Today’s guest article is one of conviction and encouragement for wives. As I read it I immediately felt God tug on my heart pertaining to this area in marriage. Jennifer Schwickerath writes today with a revelation on how she is helping her husband, a lesson we can all learn from. Enjoy!
Jennifer writes:
Six years ago, my husband had confessed to having looked at images online. I was devastated, but we overcame that obstacle. Soon after we celebrated our ten year anniversary, we were reading a book together when he told me that he had clicked on an icon to look at an actress. I was crushed. I thought my world was crashing down on me again. I forgave him for this and he had overcame this.
Why did this happen again and how was I going to pray for him when I felt betrayed?
Soon after that, in God’s perfect timing, a group of bloggers started a series to Revive Your Marriage. The first one was praying for your husband (http://womenlivingwell.org/2012/09/week-1-revive-your-prayers-for-your-marriage/). There are 2 things that came to my mind. The first, really–that is all? My arrogance had me thinking “I already do that and we pray together”, but God in His mercy had brought to my mind something else. Pray for your husband to overcome temptation (it was also on the list of suggestions on how to pray for your husband). God told me that this is one of the ways to help my husband’s walk with God. I used to think that since it was my husband’s problem, it was between him and God. I don’t know why I thought this, but I was wrong. My husband told me he needed me to specifically pray for him to overcome temptation. Let me tell you, it is hard to stay mad at someone when you pray for them!
I learned a valuable lesson through this. I can not stop praying for my husband to overcome this temptation. I was wrong to stop praying about this area in his life.
1 Thessalonians 5:17 says, “Never stop praying” (NLT).
Yes, I pray for my husband, but this will be something to NEVER stop praying about for him. The verse following that verse,
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says “Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus”.
So what am I thankful for in all of this?
God prompting these women to do this series. God showing me how to be a better wife for my husband.
God told me that I am NOT a doormat for helping my husband, but a prayer warrior.
I am thankful for God reminding me that sin is sin. When I use words to hurt my husband, it is the same as when my husband hurts me. Most of all, I am thankful for God’s forgiveness and that He is using me, a sinner, to pray for one of His children, His son Matt. I need to pray for me.
Lord, make me worthy to be a wife to your son Matt.
Be blessed:)
