Abby is back again to talk about the relationship behind the closed doors of many marriages. I want to also say that I have so much respect for Abby b/c she is a military wife. I am humbled by her husband's desire to serve our country and fight for our freedom. As a military wife, she serves our country as well. She carries more than most women will ever know. She's honest and loving and her desire is to encourage each of us to seek the Lord in all stages of life.
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My husband is an affliction. Depending on your experience, your situation and maybe on the time of the month - you’re either applauding me with shouts of affirmation or you’re so shocked by my appalling admission that you’re about to quit reading Beth’s blog. Hear me out.
Most girls grow up with Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and Happily Ever After. What they fail to remember is that each of these girls waded through difficulties before they arrived at Happily Ever After. So, when the blustery days of marriage knock us to our knees we usually spend an unprecedented amount of time complaining. We moan that we weren’t prepared for this, we don’t deserve this and this isn’t the way it was supposed to be.
When it gets really bad do you wonder: Did I marry the wrong person? What is wrong with him? Will it always be this way?
Do you proclaim: I don’t understand him and he doesn’t even try to understand me! He isn’t even seeking God! I can’t honor God in this marriage. I’m worn out of trying.
I am speaking of the worst days here. I haven’t been married for decades yet, but I can promise you, we’ve had some of the worst days. We’ve had some of the best days too, but you’ve read lots of love stories. This is a love story too, but it’s about the messy side of love. It’s about the God whose love usurps all other affections.
God is love and God always has a purpose and God will always accomplish God’s purpose. Follow His word with me:
In Genesis 2:18, God says that woman will be a helper suitable for man. That is also to say a “completer” of man. If we complete him, then it stands to reason that he fits to us, completes us as well. So, the man is good for us - a tool of God to complete us.
In Proverbs 27:17, God tells us that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Have you ever felt like your husband was grating on you, applying painful pressure and filing you down?
Romans 5:1-5 Here, God promises that our pain has a purpose. It produces endurance, and subsequent character and then hope. Through this process God pours His love into our hearts and we will not be put to shame. I know that sometimes as a Christian spouse I have been ashamed. How can I admit to experiencing such trouble in a godly marriage?
Finally, the verse that comforts me most on the bad days and during the tough weeks is Ps. 119:71. Before I share this verse remember than David had been pursued by a man who had been like a father to him (Saul) an he had been ridiculed by his wife (Michal). His son had organized a coup against his kingdom, his best friend was killed in battle, he lost a son due to his own sin and many other struggles and pain afflicted him.
“It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of silver.” Ps. 119:71
Bury yourself in his word. Long for it as the sustenance of life. Treasure it like gold and silver. You will not be disappointed.
http://www.benjity.wordpress.com
***click here for all 31 days of relationships posts***
_____________________________________________________
My husband is an affliction. Depending on your experience, your situation and maybe on the time of the month - you’re either applauding me with shouts of affirmation or you’re so shocked by my appalling admission that you’re about to quit reading Beth’s blog. Hear me out.
Most girls grow up with Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine and Happily Ever After. What they fail to remember is that each of these girls waded through difficulties before they arrived at Happily Ever After. So, when the blustery days of marriage knock us to our knees we usually spend an unprecedented amount of time complaining. We moan that we weren’t prepared for this, we don’t deserve this and this isn’t the way it was supposed to be.
When it gets really bad do you wonder: Did I marry the wrong person? What is wrong with him? Will it always be this way?
Do you proclaim: I don’t understand him and he doesn’t even try to understand me! He isn’t even seeking God! I can’t honor God in this marriage. I’m worn out of trying.
I am speaking of the worst days here. I haven’t been married for decades yet, but I can promise you, we’ve had some of the worst days. We’ve had some of the best days too, but you’ve read lots of love stories. This is a love story too, but it’s about the messy side of love. It’s about the God whose love usurps all other affections.
God is love and God always has a purpose and God will always accomplish God’s purpose. Follow His word with me:
In Genesis 2:18, God says that woman will be a helper suitable for man. That is also to say a “completer” of man. If we complete him, then it stands to reason that he fits to us, completes us as well. So, the man is good for us - a tool of God to complete us.
In Proverbs 27:17, God tells us that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. Have you ever felt like your husband was grating on you, applying painful pressure and filing you down?
Romans 5:1-5 Here, God promises that our pain has a purpose. It produces endurance, and subsequent character and then hope. Through this process God pours His love into our hearts and we will not be put to shame. I know that sometimes as a Christian spouse I have been ashamed. How can I admit to experiencing such trouble in a godly marriage?
Finally, the verse that comforts me most on the bad days and during the tough weeks is Ps. 119:71. Before I share this verse remember than David had been pursued by a man who had been like a father to him (Saul) an he had been ridiculed by his wife (Michal). His son had organized a coup against his kingdom, his best friend was killed in battle, he lost a son due to his own sin and many other struggles and pain afflicted him.
“It was good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes. The law of your mouth is better to me than thousands of pieces of silver.” Ps. 119:71
Bury yourself in his word. Long for it as the sustenance of life. Treasure it like gold and silver. You will not be disappointed.
http://www.benjity.wordpress.com
***click here for all 31 days of relationships posts***
1 comment:
I visit Abby's blog on a regular basis. Today I saw her post about your article. I am a Christian man, married to a lovely, godly woman. I enjoyed reading your article and agreed with your views. Thank you for sharing. Please stop by my blog http://dickyto.com.
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