Prayer to become a godly wife
Author: Emily Rose Massey
Bible reading:
“In the same way, wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that even if some of your husbands are disobedient, you can win them without a word, because your wives observe your chaste and respectful behavior” (1 Peter 3:1-2, NASB).
Read or listen below:
My husband Paul and I have been married for 16 years. From day one, we have considered our roles in the household to be 51/49. This means recognizing that because God created men to lead families, men have the additional responsibility of protecting, providing for, and leading their families. Listen clearly, we are equal in our worth as people, but we are never equal in our roles. The fact that the husband is the head of the family does not mean that the wife has no say in what happens in the family or that she is isolated from family matters. At the end of the day, that means being held accountable for the decisions your husband makes. It is God’s command to families. When we step outside of God’s established order, chaos is inevitable. You can experience God’s peace by fulfilling the role God has specially and uniquely prepared for you.
One way a wife can “lighten the burden” of her husband is by fulfilling her role in the home with joy and excellence, praying for and encouraging him in his God-ordained role (despite his shortcomings and shortcomings).
I have several friends whose husbands are not the spiritual leaders of the home, and it becomes very difficult for them to submit when they feel like they are not “carrying their weight” in this area of the family. God is well aware of this dynamic, which is probably why he had Peter write these words of encouragement to his wives:
“In the same way, wives, be submissive to your husbands, so that even if some of your husbands are disobedient, you can win them without a word, because your wives observe your chaste and respectful behavior” (1 Peter 3:1-2, NASB).
Regardless of whether the husband is a believer or not, men carry a heavier responsibility that women were not designed to carry: the burden of being accountable before the Lord as leaders of the home and family. As wives, we must view this design as a true gift of womanhood. God did not simply create men and women “equal” in this way. Since their roles are different, it would be wise to try not to burden them with unnecessary burdens. Ultimately, you will be harming yourself, your marriage, and your family. We cannot walk in obedience and service in our homes without the help of the Holy Spirit. So it’s important to remember to ask God for grace, especially when our husbands may not be as involved in our home and children’s lives as we would like. The Lord has given you a husband, and your marriage covenant is important to Him. God wants to work and change your and your husband’s hearts to reflect His ways as you cultivate the fruit of the Spirit in your lives. It may seem easy to nag when you are irritated or irritated, but draw wisdom from the scriptures, win over your husband with respect and love, and ask the Lord to give you a heart to humble yourself and serve him and your family each day.
Let’s pray:
Father God,
Thank you for the gift of marriage. It’s not always easy, but help me see it as a true gift. Help me to remember to shut up when my husband irritates me and to walk with respect towards him. I ask that you bless my husband as he tries to support and provide for our family. Make his heart hungry for Your Word so that he looks to You above all as he learns how to lead our family. If he does not know you and love you as I know you and love you, I beg you to realize in his heart the great need for a Savior and draw him to the cross. Thank you to my husband and thank you for ordering for our family. We pray that your peace will be our foundation.
In the name of Jesus, amen.
Discuss today’s devotion with others in the “Daily Prayer” thread in the Crosswalk Forums.
Photo credit: iStock/Getty Images Plus/Carolyn Horlings
Emily Massey started writing short stories and poems at a young age, entered the world of blogging in her early twenties, and published her first book in 2015. While she enjoys being a homeschool mom to four boys, she is also able to pursue her passion as a writer. She believes much is forgiven, loves much, and desires to teach others about Christ and His saving and transforming power, especially by sharing the truths found in God’s written Word. To connect with Emily, please visit www.emilyrosemassey.com.
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