• All Sites:
  • Pastors
  • Leadership
  • Kids Ministry
  • Student Ministry
  • Groups Ministry
  • Women's Ministry
  • Worship Ministry
LifeWay

Ministry to Women

Resources for Women’s Ministry Leaders

  • Home
  • About
  • Resources
  • Events
  • Shop
Inspiration for Leaders, Leadership, Women Reach Women with Chris Adams
December 3, 2012

Women’s Leaders: Content and Thankful or Discontented and Ungrateful

By Chris Adams

Recently, I was challenged by the thought that discontentment is often due to being ungrateful. I was asked if I was thankful for what God had given me or upset at what He hadn’t given me.

I immediately thought of Paul’s attitude as seen in Philippians 4:11-13, “I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret [of being content]—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.” (HCSB)

As a leader, have I learned that secret? I am not sure I have. At times, I think about how it could be if I had a perfect “Little House on the Prairie” family, or health, or the perfect ministry doing so much more for the Lord, if I………….. You get the picture.

First of all, how many perfect families, ministries or health situations are you aware of?  Second, what am I missing because I wonder if? What does true contentment look like?

Well, I would see what God has done rather than what I am still waiting on. Take ministry for example. Do you wonder how to get more women involved, or do you focus on those God has brought? Do you wish you had a bigger budget to accomplish more, or do you wisely use your current budget?

There is nothing wrong with praying for a greater harvest of ministry, but often I think I focus on that ideal and miss all that God is doing in my midst.

1 Timothy 6:6 reminds us that “godliness with contentment is great gain.” What will it take for me, as a leader of women, to understand and be thankful for the lives He has allowed me to be involved in? When will I realize all I have from God at this very moment, that He has provided perfectly, for me to accomplish His current assignment in my life?

I challenge you as well. Stop now and write down what God has given you to do His work for His glory. Write down at least three of those.

Challenge yourself to do that daily this year. Perhaps you might challenge your leadership team to do the same. Now, ask God to give you His vision, dream and aspirations to continue that work.

I am writing this on Thanksgiving Day this year and I want to challenge myself and you as women’s leaders to “be content in any situation” God has allowed. Ask Him for a grateful heart and a clear vision of His provision for your current ministry situation.

You may also like -

  • Lessons Behind the BlogLessons Behind the Blog
  • Rhythms of Work and RestRhythms of Work and Rest
  • The Secret Sauce in MinistryThe Secret Sauce in Ministry

Filed Under: Inspiration for Leaders, Leadership, Women Reach Women with Chris Adams December 3, 2012

WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE

Thanks for stopping by! You’ll find helpful articles for your leadership journey, whether it’s leading women in the local church, in your community, or in the marketplace.

EMAIL NEWSLETTER

  • Ready to join in and receive monthly content specifically for women in ministry? Enter your email address and click "Sign Up." It's that easy!

You Lead

RSS On the LifeWay Women blog

  • How Scripture Notebooks Can Draw You Deeper Into God’s Word + A Giveaway January 15, 2021
  • Book Notes | How You Live January 14, 2021
  • Parenting Teens Through Important Life Decisions January 13, 2021
  • 3 Tips for Kicking off Small Groups This Year January 12, 2021
Load More...Follow on Instagram

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

All Ministry Sites

Pastors
Leadership
Kids Ministry
Student Ministry
Groups Ministry
Women’s Ministry
Worship Ministry

Digital Resources

Ministry Grid
LifeWay Worship
Digital Church
KidEvent Pro
MyCurriculum Manager
Simulcast Manager
LifeWay Reader eBooks
Generosity
WORDsearch
SmallGroup.com

LifeWay Network

LifeWay Research
B&H
Ridgecrest

Copyright © 2021 · LifeWay Christian Resources · All Rights Reserved