Interview with Dawn Stahl – Part 2

By M.O.M.'s - Sandy Ohlman

MOM: How do you keep balance in your life amidst the roles of wife, mother and a minister of the gospel?

Dawn: It is not effortless. It takes sacrifice and a willingness to focus on the big picture. It’s really about honoring God; He has called us as women to be a keeper of the home and one of the definitions of the role as “keeper” is to guard our dwelling place. A good guard stands at their post. The most important thing we can do is honor God through obedience.
Has it always been balanced? No, there were days that I got off a little, but I came back in line as I considered that life is a vapor. I want to enjoy my husband and son while I have them. There are limited days to raise your children – I passed on many speaking opportunities, and I can tell you, I have no regrets. If you will live by putting first things first you can live with no regrets.

One scripture that has kept me balanced is “What would it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul”. My family is the deepest part of my soul, closer to me than any other people. They are what my heart and emotions are filled with – they are part of my treasure - invaluable. So what if I gain fame, destiny, and a great ministry and lose what is most meaningful to me – my family. This is the scripture I use the most as I mentor others in ministry. I ask the women I speak to “What do you gain with “the bigger” and “the more” if your home and your children are a mess?”

It’s important to have a check and balance system; using the Word of God and keeping yourself accountable to someone you trust. If you’re married, your husband can be a key person to help you with this area. Is keeping balance easy? No, but it is possible with a willing spirit that chooses to trust and honor God. “Not my will but Yours be done” is a prayer for those moments.

MOM: When you are facing a challenge – what do you do?

Dawn: If I know its God direction and it’s just bigger than me – I take it and I ride it with determined trust in God. You have to take challenges – you only live once. It’s like a surfer riding a wave – you start on the shore, you move out to meet the wave, you get yourself into place and then stand up, trusting God, dedicating it to God. Ride the wave. Keeping our confidence in God during these times is critical – it’s not about our ability. It’s about His ability.

MOM: What about when you are facing discouragement?

Dawn: Discouragement – with discouragement it’s all about keeping it real with God; keeping fellowship, communication, relationship with God open. When David came back to Ziglag he had to encourage himself in the Lord. There is a process involved. First you face the choice of whether to stay there or move on. It is a process. It begins by talking it out with God – let Him process you through it. Once again it’s realizing that if I’m ever going to do something for God I can’t stay here.

When I went through a tremendous discouragement in my life I felt very alone – but it got me alone with God. I journal, I got real with God, I opened my life to Him – He processed me through it until I was able to encourage myself. He will do great things if you will wait – being real before Him. Lay the chips on the table – don’t leave the table – let God walk you through it. After great sorrow comes great joy!
The key: you’ve got to be real with God before you can move forward out of discouragement.

MOM: How have mentors impacted your life?

Dawn: I have had seasons where a mentor opened her life to me and embraced me – confirming the call of God on my life. I have also had seasons where I did not have a mentor and in those moments I poured into other people and cheered them on in their journey.

I have definitely grown from the influence of mentors. I think the greatest words ever spoken to me were the affirming words “I believe in you.” I think those are the most powerful words a human being can hear; “I believe in you”. And that’s what mentors have done for me. It’s especially precious as the words of an older woman confirm the Word of God in your heart – the vision He has planted.  I highly encourage everybody to be a mentor, co-mentor or seek out a mentor. It can come through many different avenues: tapes, books, small groups, or an individual. Everyone needs wisdom and encouragement; it’s a treasured gift to give and to receive.

MOM: Thanks so much Dawn for sharing this time with us. We have been encouraged by your testimony of God’s faithfulness and your willingness to be transparent.

Dawn: It’s been a privilege to share. Thank you.

(c) 2008 Dawn Stahl