Some days in ministry are just long and hard. How do we continue to radiate with Christ’s glory when you are worn out or frustrated? Read guest blogger Judy Patrick’s challenge to minister’s wives to have a glowing complexion!
And it came about when Moses was coming down from Mount Sinai . . . that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shown because of his speaking with [God]. So when Aaron and all the sons of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. . . When Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil over his face. But whenever Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he would take off the veil until he came out. . . So Moses would replace the veil over his face until he went in to speak with [God]. Exodus 34:29-35 (NASB)
A glowing complexion; A radiant face; A youthful appearance; all these are phrases used to describe a rejuvenated face. Women around the world desire to have youthful, glowing, radiant faces. We spend thousands of dollars every year to rejuvenate our faces. Yet, what are we willing to do to rejuvenate our spiritual faces? Do we desire to radiate the glory of God and mirror His image?
Moses’ face glowed with the radiance of God’s glory after a time of solitude with the Lord. Moses did not know that his face shown with the glory of God until the people told him. This is typical of a person intent on living for God whole heartedly.
Moses’ face mirrored the glory of the Lord. What possibly contributed to such a wonder? First, Moses intentionally went into the presence of God. He took the initiative to go to God. Second, spending time in the presence of God meant leaving the world around him—secluding himself from the world and surrounding himself only with God–yet, only for a short time. During this time, he was rejuvenated and re-energized to go back to the people that needed to see God’s glory demonstrated. Third, his focus was upon fellowship and obedience with God. He did not go to God seeking selfish gain. His purpose was to commune with God. Such communion re-established his purpose in life–a purpose that would draw all men to God. Renew your spirit daily so that you will radiate the glory of God and mirror His image in your life.
Judy is the Women’s Ministry Director for the Beauregard Baptist Association in DeRidder, LA. Judy earned her D.Ed.Min degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary specializing in Women’s Ministry and Counseling. She teaches Women’s Ministry and New Testament classes for the University of Mobile and the Baptist College of Florida. Additionally, Judy supports her husband, Dr. Tim Patrick, who serves as a Director of Missions and leads a ministry to ministers and their wives called The Shepherds Connection. The Shepherds Connection ministry supports ministers and their wives through resources, retreats, and confirmation. Judy has been a pastor’s wife for thirty-five years. She has been involved in Women’s Ministry over twenty-five years. Judy has served as Women’s Ministry Director on the local church and associational levels and has served Alabama and Louisiana state Woman’s Missionary Union/Women’s Ministry. Judy has two grown sons and two grandchildren with another grandchild on the way.