CAN GOD-FEARING WOMEN BE STRONG…EVEN FIERCE?
Helping my husband became who God intended him to be
There is no one answer to this question as every woman is different. However, there are some general tips that can help any woman become more fierce in her faith.First, find your passion. What is something that draws you to God and makes you want to spend time with Him? What are your favorite Bible verses, and why? Once you have identified your passion, start to focus on expressing that through your faith. Take on new challenges, read more devotional books, and engage in conversations about God with those around you.Second, be intentional in your prayer life. Prayer is a powerful tool, and when used intentionally, it can help us grow in our faith and become more fierce in our convictions. Make time for prayer each day, and ask God to help you focus on what is important in your life.Third, spend time with God.
The Scriptures make it clear that a wife should
submit voluntarily to her husband’s sensitive and loving leadership. Therefore,
as I voluntarily submit to my husband, I am completing him. I am helping him
fulfil his responsibilities, and I am helping him become the man, the husband,
and the leader God intended him to be. Building oneness in marriage works best
when both spouses choose to fulfil their responsibilities voluntarily, with no
pressure or coercion. To become the servant-leader God has commanded him to be,
Dennis needs my gracious respect and submission. And when Dennis loves me the
way he is commanded to, I can more easily submit myself to that leadership. I
do this with an attitude of entrusting myself to God. In one of his letters, Peter
told us that even though Jesus suffered terrible pain and insults, He did not
retaliate “but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously” (1 Peter
2:23). When you entrust your life to the Father, it’s much easier to be the
wife of an imperfect man, particularly when you may have disagreements. A
special note: Some of you may live with abuse or in excessively unhealthy and
destructive conditions in your marriage. At times, it may be inappropriate or
even life-threatening for you to apply unquestioningly the principles of
submission. For example, if you are being physically or verbally abused, you
need to take steps to protect yourself and your children. If you are in that
situation, please discerningly seek out your pastor or someone wise who has
been trained to help with your specific issue. Loving, forgiving, and submitting do not mean that you become a doormat or indefinitely tolerate
significantly destructive behavior.
How it all fits together
If you have ever sewn a dress, or attempted to sew
one, you know how a pattern works. The pattern is made of many pieces, some
large and some small, none of which accurately resemble the finished product.
When you lay out the pattern and cut the cloth, you do not have a garment but
only some scraps of cloth. When it is properly assembled and made usable with
buttons, snaps, or a zipper, these pieces make a complete dress. Every pattern
has pairs of parts: two sleeves, two bodice pieces, a front and back skirt, and
even the collar and facing pieces are usually in twos. A marriage is very
similar. God has designed a master pattern for husbands and wives that, when
followed, will create a whole, usable, beautiful marriage. In the same way a
dress can be made in a variety of sizes and colors with numerous differences in
detail from one pattern, so my marriage may look different from yours. As we
acknowledge Christ as Lord of our lives, we must work out our marriages
according to God’s plan. The key is for each wife to follow God’s plan, know
her part, and work to fit in with her husband’s responsibilities.
Can God-Fearing Women Be Strong… Even Fierce?
#### Helping My Husband Become Who God Intended Him to Be
In today's world, the concept of being a strong, fierce woman of faith can seem challenging, especially within the context of marriage. The question often arises: Can a God-fearing woman be both strong and submissive in a way that aligns with biblical teachings? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are guiding principles that can help any woman grow in her faith and effectively support her husband in becoming the man God intended him to be.
#### 1. Find Your Passion in Faith
The journey toward being a fierce woman of faith starts with discovering what draws you to God. Reflect on what makes you passionate about your relationship with Him. Identify your favorite Bible verses—those that inspire and strengthen you. Verses like Jeremiah 29:11, which speaks of God's plans for hope and a future, or Proverbs 31:25, which describes a woman clothed in strength and dignity, can serve as powerful motivators.
Once you have identified your spiritual passions, focus on expressing them through your faith. Take on new challenges, read devotional books that deepen your understanding, and engage in meaningful conversations about God with those around you. This active pursuit will help you grow closer to God and live out your faith more boldly.
For example, if your passion lies in serving others, look for opportunities within your church or community to volunteer. If you find joy in worship, consider joining or leading a worship team. Your passion will fuel your dedication and help you maintain a strong, vibrant relationship with God.
#### 2. Be Intentional in Your Prayer Life
Prayer is a cornerstone of a strong faith. It is a powerful tool that can help us grow in our convictions and become more fierce in our spiritual journey. Make time for prayer each day, even if it's just a few moments in the morning or before bed. Pray for guidance, strength, and focus on what truly matters in your life.
Intentionally praying for your husband’s growth and leadership is also crucial. Ask God to guide him, give him wisdom, and help him fulfill his role in your marriage. This practice not only strengthens your faith but also fortifies your partnership, making you both stronger in your journey together.
A structured prayer life can be particularly helpful. Consider creating a prayer journal where you document your prayers and reflect on how God answers them. This practice can deepen your faith and provide clarity and direction in your spiritual life. Additionally, praying together with your husband can enhance your spiritual connection and mutual understanding.
#### 3. Spend Time with God
To become a strong, God-fearing woman, it’s essential to spend quality time with God. This could involve daily Bible readings, attending church services, participating in Bible study groups, and engaging in fellowship with other believers. The more you immerse yourself in God’s word and presence, the stronger and more confident you will become in your faith.
This spiritual growth equips you to support and encourage your husband effectively. It provides you with the wisdom and strength needed to navigate the challenges of marriage and life together.
Engaging in a variety of spiritual practices can be beneficial. For instance, meditation on scriptures, listening to sermons, and participating in worship can all deepen your connection with God. Surrounding yourself with a supportive community of believers can also provide encouragement and accountability.
#### 4. Embrace Your Role in Marriage
The Bible instructs wives to voluntarily submit to their husbands’ loving and sensitive leadership (Ephesians 5:22-24). This concept can be misunderstood in modern contexts, but it is about mutual respect and love rather than subservience. By submitting to your husband with gracious respect, you help him fulfill his God-given responsibilities and become the leader he is meant to be.
Building oneness in marriage works best when both spouses voluntarily fulfill their roles without pressure or coercion. Your respectful submission complements his loving leadership, creating a harmonious and strong partnership. This mutual respect and love reflect the relationship between Christ and the church, setting a powerful example for others.
However, it’s important to acknowledge that submission does not mean tolerating abuse or destructive behavior. If you are in an unhealthy or abusive relationship, it is crucial to seek help and protect yourself and your children. Submission should never come at the cost of your safety and well-being. Seek guidance from a pastor or a trained counselor to navigate these difficult situations.
In practical terms, embracing your role might involve actively supporting your husband's decisions, offering constructive feedback with kindness, and encouraging him in his spiritual and personal growth. It also means recognizing and valuing your own contributions to the marriage and ensuring that your voice is heard in a respectful and loving manner.
#### 5. Understand the Bigger Picture
Consider the analogy of sewing a dress. A pattern consists of many pieces that do not resemble the finished product individually. However, when these pieces are assembled correctly, they create a complete, beautiful dress. Similarly, marriage consists of different roles and responsibilities that come together to form a whole, functional, and beautiful union.
God has designed a master pattern for husbands and wives. Each marriage, like each dress, may look different, but the key is for each wife to follow God’s plan, understand her part, and work to complement her husband’s role. As you acknowledge Christ as the Lord of your life and marriage, you can work together to create a strong and fulfilling partnership according to God’s design.
For instance, if your husband is naturally more reserved, you might take on a more active role in social or community engagements, helping to balance each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Conversely, if your husband is more extroverted and takes the lead in social settings, you might find ways to support him from behind the scenes, ensuring that both of your contributions are valued and effective.
#### Conclusion
Being a fierce woman of faith involves discovering your spiritual passions, being intentional in prayer, spending quality time with God, embracing your biblical role in marriage, and understanding the bigger picture of God’s design for your relationship. By doing so, you can help your husband become the man God intended him to be while growing stronger in your faith and partnership.
This journey is not about perfection but about progress and commitment to living out your faith authentically. By focusing on these principles, you can become a strong, God-fearing woman who supports and uplifts her husband, creating a marriage that honors God and reflects His love to the world.
Comments
Post a Comment