Thrive!

Our theme for this 12^th year at PWF was THRIVE! What comes to mind when you hear the word “THRIVE”?

• To thrive is to grow vigorously and develop expediently
• As women of God and pastors’ wives, “Thrive” to us also means to prosper, flourish, progress, be healthy, strong, successful.
• Other meanings of “thrive” from the Thesaurus are to blossom; to shine; to bear fruit; to “have arrived”.

A thriving woman is blessed of God. Psalm 1:1-3 says “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, ²but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his Law Day and night. ³That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers”. (New International Version)

These verses of Psalm 1 give us some of the characteristics of a person who is thriving.

• She delights in God’s word and meditates on the Word, day and night
• She is like a tree planted by the streams of water, having deep roots and receiving constant nourishment and renewed strength from the word of God.
• Because she is well nourished, she produces good fruit (good results) in season at the right time (not too early and not too late).
• Her evergreen leaves do not wither – she weathers every storm and remains strong and flourishing in the Lord. She is not defined by her circumstances because she is connected to the Source of life.
• Whatever she lays her hands on prospers. God’s blessings are upon her for increase, multiplication and good success in all her endeavors.

WHY DO WE NEED TO THRIVE?

Thriving is a need for us as children of God and pastors’ wives. There are high expectations on all fronts. Thriving helps you show the world that you belong to Jesus and that Jesus is God. Once you’re thriving, you’re meant to help others start to thrive, by sharing your faith, mentoring others through discipleship, and serving others with acts of love and compassion.

THRIVING ON THE HOME FRONT

As pastors’ wives, our first ministry is our home as “charity begins at home”. Here are some obvious nuggets which some of us still overlook:

• It may sound obvious, but I repeat that our first assignment is to build our relationship with Christ. Do not neglect your personal altar no matter what! What we do in our personal closets largely dictates our results on the outside (Matthew 6:6).
• Being a homemaker (amongst other responsibilities) can take its toll irrespective of the season of life each person may be in. Every stage brings on its own challenges, so we must make life adjustments on the home front for each season of life. After all, you will not wear a winter coat in 90 degrees weather! The season of raising young children is very different from the empty nest season. A season of caring for aging parents has its own unique needs. A season of homeschooling is not the same as pursuing a career outside of home. A season of loss may demand more from you than seasons of joy. Seasons come and go, and each season will require something different from you. Seek God’s guidance to help you adjust to each season with grace so that you can thrive. 
• Don’t forget to take care of yourself. You are not the savior of the world. Jesus already paid it all! Isiah 38: 19 says “Only the living can praise you as I do today. Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next” (NLT).

THRIVING IN THE WORKPLACE

Many of us have jobs, businesses and other interests (a.k.a side hustles) on our plate, in addition to being homemakers. This puts additional pressure on us, especially in families where bills are shared (any witnesses here?). Yet our world tells women the pathway to happiness is found in a perfect house, fancy clothes, and delicious food! But God loves women and made us for a much bigger purpose than that. We are made in God’s image and were called “VERY GOOD” by the Author of Life Himself. Sisters, shout ‘Hallelujah!’

Here are three nuggets among so many that you can add to your list for your professional or business growth and thriving. This list is not exhaustive:

• Cultivate your Growth Zone: No matter how far along you get in your career or business, you always must be a willing student if you want to keep moving forward. Do not be afraid or embarrassed to ask for help.  If you find that you’re not learning or feeling uncomfortable in some area, then you’re probably not being as challenged as you could be.
• Seek out mentors: Connect with people who have been successful in the professional or business path you are treading. They don’t have to be the big names, but they should have time for you. Some of them are sitting among us. You may also join groups or organizations where you can network and have access to information.
• Aim for excellence in all you do: All work is not created equal, and knowing the difference is key to consistently delivering excellent work. A writer said in her book “You have to find a way to deal with all of the work, not do all of the work.” (Patty Azzarello, 3 Practical Steps for Advancing Your Career, Standing Out as a Leader, and Liking Your Life). Don’t be afraid to set priorities and work strategically, so you can create a track record of excellence.

THRIVING IN MINISTRY

Ministry is another ball game! This is where we give and give, and many times we don’t receive or even see or get any appreciation! Instead, there are so many demands and such high expectations from everyone, including our husbands, the pastors, church leaders, workers, the congregation in general, and even the public. Everyone has their own expectations of what you should look like and sound like, how you should dress, how you should act (whatever the situation), where you should go. The list is endless, and these expectations can get under our skins sometimes! Can anyone relate to this?

Consider these quick nuggets:

• Stay close to your Savior and keep nurturing your personal relationship with Him by prayer, praise and the Word. This will ensure you are not stagnant or run dry. The anointing of yesterday is not adequate for today. Hebrews 4: 12 says “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (NLT).
• Run after discipleship. Don’t feel you “have arrived” at any time in your life – there is always something new you can learn or enhance your knowledge. And remember, discipleship is a two-way street. As you grow, commit to also training and encouraging other women in their faith. Titus 2: 7 says “In everything set them an example by doing what is good” (NIV).
• Seek out community. Lone-ranger Christianity does not help you grow. Surround yourself with others who will lift you up spiritually and help you stay faithful. We all need to encourage and be encouraged and being in the community is a fantastic way for that to happen. That is why this forum, PWF, was created.  
• Quit trying to live up to everyone else’s expectations. Instead, see yourself from the eyes of the word of God and follow God’s guidance. Philippians 4: 8-9 says “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you”. (New KJV).

CONCLUSION

Proverbs 31: 10-31 further encapsulates the trappings of a thriving woman of God. That is what the word of God says about you and me. Affirm His word in Psalm 1: 1-3 that you are planed by God, nourished by our Father, flourishing like the palm tree, evergreen in all circumstances, and prospering in all you do. You thrive! As you settle in to enjoy the goodies packaged for this program, always remember now and hereafter that YOU ARE GOD’S GRAND FINALE AT CREATION, HIS EXCLAMATION POINT AT THE END OF A SIX-DAY SENTENCE! Glory to God!