- George Wright Prayer Tower at Epworth by the Sea, St Simons Island, GA -
After reading the thirty preceding chapters of Proverbs, we come to Day 31 of our 40 Day Experience of GOD: reading scripture, praying for GOD's Spirit to fill us and FASTING together from 4:00 to 5:00.
I'm experiencing GOD today at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island.
I'm here to preach throughout the course of the 2014 Georgia Pastors' School. It's an incredible opportunity for hundreds of United Methodist Clergy to experience connection, community and training. Sheila is beside me on this assignment, and her faithful example of devotion to Christ is especially encouraging to many of the clergy spouses participating in this week's school. We are working together, side-by-side in the life GOD gives us.
Not every pastor knows the joy of shared ministry with a loving spouse. In fact, John Wesley, the Anglican Clergyman who founded the movement of "the people called 'methodist'" was only a few miles from where I'm sitting when he "courted" an intelligent, beautiful woman ( Sophia Hopkey Williamson) ... but their relationship didn't turn out well; ending in controversy, embroiling him in serious court proceedings and, eventually, forcing him from the Georgia colony.
John Wesley knew a lot, but he didn't know a lot about women.
In his own words, from his meticulous personal Journal, he describes the end his pursuit of Sophia, and her rebound response to the breakup.
On March 4, 1737, Wesley wrote of his need for wise counsel. He simply didn't trust himself to resolve his relationship with Sophia. He chronicles his dilemma with these words:
"'From directions I received' from God this day touching an affair of the greatest importance, I could not but observe, as I have done many times, the entire mistake of those who assert, "God will not answer your prayer, unless your heart be wholly resigned to His will." My heart was not wholly resigned to His will. Therefore, not daring to depend on my own judgment, I cried the more earnestly to Him to supply what was lacking in me. And I know and am assured He heard my voice, and did send forth His light and His truth.'"
Three days later, after ending their relationship, he added to his private Journal:
"March 7.—When I walked with Mr. Causton, to his country lot, I plainly felt that had God given me such a retirement' with the companion I desired, I should have forgot the work for which I Was born, and have set up my rest in this world."
The very next day Wesley notes:
"March 8.—Miss Sophy engaged herself to Mr. Williamson."
A few days later, Sophia was married:
"On Saturday, 12th, they were married at Purrysburgh; this being the day which completed the year from my first speaking to her. What Thou doest, O God, I know not now; but I shall know hereafter.'"
John Wesley shared his disappointment with his brother Samuel, who responded with words only a brother could get away with; in summary he said, "You are pitiful. You blew it." Samuel wrote:
"I am sorry you are disappointed in one match, because you are very unlikely to find another."
So what's my point?
Simply this: Oh! How I thank Almighty GOD for my wife Sheila!
When John Wesley came here as a young Anglican Clergyman, he failed to accomplish everything he intended, but he accomplished more than he knew. Those who followed him recognized his impact. George Whitefleld, who landed in Georgia on May 7th, 1738 (shortly after John Wesley fled Georgia and went back to England) spoke eloquently of the results of his friend’s work in Georgia.
“The good Mr. John Wesley has done in America is inexpressible. His name is very precious among the people, and he has laid a foundation that I hope neither men nor devils will ever be able to shake. Oh that I may follow him as he has followed Christ.”
As I considered Whitefield's words of praise for Methodism's founder (in the light of Proverbs 31) I came to this thought: "Apparently, a capable, trustworthy, encouraging, virtuous wife (who comforts her husband and does him only good) is not a prerequisite requirement for serving GOD ... but if you are a married man, it's nice to have an encouraging wife."
So, when I took this picture I prayed for all the men and women who'll become husbands and wives in the little chapel beneath this Prayer Tower at Epworth by the Sea.
Proverbs 31 inspired my prayer. "Father, make all those who become husbands here, honorable men who are worthy of respect. I pray you will empower every woman who stands in this chapel and pledges herself in marriage, to encourage and comfort her husband, as long there is life within her. In the strong Name of Jesus. Amen."
Proverbs 31:10-12 (Amplified)
A capable, intelligent, and virtuous woman — who is he who can find her? She is far more precious than jewels and her value is far above rubies or pearls. The heart of her husband trusts in her confidently and relies on and believes in her securely, so that he has no lack of [honest] gain or need of [dishonest] spoil. She comforts, encourages, and does him only good as long as there is life within her.
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