Seasons Of Trials, Toil, Tears, and Triumph

This tribute is written to recognize the ministry of Pastor Tina Wilson, a prayer warrior for many, including retired NFL players, one of whom is a former Oakland Raider.

Matthew 18:18-19

¹⁸"I tell you the truth, whatever you bind on earth will be^[d]bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be^[e] loosed in heaven.

 ¹⁹"Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. ²⁰For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them

Many seasons have passed since I first met Pastor Tina Wilson. Those times in our lives enrich our testimony and give us substance to testify about the goodness, mercy and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I have observed Pastor Tina as she endeavored to do God’s will by preparing herself for ministry. Her preparation was always preceded by fervent prayer. So, I perceive Pastor Wilson as a prayer warrior.

She has accepted God’s call in her life, and she has been fixed by the Holy Spirit and positioned among others who love her and pray with her. The symphony of prayer gives forth a sound of praise and victory as she moves cautiously and carefully to build the ministry of Jesus Christ in her chosen place, at God’s chosen time. Pastor Tina waits patiently for the Lord.

I have seen Pastor Wilson toil over the struggles and burdens of others. She gets involved in the lives of those to whom she is assigned in ministry, and she tugs and toils with them, while teaching and praying for them so that they can come boldly to the throne of grace as obedient Christians. I, therefore, see Pastor Wilson as one who labors with others to envelop them in the cause for Christ.

Over the many seasons, I have seen tears. The tears I saw are a small quantity of the tears she has shed as she travails for others, and vigorously directs them to the Word of God. Her tears have been tears of sorrow which moistened the hard ground she has tread to reach for and return lost sheep to the flock, and to the fellowship with the saints. Those tears of sorrow transformed to tears of joy each time a person accepted Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Watching the growth of Pastor Wilson has been somewhat like watching the development of a caterpillar who becomes a beautiful butterfly. Yes, there is darkness, sometimes. Sure, there is a place where she was enclosed, in her most private moments, talking with the Lord, and praying for His protection, provision, and presence.

Most of all her trials, toil, and tears have brought her to a place of triumph, of victory. Only God can reward her for her obedience and adherence to His Call in her life.

On this day, a day which represents a stage and season fully developed, she will flutter forward and fly high in the sky, for just a little while as does the beautiful butterfly.

What we know and remember during her years of building In His Image Covenant Church is that her ministry has touched the lives of thousands as what she seeds into the lives of others brings forth fruit which also has seeds that can continue the ministerial legacy of her late husband, but above all, continue the ministry of Jesus Christ on this earth and in this place, until the Messiah returns.

In my case, I am most appreciative of her fervent prayers for those retired NFL players that have inhaled the fragrance of so many intercessory prayers.  Those prayers which were like a sweet fragrance around the throne of God, have been answered by our Lord, and His Word says He will tell her, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”