Each season of life has a specific assignment. To discover that assignment is to become empowered in ways we might not realize in the beginning when questions about that assignment are first asked. 

I remember my pastor telling a group of us young and yet-to-be pastors, a single and profound truth about our marriage and how it related to our calling. He said, “Before you become a pastor, ask your wife what she wants to do as your partner in the ministry’” I asked Jan that question and she said, “I just want to be a mom to my kids and a support to you.” That assignment carried on for all the years our kids were growing up along with a young pastor who was still maturing as a leader.

A few years ago, Jan began to assume a more visible role in public ministry whenever I was asked to speak. I began to see a new assignment developing in Jan’s life. Last weekend, Jan crossed into a new place of ministry. I saw her prophesy profound prophetic words and take part in leading a regional pastor’s gathering. The next day, in a different city, Jan brought deep truth at a pivotal moment in a church gathering. I stood with a congregation and received with amazement what God was revealing through Jan.

What I witnessed was my wife having moved into a new season of her life. Jan has never been an insecure person having to prove her worth by getting pushy in our relationship and demanding a place of public ministry. I’ve seen some pastors try to platform a wife’s demand for a share of public ministry making that attempt appear pushy, premature, and out of God’s timing and purpose.  

Over the years, I wondered how long Jan’s original assignment would last. She held true to her answer to the original question I asked her when we began our shared assignment almost fifty years ago. I am glad she held to her original answer to my question of loving and serving our family. But now, a new Jan has emerged, and I like what I see and hear. 

As each of us explores a new and different season of life, we will see each other differently in that new context. If we allow the Spirit of God, not our impatience or a need for recognition to lead us, the Lord will do mighty things through that kind of a submitted heart. It all starts with asking the right kind of questions about the timing and assignment of our calling. Walking in that commitment will reveal new aspects of a person’s life that will bless all who have the honor of benefiting from their obedience.