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Wednesday, March 7, 2007

"Punk'd: Preacher's Wife Edition"

Disclaimer: We do not watch MTV or the practical joke program, “Punk’d”, that airs on the network. However, I believe since I have a house full of children who are told about these shows by others, I should be responsibly relevant in knowing “what’s out there”. Besides that, the title just sounded way cuter than, “One Of Our Deacons Played The Cruelest Joke EVER On My Family Sunday Night And I Fell For It Hook, Line, and Sinker.”

Just a couple of weeks ago, our church watched the film “Facing the Giants” during our Sunday evening service. If you have seen the movie, you know that the coach of the football team drives a wreck of a car that is constantly in need of repair. In the latter part of the film as God is beginning to perform wonders in the man’s life, someone takes the coach’s old car and replaces it with a new shiny red Ford F150 truck.

Many parallels were drawn between this man and my husband, Luke, over their vehicles. Luke drives a Chevrolet truck the color of a robin’s egg that has had the misfortune of nesting beside a nuclear plant. It is a radiating blue that commands the attention of anyone who happens to be within a fairly wide radius. We have lovingly nicknamed it, “The Blue Goose.” Luke joked with the congregation after the film that no one had better come and get “Goose” and replace it with a new truck because he would be "oh so upset” to lose it. There were many a hearty laugh and everyone parted ways.

One of our deacons is a car salesman. Last Sunday night after the service, he called the attention of the congregation and told them how much he loved his pastor. He then, with much ceremony, produced a bill of sale stating Luke was the proud owner of a new Ford F150 truck. I could hear the gasps of people around me, applause began to erupt, and I burst into a thousand tears. The racing thoughts of my mind were something like, “I can not believe this. Oh Lord, thank you. No one deserves this like my Luke! *snot wipe* I should email the church who made this film and tell them how it inspired someone to do such a wonderful thing for my darling husband.” And please make sure you realize that all eyes were on me because everyone wants to see how you 'act' when someone blesses you like that. Extreme Home Makeover had nothing on this bawling, squawling wreck.

Then, this stinker of a man brought out a TOY truck - a shiny new ’07 Ford F150. Oh no, I’m not kidding. He laughed and laughed because everyone in the church fell for it. Luke promised he thought it was a joke the whole time but I was totally Punk’d. It was an evil little prank and I told that deacon so! (With the sweetest of hugs and a smile on my face I might add. We preacher’s wives must always remain gracious. Grrrrr.)

Would you like to know what I prayed after that little shenanigan? “God, I totally looked like an idiot in there. The only way I can recover is if you give me a little application here.” He did. Here it goes.

“But as God is faithful, our word to you is not yes and no. For the Son of God, Christ Jesus, who was preached among you by us was not yes and no, but is yes in Him. For as many as are the promises of God, in Him they are yes; therefore also through Him is our Amen to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us is God, who also sealed us and gave us the Spirit in our hearts as a pledge.”
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 NASB

The opponents of the apostle Paul were constantly trying to discredit him among Christians. “This man will make a fool of you! Look at him, he says he is coming to see you but now he isn’t. Can you trust anything he says?” How often do we guard our hearts in relationships, both with Christ and others, because we are afraid of being ‘had’? This attitude results in withdrawal, self-reliance, distrust, and pride. It also makes for a very lonely existence.

Unbelievers will say, “I don’t want to live by a list of do’s and don’ts”. We can be certain God’s ‘yes’ and ‘no’ is never arbitrary. Every single time He allows either answer into our lives it is to direct us ever closer to the promise of full redemption that is always “yes” in Him. Girls, we are safe in the arms of God. There is but one end for which we are sealed and it has no unexpected twist.

In my walk of faith I have learned many things but perhaps one truth increases my faith more than any other: I may become a fool for Christ, but He will never make one of me. (2 Cor. 5:13)

Now, if He can just do something about that deacon :))



UPDATE: For fear I sound bitter, I must clarify I adore this man and know he wouldn't have hurt mine and Luke's feelings for anything in the world...I fully intended for you to laugh with us! :))

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13 Comments:

Blogger Christine said...

What a great story Lisa! I can just imagine how you felt- my hubby's got a junker too (and we work in the church as music directors, so not quite the same but still...). I love the way you applied it in your life and your openess in sharing!

March 8, 2007 at 5:44 AM  
Blogger Denise said...

Thanks for sharing this, bless you.

March 8, 2007 at 5:50 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Lisa,

You are truly a daughter of the King.

This is where the rubber meets the road (as I like to say). I am touched and will remember this story the next time I feel I have been "had." Thank you. Blessings, Lynn

March 8, 2007 at 9:04 AM  
Blogger Lori said...

Ok I am a little speechless on this story, part of me wants to be mad at the Deacon (and come to your rescue), but the other part of me is praising God for your attitude!

And it is so true, it is a lonely existence to live with a guarded heart. Lisa, I am in awe, this is awesome and I am so glad you were able to make such a beautiful application out of this story.

Blessings.

March 8, 2007 at 10:21 AM  
Blogger Darlene Schacht said...

You always have an easy way of making me laugh, then God gives you the ability to see these spiritual lessons in the every day things of life. You received something far more precious than a vehicle when you received the assurance from God. Thanks!

March 8, 2007 at 10:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow, excellent application! Too bad it had to "hurt" so much to get there! Great attitude. :o)

Katie http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/COMamabear

March 8, 2007 at 4:05 PM  
Blogger 2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I have to say I'm with laurel wreath; i'm afraid i "took up your offense!" but, you are more mature and sweeter in spirit than i. I didn't miss the application, or the presence of the Holy spirit in your loving response!

March 8, 2007 at 4:39 PM  
Blogger Lisa @ The Preacher's Wife said...

Girls,

Thanks for your sweet comments. I feel I must make clear that I adore this man who played this little prank and he wouldn't have hurt mine and Luke's feelings for the world. He was so apologetic and humble when I saw him Wednesday in making sure I wasn't upset with him...I have to thank him for giving me such a great life lesson as well as blog fodder! :))

March 8, 2007 at 5:21 PM  
Blogger Sista Cala said...

Somewhere in the Word, I have read, 'despise not small beginnings" maybe the toy truck is the beginning of something great. With eyes of faith, see a full-sized one and believe God to supply the need.

March 8, 2007 at 7:30 PM  
Blogger Deena Peterson said...

Oh my word...I'm in shock! We have to keep our sense of humor, because we'll never know when we need to whip it out...that certainly stretches the limits...but you a gracious woman of God, and I give praise to Him for using this in your life, and now in mine...but to be punk'd...I'm gonna be watching our deacon like a hawk!!

Actually, now that I think about it, my hubby was punk'd at his ordination...but that's another story...ask me later, or better yet, check my blog!!

March 8, 2007 at 8:12 PM  
Blogger eph2810 said...

Lisa, thank you so much for sharing from your heart.
I have said it many times, that preacher's wives are incredible strong women. They usually sit in the pew by themselves, always have to be strong and have a positive attitude. I admire you and your fellow preacher's wives.

I love especially your sentence: "I may become a fool for Christ, but He will never make one of me." - Amen to that!

Blessings on your day and always.

March 9, 2007 at 7:47 AM  
Blogger Carol said...

You go tell that deacon that, through you, he Punk'd us, too! I totally fell for it.

The Blue Goose lives on!

March 10, 2007 at 8:11 AM  
Blogger Elise @A Path Made Straight said...

I'm grrrring along with you!
But what a wonderful lesson you took away with you! It would have taken me many days to return to my normal shade of pale skin from the incredible blushing1 :)

March 18, 2007 at 5:14 PM  

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