Fallen and Redeemed Work
Open Your Bible
Genesis 3:17-19, Ecclesiastes 2:18-26, Romans 8:19-23, Ecclesiastes 9:9-10, 1 Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:23, Philippians 2:12-16
BY Lore Ferguson Wilbert
I was once a well-oiled working machine, churning out articles, speaking at conferences, ministering within my capacity and out of my weaknesses and strengths. While I’d never envisioned myself as an unmarried woman, I found fullness and contentment in the plot God had given me to tend.
Then I got married. And moved. And moved again. I’m no longer in my home, or church, or comfort zone. I still don’t really know anyone here, and we haven’t found a local church home in the D.C. area yet. We feel displaced.
Meanwhile, all the work that’s been done in me and through me is suddenly no longer for me. I can’t write about singleness anymore. I’ve begun to see others picking up the banner I laid down for the gift of marriage—and I’ve resented myself for losing it. My heart echoes King Solomon’s words:
“I hated all my work that I labored at under the sun because I must leave it to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will take over all my work that I labored at skillfully under the sun. This too is futile” (Ecclesiastes 2:18–19).
There is this sadness in me that I cannot shake. The earthly identity I worked hard to build, and tried my best to bear faithfully, is no longer mine to carry. Those days of fruitful ministry feel very far behind me across the chasm of this difficult year. The enemy loves to taunt me, to tell me I’ve wasted and been wasted, that all those words and thoughts are now lost. It’s hard to trust that my previous work has not been done in vain, though I know it was never mine to begin with. It was always His.
I dreamt of this time for years, didn’t I? I longed to be married. Why then is it so hard to reconcile the work I once did with the work I’m called to now? I agonize over how to spend the eleven-hour days stretching from the still-dark hours through sunset when my husband returns. I sweep the kitchen floor, wash the towels, and put fresh flowers in the vase, growing weary and resentful of all I’ve lost, straining to remember that I’ve also gained. Happy as my husband and I are together, happy as I am to be called his wife, this place in life is still not our true home. It isn’t supposed to be.
Today I do four loads of laundry. I sweep the kitchen floor. I write. I text Nate and our friends to tell them I love them, that I’m praying for them. I heed King Solomon’s words: “Whatever your hands find to do, do with all your strength” (Ecclesiastes 9:10). But in my struggle as a new stay-at-home wife, I remember that work is still work, no matter the title, no matter how blessed. God explained this to Adam at the fall, that the work of his hands would be hard from then on (Genesis 3:17). And it still is, for all of us. It will be until the day in Glory when pain in all its forms is no more (Revelation 21:4).
Sometimes the days drag on, the work feels endless. I can’t sort through the mountain of to-dos quickly enough, and yet it feels like I’m searching for things to do with my hands. But this is the plot to which I am called today: this home, this house, this husband. It is a life both better and harder than I imagined, and it’s being redeemed by God with every light and heavy step along the way. “For it is God who is working in [us] both to will and to work according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).
165 thoughts on "Fallen and Redeemed Work"
-
I’m so incredibly thankful for the honest transparency of your words! May we all work hard for what God has called us to now and always!
-
I just want to encourage you, Lore, that your change in marital status does not necessarily need to change your ministry. Singles need to hear from married women who have gone through an extended period of singleness before finding a husband. It gives us hope. Please don’t stop reaching out to singles just because you are now married. Your encouragement is still very much needed.
-
❤️ Thank you Churchmouse for all your beautiful insight and wisdom. I too have more years behind me than before me.
I love reading all your comments and am so thankful for this community.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all. -
The Scripture reference alluded to (regarding the holding up of arms) comes from Exodus 17:12-13. This is what is accomplished by intercession and encouragement for one another. It is indeed a soothing balm, an empowering oil. Thankful you came to my aid.
-
Dear friends, how you warmed my heart with your kind and encouraging responses to my post yesterday. Though my circumstances have not changed, you certainly lightened the burden. I felt you holding my arms up so that I might yet continue to press on. You were His gift to me, a little light in this darker season I am in. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I am praying your kindness forward – in my prayers for all of you. Ephesians 1:16-20.
-
I find it to be a tough balance of “doing it all for the glory of God” and losing my identity to my work. Praying on this today.
-
I am in the same boat Kara! Recently took a new job doing the same work, but being in the new space has me feeling displaced in a way. It’s hard to want to keep up the same pace as my old job while navigating all the nuances of the new job. Maybe we work for the glory of God, but we also rest for the glory of God and regard ourselves as enough no matter what we accomplish, for the glory of God!
-
-
This was such a great reminder this morning. To do everything for the Lord and give Him all the glory. I’ve been struggling with a job that I don’t like and finding a new one. It’s been months, but over these months God has been teaching me to be content, have patience, and peace. We are working for the Lord whether it’s at home, at our jobs, hanging out with friends… He is in us and working through us to better His kingdom! I’m so thankful for this mornings scripture reading and devotional. Happy Thanksgiving sistas! If you have a special prayer request shoot me a reply, would love to pray and lift it up to God for you.
-
These words and the scripture in Ecclesiastes put into words my feelings after stepping away from children’s ministry at our church. It was the right decision and comes with so many blessings but still a struggle with the identity shift. I always felt like a terrible person that I struggled to support the team that took over but I realize after reading this it is the result of sin and fallen work. Thanks for sharing what I could say relate too
Post Comments (165)