Brigette Wagner Ministries

     “Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”  ~Proverbs 19:21 (NIV)

I remember as a young child, dreaming about singing like Sandi Patti or traveling like The Gaither Vocal Band.  I wanted to “reach the world through music”, travel, and touch peoples’ lives for Christ.

As I grew older and experienced the reality of minstry, I decided that I didn’t want to become a minister, but eventually realized that ministry was exactly what I was called by God to do. 

All of my life, I didn’t want to displease anyone.  Like most everyone, I wanted to be liked, respected, cared about, etc.  But in my own mind, I could never “be” enough – I was never pretty enough, thin enough, tall enough, or funny enough.  Thus, I became dependent upon people’s approval.  As long as I was being admonished for an accomplishment, I felt great.  But if I wasn’t receiving words of affirmation, I struggled with an inferiority complex.

After many years of needing people’s approval and never getting enough of it, God began to change my desires.  It wasn’t an easy process!  I’ve been through times of serious rejection, redicule, and attack.  I’ve been falsely accused (at times by people who I deemed close friends), and discouraged by well meaning authority figures whose approval I greatly craved.  I have stood on the mountain top and have walked through the dark, lonesome valley.

As I reflect back over my life, I can honestly say that I’ve been changed for His glory.  I no longer crave the approval of others and am no longer crippled by rejection!  For, as the old song says, “I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able.  To keep that which I’ve commited unto Him against that day”.  However, had I not gone through the valley experiences, I most likely would still be more concerned about pleasing people than pleasing God.

I’ve been stretched so much that I don’t even recognize the old person anymore.  It’s the “new wine” that flows through my veins!  It’s a new “wineskin” that holds the anointing!  Man looks at the outward appearance – BUT GOD looks at the heart!

Where are you at today?  Are you living your life in bondage to fear, rejection, or people’s approval.  My friend, let me shout encouragement to you:  YOU DON’T HAVE TO LIVE UNDER THE CLOUD OF CONDEMNATION!  YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE KING OF KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS!  It’s not your plan or someone else’s plan that really matters, it God’s plan; and He is able to use you if you are willing to be used!

   “The woman to be admired and praised is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God”.  ~Proverbs 31:30 (Message Bible)

What does it mean to live “in the fear of God” and how do we live our lives so that we are admired and praised?

Living in the fear of God is multi-faceted.  It includes obedience, sacrifice, commitment, and submission.  Basically, it means that we determine within ourselves to allow our “spirit man” to rise above our “flesh man” and have dominion in all of our desires, decisions, and dedications.

As women, and especially as mothers, we are faced with many, many opportunities to shape the lives of those around us.  I watch our children as they continue to amaze me – almost daily – with their godly maturity…..so young, yet so wise and passionate for the things of God.

God continuously uses our daughters to help me understand Him!  I didn’t understand His unconditional love until the girls were born.  I couldn’t comprehend His mercy and grace until the girls were old enough to make right or wrong choices.  I was unable to acknowledge His pride in the accomplishments of His children until I was able to experience pride in our girls for the accomplishments and discernments they make on a daily basis.

As a mother, it has become more and more important to me to live my life so that my children can “arise and call me blessed” (Prov. 31:28).  I want my relationship with them to be such that they can talk to me about ANYTHING, without fear of rejection or condemnation.  So, there are some things God has greatly impressed upon me.

A godly woman, who fears the Lord:  1.  Loves the Lord and is commited to His ways;    2.  Loves her husband and children with unconditional love;    3. Lives a life of honesty and integrity;   4.  Keeps a good attitude;   5. Does not manipulate, even if it means not “getting her way”;   6.  Meditates on God’s Word;   7.  Prays;   8.  Is unselfish;   9. Is dependable;   10.  Speaks wisdom, knowing when to speak and when to listen.

Proverbs 31:25-28 says:  “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.  She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.  Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her.” (NIV, emphasis added)

We all have areas in our lives which need to be improved.  If your desire is to be all that you can be for Christ, but you feel that you’ve failed in some of these areas, let me encourage you today:  Be honest with yourself, without condemnation, and allow God to show you how to walk out His Word.  He sees your heart and knows you better than you know yourself!  Commit every single day to Him and learn to “grow as you go”.