God’s providence at work in Lydia’s life

After the edifying interview with Gilles Georgel on his retirement, we wanted Lydia, his wife to speak. Her authenticity and her consecration are a great source of encouragement for us and an occasion to thank the Lord.

You have been a precious help to your husband during all these years. What big lessons have you learned?

Ministry is full of surprises. There are discouragements and setbacks. I learned to live from day to day so as not to be worried. As a pastor’s daughter, I went to a good school to prepare for the role God had planned for me. This is why adapting to ministry was not complicated.

It is natural to be worried. I learned not to think the worst. I often worry in vain. The catastrophic scenarios that I sometimes constructed for myself did not happen. I have seen the amazing faithfulness of God. We have never lacked for anything, despite the fact that God gave us a large family. He supported us through trials and provided more than was necessary.

How did you see God at work within your marriage, your family, in your ministry?

The Lord encouraged me many times with little things, support that came at the right time: a phone call, a visit, a reading, the help of unconverted friends, neighbors… When our daughter Florine needed a wheelchair because of her handicap, German Christians joined forces to provide us with a van fitted out for her transport. God knew our needs and provided them in an extraordinary way.

I was also amazed by the loyalty of certain donors. Month after month, for decades, faithful friends, a church, and members of our family have prayed for us and given. I thank them all.

God made it possible for us to have children who are for the most part devoted to him. Given our imperfection, we do not take this for granted. Our three sons have married women of faith and worth and we rejoice in this.

In our marriage, God gave me the strength to hold out when times of distress came. Sighs rose many times from my heart during Gilles’s episodes of depression. But I never doubted the presence of God. His promises helped me stay calm.

I have always taken into account that the church does not belong to us. With my parents, I have seen the storms that can shake a ministry. It helped me take a step back and let go.

What helped you persevere?

My work as a nurse has given me balance. Being around people outside the church who sometimes go through dramatic situations has helped me to put my difficulties into perspective. Turning away from yourself to take care of others is good therapy for life. The sovereignty of God is one of his attributes that I meditate on the most these days.