Facing Our Fears in Ministry (an interview with Nira Abella)

When God calls us into ministry, our fears can outweigh our excitement to serve the Lord. These fears can paralyze and keep us from the fullness of His grace. Nira Abella knows the gripping power of fear, and the freedom that comes from surrendering it to Christ. Today, she shares how Christ has helped her overcome fears in ministry, allowing her to extend the same grace she was given to others. Nira Abella is married to Jose, a pastor, and together they serve at Providence Road Church in Miami, Florida. In addition to raising their six children, Nira enjoys working in the women’s ministry at their church. EPISODE GUIDE  1. Common fears we face as ministry wives: “My past is so sinful. What if it hinders the ministry?” “What about my family? How will we afford to live in this calling, and how can I protect my children as we serve?” “I’m so limited in my abilities. How do I minister to who God has called me to? “I think most pastor’s wives come to this point where they say, ‘Yes, I see it in my husband. I see what God is doing, but I’m not sure about me. I’m not sure what I bring to the table, and I don’t even know what that role is supposed to be.'” — Christine Hoover 2. “I’m afraid my sinful past will derail my present ministry.” Christ died for your past sins; there is no condemnation in Him. God will use your redeemed past to minister to those in similar situations. Surrender your fear to the Lord, and rely on Him to navigate conversations if/when your past comes up. “Women and young girls are willing to come up to me and share their struggles, their sin, their prayer requests with me because they know I understand. I’ve been there. I think it’s made me more real to them. It’s helped tear down that pedestal that people automatically place us on. And I can’t minister from a place of ‘How dare you?’ because grace was extended to me, and I need to extend that grace to others.” — Nira Abella 3. “I’m afraid for the provision of my family and the eyes of my children.” He will provide financially in miraculous ways. It may be a season of sacrifice, but the gifts received in ministry far outweigh what is given up. Don’t fear for what your children may see in ministry. Remember they are also getting to see the great good God is doing. “We were very intentional in sharing the Lord’s provision with our kids because we wanted them to know God is doing this and we’re going to trust Him. We tried as much as possible to bring our kids along so that they could witness first hand the things that the Lord was doing.” — Nira Abella “We don’t want to protect them from seeing ministry because otherwise they won’t see the rewards and joys of how God is working. Don’t just think about trying to help them avoid the hard things. Think about intentionally helping them see the good things.” — Christine Hoover QUOTES “I don’t think there’s this instant where we say, ‘Okay I’m in.’ I think it’s this process of holding both the faith and the fear in tandem and saying, ‘Lord, I don’t know, but I’m going to take this step today.’” — Christine Hoover LINKS FROM THE SHOW The Hiding Place Head over to www.ministrywivespodcast.com to check out the great content already on the site! CONNECT Connect with Nira Instagram Connect with Christine Facebook // Instagram // Books Visit How to Thrive as a Pastor’s Wife to access Christine’s resources for ministry wives like you!