Strength To Lend

Does your husband ever blow it? If he's a normal, everyday guy, then the answer is, "Yes!" We all have experienced a time when he forgot to pick up the essential recipe ingredient on the way home from work. The guests are scheduled to arrive and you need that salt for the stew! Or maybe you've had this one happen. You hinted to him that you really are tired of the fruity smelling lotions and would love a flowered scent next time. A week later he excitedly hands you your birthday gift: peach and orange body cream with matching foaming soap. Whoops! Guess he wasn't listening...

We all know that we need to be mature enough to overlook such errors. After all, even we make mistakes. ;)

But how do we do with the big mess ups - the really, really big ones. Lost jobs, for instance, due to poor performance. Or financial disasters brought on by bad decisions or management. A major purchase that goes sour, even after you told him it didn't look like a wise investment. And now the family is left holding the bag, so to speak, facing the squeeze, cutting the corners, going without. Or dealing with embarrassment. Or bending over backwards to cover sin. How are we doing now?

I know it isn't easy, but that is the time, ladies. That is the time to pull out the stops, dig deep, and stir up faith. If God can't cover your marriage and family in your failure, if He can't provide in spite of error, if He can't turn this awful mess into good, we have the wrong Champion.

Chances are your husband knows he blew it. And even if he doesn't know now, God can show him. I'm not recommending that you pretend there was no mistake made. Acknowledge your awareness of the blunder, even your disappointment. Extend forgiveness, but then move on. I said, move on. Your husband doesn't need you to dwell on it. He needs his help meet to remind him of the greatness of the God he serves. He also needs to know that you are still with him in this adventure called serving the Lord with all we have. Words that release faith into the situation are apples of gold in silver settings. The power of life and healing, comfort and encouragement are yours to speak.

Yes, I know. It comes back to haunt you from time to time. If so, deal with it in God's prescribed way. Pray. If you need to talk with your husband about it again, do it with humility, not blaming him for your struggles. Instead put the blame where it belongs - the enemy of your soul is taunting you, trying to make you believe that your husband's mistake has left your marriage and family undone. Tell your husband that the battle is on and humbly ask him to cover you in prayer against the enemy's attack. Begin to function in the yoke together again. The enemy can never stand against a united offense in the spirit.

These are the times that make us strong. Our roots go deep and our spiritual muscles are exercised. We learn to stand and to wield a sword and shield. It takes strength to be a help meet sometimes. But He won't call us to do something without providing all we need to accomplish it.

So rise up, woman of God. Be all that you can be. Get in rank and file and do great things. The world is waiting for such women. Chances are our husbands are, too. And we will be called blessed.