In the last post on the Godly wife series, we were able to be a little introspective in figuring out our motivations for helping. Hopefully we can help with a servant heart and take pleasure in glorifying God by serving his beloved sons. One major way we can serve our husbands is through prayer. Although we may have a 'great' plan for how our husbands 'should' be, God has an even better plan for their life. Praying for our spouse can seem mundane, as we pray for health, safety and blessings. One area that I have found to be truly helpful and encompassing is, praying that my husband will come into better knowledge of who God is. As God works on my husband's heart, and reveals himself to him more and more he is changed into the man God wants him to be.
Some specific areas that are important include the area of lust. I do not think women fully comprehend the battle men face daily with lust. The book of proverbs is filled with admonishments concerning turning away from lust. Proverbs 6:27-28 says "Can a man take fire in his bosom, and his clothes not be burned? Can one go upon hot coals, and his feet not be burned?" A key point of intercession is to pray for wisdom for our husbands so that they will be able to discern unharmful situations from 'hot coals'. Let us not forget that one of the age old tricks of the enemy is deception. Wisdom given by God will always be a lamp unto our feet so that we are not ensnared by the enemy.
Another specific area is self-worth. Men love to be praised and appreciated. I am learning that I can easily demean my husband without realizing it. When I mention lack in any area of my life, my husband may take it to mean that he is not a good provider. Talking about wanting MORE of anything, may make him feel that he is not adequate. Apart from working on ourselves to be content in our blessings, we must also pray that our husbands will be secure in who they are in Christ. This acts as a shield against what the world wants them to be. This ultra male who is ambitious, works hard to provide for his family, takes over the household chores spends any extra time with his spouse and kids (mind you, none of these are bad in themselves, only as idols). And yet he is still disrespected, with jokes about the woman wearing the pants in the home and ads glorifying the uselessness of a man as his wife controls the home. The truth that I know and want to adhere to is in God's word, showing what a great responsibility he has given the husband. This role is worthy of respect and praise.
Let us pray that our husbands will find true worth in the only one who can give it. That they find it in their identity as God's beloved son. May the truth of that inheritance resound in their spirit so that they may walk in confidence. Let us also do our part to appreciate them, show them respect in word, thought and deed and to lovingly care for them. These are just a few ways we can help our mates, please feel free to add to this in the comment section. I am so thankful to God that he continues to reveal my heart to me and who my husband is in his eyes.
2 comments:
Tsoo, ofain3 mi'nhope ak3 obaa compile en3 f33 ni ok3 mga wolo...this is so inspirational. God bless you. Jo
Ooh Jo Ann, thank you. I try to write as I learn. I'm just thankful that it helps others also.
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