The Question Joanna Gaines is Afraid to Ask

It May Be About Her Purpose

This week I watched a fun interview with Chip and Joanna Gaines.  In addition to staring on the TV show Fixer Upper and managing their daily operations of The Magnolia empire, they have 5 kids at home.  In the interview, they shared how the success of their career was an unimaginable dream that kept them very busy, and how they must be intentional about raising their children as a family was their priority.  Joanna went on to share the one question she is afraid to ask each day of her children. "How am I doing as a mom?" Wow! Despite the continuous success and approval she receives outside of her home, her main focus is the job she is doing on the inside of her home.

As Created Women, we can have dreams to do something big for God's glory.  He does give us passions, gifts and talents to be used for His purpose and not for our own. But I think sometimes we can get so busy trying to figure it all out that we miss what is right in front of us. 

In the book of Matthew, Jesus is clear that we are here to serve. Matthew 20:26-28 says, “Instead, whoever wants to become great amount you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave- just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Our first ministry is to serve those in our home in a way that brings honor to God.  His word clearly tells us in Ephesians 5 and 6 how we are to live as imitators in Christ in our work, and in our family.  

Because I get so absorbed in my to-do lists that work toward my personal goals, I have to regularly clear my mind of my thoughts and check lists. I need to ask the Lord, my children and husband, “how am I doing?”  Am I being the wife God instructs me to be? Am I teaching my children with Godly instruction, listening and not responding harshly in anger?

It may not always be what I like to hear, but God is always faithful to answer that prayer request. My prayer is that I don't overlook what God has put right in front of me each day.  May I serve with purpose those whom God has placed in my life, just as Jesus came to serve me even when I did not deserve it.

Reflection

1.     How does seeing your home as your first priority change your perspective?

2.     What could God be showing you about the order of His purpose?

3.     How are you being used in this season to bring honor to God?

Goals

Name three things you will do to seek more of His righteousness and purpose for your life at this moment.

Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant and whoever wants to be first must be your slave just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.  (Matthew 20:26-28) NIV)

Crystal Breaux