“Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Ephesians 5:17 {NIV}
The Message Bible translation says it this way:
“Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants.”
As I was meditation over this scripture, God showed me that I need to be intentional in my marriage as well.
It occurred to me that I couldn’t be intentional if I don’t know His will for my marriage and me. Knowing God’s will for Bill helps me come alongside him as his helpmate instead of Gods helpmate. I confess I get in His way so much!!
This also helps direct my prayers for Bill. I would rather spend time praying God’s will then Cherie’s will. I have done this way too much and produced little to know fruit.
How many times do we do or say things carelessly in regard to our husbands and don’t think a second about how it can damage their self-esteem? God has given us the amazing opportunity to pray for His Will for them, to seek God for His intentions. Sometimes this means we have to let go of what WE want for them and allow God to move on their behalf.
Have you found yourself here? I used to be a control freak and thought I needed to controlled every situation. Funny thing is, I didn’t have as much control as I thought. I was a the very hindrance I was praying against!
You may have a desire for you husband to be a pastor or a professional football player. Maybe even a missionary. There’s nothing wrong with wanting these opportunities for our husbands. But have you thought that maybe this is not the direction God has for them?
Being intentional in our prayer time starts with us. The following are 3 steps the Holy Spirit gave me to help me change in this area.
1. Let go of your will for your husband. Ekkkks, I know! This is so hard for some of us! We have spent our whole marriage praying in our direction. Our will for them. But guess what? Now we can lay them down if we choose to. I hope you do. 🙂
2. Ask God to direct your prayer time. What scriptures are standing out to you concerning your husband? What is God saying to you? What is your husband sharing about himself and what he wants to do? These are the perfect place to start.
3. GET OUT OF GODS WAY!! He designed our husbands for a purpose. Maybe you have fear that what they want to do will not provide for your family. Trust God. He knows what He’s doing and will take care of you both.
I have included another scripture worth meditating on. These are the Apostle Paul’s thought on “walking in wisdom”.
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” Ephesians 5:15-21
What scriptures are you meditating on this week? I’m sure some have come to your heart while reading this devotion. Share them me. I would love to hear them!
Blessings,
Cherie
