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[Homesteader]

I enjoyed this devotional from Daily Disciples this morning. It's from a woman's perspective.

I can relate to it this past weekend when DH wanted me to help him yank out the bushes in front of our widow neighbor's house. I had to run the truck back and forth and it didn't like staying in 4-wheel drive. DH was short of temper and I was trying to be gracious as the neighborhood was watching us. "Submit isn't an easy word to incorporate into my life but I'm working on it. Here's the devotional for today on "submit".

Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Colossians 3:18

The word "submit" is not one of our favorite words in the English vocabulary. I actually heard that on certain computer programs and websites, the word "submit" will be removed (Submitis usually the button clicked on a website when someone agrees to a purchase, accepts contractual terms for a software product or approves other related entries to get to the next link). For wives, the word "submit" is often scoffed at. The thought of it makes many of us downright angry at times. Why is it so hard for us to submit, especially to our husbands? Oh, there are lots of reasons…too many to list here.

Here is the key for us to get past this issue: we must place our feelings about it before the Lord and ask Him to help us. Why? Because the Bible tells us to submit. But, let me comment on a couple of notes about this. First, submission involves respect and honor, not a doormat mentality. Second, submission is a place of strength, not weakness because it gives God the power to work on our behalf. Our first submission is to God, then the rest will follow. The enemy will blind you with your own pride and selfishness to keep you from submitting to the Lord. Our pride keeps us from humbling ourselves and serving others, even our own husbands. Let the Lord work these issues out with you and you will see the power of God displayed in amazing ways in your life.

I learn something every day about submission, whether I like it or not. Just the other day, my husband asked my help in something and then demanded of me what he wanted me to do. With this specific task, I was truly clueless. After unsuccessfully pleading my case with him, I submitted and vowed to do whatever I could to help him. Behind the scenes, I begged the Lord to help me. I repented of my rebellious heart and I gave up the fight. I saw the Lord not only rescue me from the task, but also show my husband what to do to find the answers himself. It is simply amazing to watch the Lord move like that! For me, my heart was tested. Was I willing to humble myself and submit? This time I did…but believe me, I have to pray and ask for the Lord's help every single time I get into these struggles with submission. God will get the glory as we submit to Him first and then ask Him for His help towards others.

[Annarchy]

...but ....but ...but ...it is sooooo hard to do sometimes, when I think I am right.

Thank you, Lord, for your help.

[AMarthaByHeart]

Homesteader----In my younger days, at Bible study, we would always laugh and say 'Oh no, the 'S' word again.' This was one of the hardest things for us to study in the eighties.

This is so true though. After struggling with submission for a while, I finally learned that God can fight our battles much easier than we can. I had trouble with not submitting after taking some classes in college about 'our rights, self worth, not being a door mat, etc.'. I was really laughed at by the other women and professor about staying home with my sons, cooking meals, being JUST a housewife, etc. It played havoc with my marriage.

Thank God, I started doing Kay Aruthur studies, a wonderful spiritual mom, and the Lord's help, I was gently guided back to loving my place as a helpmate, wife, and mom. I finally learned-in my heart as well as my head- that DH was placed there to be the leader of our family and that God was the real head of our family. I was so afraid of becoming a doormat, but after my feelings were shared with DH, he never threw it back at me. He told me we were in this together. Believe me, this was hard. As my dad always told us, marriage is a bed of roses, BUT there sure are a lot of thorns in it.

I now try to turn it over to Him and let our heavenly Father deal with DH and the situation. (Admittedly, though there are times that I relapse, especially when I 'know ' I am right. After 45 years of marriage, I guess I have learned I don't always have to have my own way, and believe it are not, I did turn out to be wrong-------sometimes.)

Thanks for the reminder. God will get the glory which is exactly where it should be. Where would be be without HIS mercy and grace?