men! (Acts 1:12-14). The women had not been sent out or left behind at home. The Bible says that they, 120 men and women were all together and continued with one accord, in prayer and supplication, waiting for the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to preach and fulfil the works of the Kingdom!

“When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were ALL with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon EACH OF THEM. And they were ALL filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:1-4)

When the Holy Spirit came, He fell on every one of them and they were all empowered to preach and proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom to all.

Revival

It is a historical fact, that whenever there is revival, that is, a fresh move of the Holy Spirit on the Church, all gender and social barriers are removed, and men and women, young and old, emerge as leaders in the Church, and are freely used by God. Women evangelists are often a distinctive feature during revival, as the Holy Spirit empowers and uses whosoever He chooses, and is ready and willing. It is only when revival wanes, that the gender constrains return.

In the midst of the current global crisis, let us prepare ourselves to be used by God as labourers in His vineyard, by earnestly praying: “LORD, POUR YOUR HOLY SPIRIT AFRESH ON US AGAIN, AND SEND REVIVAL!!!” In Jesus’ Name!

ARISE WOMEN OF BRITAIN!!!

***This was adapted from my book “SONS OF GOD – Our Ultimate Identity As Women In Christ,” which you may purchase from AMAZON

Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
CEO Women In Tune / QUIVER Convenor

 

 

HEAVEN IS HAPPENING NOW!!!

“After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.” Immediately I was in the Spirit; and behold, a throne set in heaven, and One sat on the throne.” – Revelation 4:1-2

 A PARALLEL REALITY

Heaven is a parallel reality, not a future or abstract concept. Heaven is happening now, and we need to have a revelation of heaven so that we can live on earth as citizens of heaven. (Phil 3:20)

There is worship going on 24/7 in heaven from the Creation to the Sovereign God. The treasuries of heaven are open now, releasing the blessings of God on His people. The courts of heaven are open now, issuing forth the judgements of God against His enemies. The throne room of heaven is open now, decreeing the will, plans and purposes of God on the earth and in the Creation, to establish His Kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy on earth (Revelation chapters 4 and 5). Indeed, HEAVEN IS HAPPENING NOW!

Life on the earth was, and still is, meant to be a real, present and parallel existence to heaven. The bible describes a place of beauty and splendour, where God is our majestic King, Lawgiver and Judge, who cares and provides for our every need. A place where God Himself is our protection and security. A place where none of the inhabitants will say, “I am sick and helpless,” because their sins have been forgiven and there is no more sin (Isaiah 33:17-24). God’s intention has always been His “will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Jeremiah 9:24 assures us of the three things that God delights in, and which He exercises on the earth – Lovingkindness, Judgment and Righteousness. Therefore, we can stand to ask for heaven’s assistance or intervention, where there is resistance and opposition in matters relating to the will of God. When we stand to execute the will of God on the earth, we partner with heaven and so receive supernatural assistance to fulfil our tasks.

This revelation or understanding is what brings us into the miraculous and supernatural and causes us to experience the power of God in our lives and ministry. We have the example of God stopping the sun, so that Joshua could finish the battle against the Amorites. (Joshua 10:12-14)

TWO LINKS WITH HEAVEN

How do we come to live and operate on earth as citizens of heaven? The truth is that we cannot do this without God. Sin has so badly damaged and distorted the image of God in us that it takes God coming down to us show us the way and give us access to the lifestyle and blessings of heaven. However, God has given us two ‘Links’ with heaven – two Persons who can give us access and bring us into the mind, will and ways of God and lifestyle of heaven. These two ‘Links’ are the Word of God and the Spirit of God.

JESUS CHRIST, THE WORD OF GOD

We need the word of God to give us access to the mind, will, plans and purposes of God. We have the written word of God; however, we need the living word even more! Jesus Christ, the Eternal Word of God put on human flesh and lived among men to show us who God is, give us access to Him and show us how to live on earth as citizens of the heavenly Kingdom. (John 1:1-5, 14; Matthew chapters 5-7)

Jesus lived His life on earth from the perspective of heaven – “I must go about My Father’s Business.” “What I see my Father do, that I do. And the Father shows me all things.” He even taught us to pray “Our Father in heaven… Your Kingdom come and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Jesus described Himself as “The Way, the Truth and the Life.” He is the Word of God that links us to the mind and will of God and the life of heaven (Isaiah 55:8:13). When we know and live the word, we are already living within the will of God and experiencing the lifestyle of heaven. This is because Jesus does not only give us access to heaven, He is the heavenly example, design, pattern, image and model we are to follow and emulate. Through the Word, God continues to speak to us and the world, offering us an opportunity to experience the freedom, joys, blessings and power of heaven (Hebrews 1:1-4).

 THE HOLY SPIRIT

When Jesus left the earth, God did not leave us to struggle on our own, as orphans. God came down again, this time, not as human flesh, but in spirit form, in the person of the Holy Spirit, so that He might fill us all and connect us with Him. (John 14:15-18, 23).

Even Jesus, as God in human flesh, needed the Holy Spirit to come upon Him to empower Him to do the works of the Kingdom. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus demonstrated the works of the Kingdom of heaven on earth, and the abundance of God’s love, mercy and grace was poured out onto humanity. Many heard the Gospel preached, and many were saved, delivered, healed and restored. The blind saw, the deaf heard, the mute spoke, the lame walked, the demonized were set free, and heaven became a present, parallel, tangible and accessible reality to humanity. (Luke 4:14-21, 40-44)

Jesus promised us that, “The things that I do, you will do and more because I go to the Father” (John 14:12-14). The Father then sent the Holy Spirit to infill, enable and empower us to become like Jesus, and live in the power of the heavenly Kingdom and demonstrate its works. The Holy Spirit, therefore, opens up heaven to us, by giving us insight and understanding into the personality, word, will and ways of God and transforming us to live uprightly (1 Corinthians 2:9-12). The Holy Spirit also empowers us to reach out to the world, and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ in power (Acts 1:8).

THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD IS UPON ME

As the Body of Christ, our greatest need at this moment, therefore, is for the Holy Spirit to come mightily upon us! Then, we, like Jesus, can also boldly declare that, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me…!” (Luke 4:14-21). For when the Spirit of the Lord comes upon us, we are catapulted from the limitations and restrictions of our earthly existence into the vastness and abundance of love and liberty, and the blessings, riches, treasures, authority and power of our heavenly kingdom citizenship.

In reality, the Holy Spirit was never given for us to enjoy. He was given to us for service – to empower and enable us to bear witness to Jesus – who is the example, design, pattern, image and model that God wants all of humanity to become like. The Holy Spirit, therefore, came for the purpose of the Gospel – the Man Jesus Christ, the Good News the world needs to hear.

When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, a responsibility is placed on us to not only live right, but also, above all, proclaim the saving and transforming power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and heal the sick, cast out demons, raise the dead, set the captives free… This is what brings heaven down on earth and makes the Kingdom blessings accessible to others. (Luke 7:18-23; Isaiah 61:1-4)

May we earnestly reach out to God through the word and the Spirit to gain access to heaven’s resources and receive supernatural grace, strength and anointing to do the works of God on earth. Through our lives, may others also experience the present reality, blessings and power of heaven here on earth. (2 Corinthians 4:5-7). In Jesus’ name!

INDEED, HEAVEN IS HAPPENING NOW!!!

 

LORD, LET JOSEPH DREAM

 

One of the challenges faced by married women, when called by God to ministry, is the acceptance, cooperation and support of their husbands. Many married women have rejected the call of God, or struggled to fulfil it, because of the confusion, problems and challenges they face with their husbands, within their marriages.

These are not unbelieving husbands; these are believing, God-fearing and faithful men, who love the Lord. However, I have come to realise that it takes a very brave man to accept and support the call of God on his wife’s life; a man who possesses the inner strength and fortitude to surmount the cultural obstacles and stereotypical challenges he would face in accepting and supporting such a call.

Indeed, there are people who think a woman cannot or should not start her own ministry or make a personal commitment to serving God, if she is married. There are also those who cannot even begin to imagine God commissioning a woman to start something, anything, (on her own) if she is married. There are yet others who believe that God must first consult with the husband and seek his consent, before speaking to his wife.

Well, it appears the Sovereign God had not read the memo when He sent an angel to young Mary, who was betrothed to Joseph. In those days a betrothal was more than a modern engagement; it meant the bride price had been paid and a binding contract made between the two families. The couple were considered married, even though the actual marriage ceremony had not been performed.

Undoubtedly, the greatest assignment God could ever give a human being is to carry and birth the Messiah. It is astonishing, therefore, that God chose Mary, a young betrothed teenage woman, and approached and discussed the details of this ultimate divine assignment with her, without first speaking to or seeking the approval of Joseph, the man to whom she was betrothed! (Luke 1:26-33)

Luke 1:34
“Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?””

What I find more amazing is that Mary’s immediate concern was not what Joseph would think, but rather, how she could possibly fulfil the divine assignment without the involvement of a man! When the angel had assured her of the presence, power and provision of the Holy Spirit to enable her to fulfil the divine assignment, Mary’s immediate response was to surrender to the Lord…

Luke 1:38
“Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” 

When I responded to the call of the Lord on my life, I had already been married for several years. However, like Mary, after the Lord had assured me of His continued presence, provision and protection, I said “Yes,” way before I told my husband and young children. Actually, it did not even occur to me that I needed my husband’s approval or permission before surrendering to the Lord. Jesus was (and still is) first in my life and I would do anything for Him. Thankfully, my husband is one of those very brave men described earlier, and he embraced God’s plans and purposes for my life.

Unfortunately for Mary, however, though Joseph was a righteous man, he could not handle the fact that she had accepted the call and was with “Child of the Holy Spirit.” Joseph could not handle the thought that what Mary carried did not come from his own loins. His manhood was greatly challenged and undermined. After all, as her betrothed and head, he should have had an input or been given some form of control over the whole situation? Joseph could not handle the nagging from family members or the admonishment of friends, or the ridiculing and taunting of the neighbours. Joseph could not handle the whispering behind his back and the shame that caused him!

This is often the biggest challenge faced by men whose wives respond to the call to serve the Lord. I have listened to countless stories from women who genuinely love the Lord and have heard His call and are willing to serve Him, but are hindered because their husbands are not in agreement. You only have to scratch the surface of the problem to find the same cultural and stereotypical arguments rearing their heads.

The Solution

How do we resolve this, and what could be the solution? I have found that there are two things a wife could do:

1. Surrender to the Lord

The first thing to do is to say “yes” to the Lord and surrender your life and will to Him. Ask Him to prepare you, as He shows you what He wants to do with you. If you’ve already said “Yes,” ask Him to prepare you.

Either way, cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit by spending more time in prayer and in the word. Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare you, to teach you, to lead and guide you. Write down all that He tells or shows you.

Unless the Lord specifically tells you otherwise, or gives you specific instructions about what to do, just wait on the Lord. This will show your submission to your husband.

Ultimately, you will learn humility and obedience through this experience and time of waiting.

2. Pray for Your Husband

The second thing to do is to pray for your husband. Pray earnestly that God would cause your husband to dream, like Joseph

Matthew 1:20
“But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”” 

It is only by revelation that a husband would recognise that what his wife carries is of God. Therefore pray earnestly that God, by divine means, would reveal His plans and purposes for your life to your husband. If, indeed, he is a righteous man, your husband will acknowledge God and embrace those plans and purposes, and together you will serve God through the ministry.

As soon as Joseph dreamt, he took ownership of what Mary carried. And from that day, God did not speak to Mary about the Child again, but conveyed all instructions through Joseph. (Matthew 2:13-14, 19, 22).

God often talks to my husband, Pastor Cobby, about the things that would impact me and the ministry before speaking to me about it. In this way, my husband is able to encourage, advised and support me. I have shared this ‘secret’ with many women, and it has worked for them, as they’ve surrendered to the Lord and prayed for their husbands.

God’s call is not to divide your marriage. Deborah was still described as the wife of Lapidoth, even though God raised her up as a judge and warrior in Israel (Judges 4:4). If God has called you, it is His responsibility to bring understanding to your husband, AND HE WILL, as you pray.

By Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
A woman in tune, listening and obeying

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THE POWER OF PRAYER (PART 1)

Unplugged to the Source of Power

I read a story about a pastor who walked into his church, one day, and found the caretaker exhausted and dripping with perspiration. The caretaker was a good Christian, but was gradually losing his ability to think and work effectively because of the hardening of his arteries. As the pastor saw him struggling with the vacuum cleaner, he looked down, and there, lying on the floor was the plug. The dear man had vacuumed the whole auditorium and did not have the plug in the socket!

This is what happens to many of us. We plan, we work, we pull, we struggle, we toil until we are utterly exhausted, because, we have forgotten or not bothered to plug into the power source. Our source of power is God and our ‘socket’ or access point is prayer – the powerful and effective prayer of the righteous person.

When I shared this story with my husband, he asked a question, “Could the man not hear the silence as he vacuumed?” A working vacuum cleaner is noisy and all around are aware of its use, and so is prayer! Are we, like this unfortunate caretaker, deafened to the silence of our prayerlessness?

Prayer is Essential

“Are any of you suffering hardships? You should pray. Are any of you happy? You should sing praises.  Are any of you sick? You should call for the elders of the church to come and pray over you, anointing you with oil in the name of the Lord. Such a prayer offered in faith will heal the sick, and the Lord will make you well. And if you have committed any sins, you will be forgiven. Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years! Then, when he prayed again, the sky sent down rain and the earth began to yield its crops.” –  James 5:13-18 (NLT)

Unfortunately, prayer is one of the most talked about but, often, more difficult and less practiced activities of our Christian walk. Yet, prayer is also one of the most important requirements of our relationship and walk with God.

Simply defined, prayer is a two-way communication or interaction between God and His children, either privately or corporately. Prayer is based on the relationship between us and God; He is our Father and we are His children. Through the redemptive and reconciliatory work of Jesus Christ on the cross, God has adopted us into His family, so we are now His children. Therefore, as God’s children, we must communicate with Him and He with us. (Romans 8:15-16; 1 John 3:1)

Although the scriptures constantly admonish us to pray, we do not always give prayer the place it deserves in our lives. Many have found other convenient, independent and, often, quicker ways of meeting our needs, so prayer only becomes a last resort, which, of course, is a very huge mistake.

No Christian Is Greater Than His Prayer life

As Christians, prayer (our access to God and communication with Him) is one of our greatest assets, which we can use to enhance our Christian lives, as well as advance the Kingdom of God. Yet, unfortunately, we do not adequately utilise this resource. It is true we are all at different levels of maturity and strength, but there is a saying that “No Christian is greater than his prayer life.” This probably explains why the Church seems to be struggling at almost everything, especially evangelising and fulfilling the Great Commission! We lack strength and power, due to prayerlessness!!!

Why Do We Not Pray?

Here are some reasons why people don’t pray or find it difficult to pray.

1. Many do not know and understand the importance of prayer in the believer’s life and the life of the world around them.
2. Many people simply don’t know how to pray. Many people are confused about what prayer is and what it involves.
3. People have their own pre-formed ideas about prayer. Should it be formal or informal, loud or quiet, meditative or expressive, vocal or silent and intense or restrained…?
4. Temperament, experience, cultural background and lack of knowledge also create a lot of confusion about prayer, which discourages and deters people from praying.
5. Prayer is often regarded as a task, duty or chore that we do for God. This makes prayer tiresome and boring.
6. It is difficult to talk to someone you cannot see and who sometimes seems distant and unreal. Unfortunately, this is how many believers see God.
7. Many are not sure whether God will answer their prayers.
8. For some, it’s just sheer laziness, indifference or apathy.
9. We have an enemy who would do anything and everything to discourage or prevent us from praying because he knows how important prayer is.

Need for Change

However, there are many things that God will not do on earth, unless believers pray. We are God’s agents to advance and establish His kingdom on earth. We have been given power and authority to do that, but we do not have autonomy from God and need to be in constant communication with Him in order to fulfil His will on the earth. (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:7-8)

God does not expect us to change the whole world; He only wants us to effectively do our part. When we come before God in prayer and give Him full control of a situation, we are acknowledging His sovereignty in that area. As a result, He begins to work on the problem with His mighty power. God desires to be involved in every area of our life. He wants us to specifically commit each of our concerns to Him. 

The Power of Prayer

The power of prayer comes from the source of all power – God Almighty. God is omnipotent and the source of all power; as such, all power belongs to Him. (Psalm 62:11; Revelation 19:6)

The Book of Job, Chapters 38 to 41, describes how God revealed His Omnipotence (almighty and all-powerful) to Job. After God had revealed Himself as Omnipotent, Job came to this conclusion, “I know that You can do everything, and no purpose of Yours can be withheld from you” (Job 42:1)

Illustration

Science tells us that when God created the atom He bound it together with a powerful force called the nuclear attraction force. This force is 3 x 10E39 times more powerful than the force of gravity. (3 x 10E39 is written as 3 with 39 zeros after it.) Nuclear power comes from that force. Yet, Jesus said, “ALL POWER BELONGS TO ME,” (including the power inherent in the atom)!

If God could put so much power force in an atom, how much more power would He release to help us in our time of need? The next time you are discouraged because of a problem and don’t feel like praying, just remember the atom. Think about the tremendous power God applied to this tiny object. This same power is available to us when we commit a problem to God. God can do all things!

 ““Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You…” Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me?”” – Jeremiah 32:17,26-27

This Almighty God is our Father

Many of us are afraid of God’s power and omnipotence. The Israelites were terrified at the display of God’s strength and power and were so frightened they asked not to see or communicate with Him. (Exodus 20:18-21) They had also seen His abilities in Egypt and on the journey so far, and yet, were afraid

But God’s omnipotence is not meant to scare us; it is to empower us and cause faith and confidence to grow in us. God’s power is not meant to disable us, but rather, enable us to perform the works Jesus said we would do. His power is not meant to destroy us, but to equip us as we fight the fight of faith. (Acts 1:7-8; Romans 8:15 – 17)

Prayer Is The Solution

This is why we need to pray, that is, communicate with God! Prayer has its source in the power and ability of Almighty God, who is not only God, but also, our loving and merciful Father. In an era where there is so much turmoil, pain, confusion, terror, rebellion and wickedness, PRAYER IS AND MUST BE, our first solution!!! We really need to plug in to the Source of Power to enable us to make an impact and a difference.  (To be continued)

By Apostle Jennifer Abigail Lawson-Wallace
A woman in tune, listening and obeying