Challenged To The Core - Kathi Brixey

One of my favorite little treasures in studying God’s word is a book by Emily Barnes; “15 Minutes of Peace With God.” What a gem. In this book there are many devotional chapters. Here you will find thoughtful subjects to dwell in and take to heart. Emily is truly a servant of God. One such devotional is on husbands and honoring them for who they are, and their role designed for them by God. The emphasis however, was put on the role of women, how and why they were created for men. I have included this wonderful story from Emily’s book because it is such a great example of obedience as well as the results from being obedient. Here is what Emily wrote:

“Several years ago I was teaching a women’s Bible study in our home, and one Friday morning we had a lesson on the creation of women and their role in marriage. When we came upon this passage (Genesis 2:18) there was a lot of discussion about the role distinction between men and women and what God intended when He created both.

We eventually got around to discussing how we could be helpers to our husbands, and of course this sparked a lot of controversy, especially when I casually mentioned that I got up early in the morning and prepared Bob’s breakfast and his lunch for work. One of the young women was having difficulty accepting this concept and said. “I could never do that for my husband!” In a kind fashion I asked her why, and her reply was that he wouldn’t appreciate it, and besides, she liked to sleep later in the morning.

In a split instant a brilliant thought came to my mind. I looked this lady in the eye and asked, “Jane, would you be willing to get up and make Jesus breakfast and lunch?” Without a moment’s hesitation she replied, “Yes.” So I instructed her, “Then don’t make breakfast and lunch for Bill, but make them for Jesus.” “I can do that without any problems,” Jane responded.

To this day both Jane and Bill credit this idea as the most instrumental turning point in restoring their love for each other, even though for some years Bill wasn’t aware that Jane was making breakfast and lunch for Jesus. When Jane saw Bill’s response towards this love gift, she soon started making breakfast and lunch not just for Jesus, but for Bill as well.”

Jane finally had the right perspective. Our society today wants women and men as well to be a “me” generation. It’s all about me and what I want, or, “what is in it for me?” Jane trusted God’s word, was willing to try a new approach and was rewarded with blessings for learning to be her husband’s helper. Now I am not suggesting that women become doormats, however, God created marriage and He knew how it would work best and gifted men and women accordingly. Marriage is perfect the way God created it, one man and one woman committed for a lifetime. Marriages that have the power, potential and the passion to last a lifetime. From the beginning of Genesis God never intended for a man to be alone. A rib was taken from a man and God created a woman for man to be a helper for him. Having a woman made him complete. So tell me, how many of you think of yourself as a helper to make your husband complete? For most of you this may be a difficult idea to wrap your heads around.

As we look at the world around us, meaning your life and community, we see a lot of men not functioning as God intended. Instead they are emasculated by society and tempted beyond belief. This is due largely to women not being willing to be their spouse’s helper and knowing their role in the marriage as God ordained. There are not enough days in the year for me to expound on the blessing that I have received from being obedient in just this part of my life in Christ. My husband and I have a great marriage, is it perfect, no, but it is great and we both love being married to each other. There is no controlling aspect, or because “I said so,” there is only a common togetherness and mutual desire to be obedient to God’s plan for our lives. This is not a fairytale marriage; it is however a marriage that deals with everyday trials and crazy “bumps in the road” one day at a time, walking through it together with God beside us. Learning what my role in our marriage was and embracing it has caused my husband to flourish in his. I have never felt safer or more loved than I do when my husband is happy and contented. One of the many blessings that I have received from living in my God ordained role is extreme joy and peace knowing that God is in control of our marriage. Wow! For me it doesn’t get any better. No matter what our circumstances are we have the confidence in knowing this truth.

Man was created for God and He created woman so man would not be lonely. I truly feel that God picked my husband out for me and that He has a purpose for our lives together. Perhaps this week as you check your pulse you might find it advantageous to explore your role in your marriage. Let me encourage you to start in Genesis, “In the beginning” and see what your heavenly Father will reveal to you. You will get your husband in the right perspective, what you do with it can change your life!