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Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:10
No, he ‘s not perfect. Neither am I. We are alike in imperfection yet opposite in many ways as individuals. We are united in marriage, in Christ, who has given us everything, despite our personal preferences and differences. Today I want to take a moment and tell you that your husband does not need to be perfect for you to learn from him. You see my hubby and I are as opposite in personality, background and make-up as you can get. But I want to tell you I still learn from him. God desires that I do. Even though sometimes I make it difficult for my sweet husband, God has blessed him with patience and humor which make the journey somewhat easier for him. Hopefully. Ahem.
Today, I will to share three ways we can follow our husbands regardless of their choices. I say this because we can tend to be distracted by the various splinters our husbands sport, while we stare through beam filled eyes the size of telephone poles. OK, maybe I am preaching to the choir, but at least now you see a clear image in your mind, yes?
God has a simple plan and when we follow it, even somewhat reluctantly, He blesses each step and encourages us in His ways. What I lack in domesticity, I make up for in my heart to please God and willingness to allow Him to conform me to His image. God is patient with me and He will be patient with you. We can do it, through Him who does indeed promise to PROVIDE when we DECIDE in our hearts to commit and follow Him.
Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.
Proverbs 16:3
1. Commit: I used to train for competition and once I was committed to a certain date to compete, regardless of my feelings, it meant I was committed to my training plan. Some days I would not feel like going to the gym. I learned that if I wanted to remain competitive or potentially win, I needed to train consistently whether I had the warm fuzzies about my training on that particular day. Sometimes I had to push myself to get to the gym, or through the workout, BUT in the end the commitment carried me on to progress and victory. It’s the same with marriage (and most things in life). But Christ will empower us as we rely on Him. Don’t wait for the feelings, the feelings may or may not follow. But your continued trust and reliance on something- in this case some-ONE- outside of yourself will get you through and carry you to victory. One day at a time.
2. Lay Down: So often that which seems good can undermine a marriage. I am talking about “rights”. I know this is not popular and I do not have it all down, but marriage is a continual laying down of my rights to myself. Period. The minute we forget this, we are going down roads that lead us far from God and His plans for our lives as women and Believers. I know there is a balance and uniqueness in each circumstance. But this reality should be a reminder that we always can choose. We must weigh carefully in light of His words and our commitment to Him and others. Last night my hubby came home tired after a hard day at work. He sweetly brought home two boxes of dye and became my hairdresser, because I was whining about my grey hair and a presentation I needed to make. In this he modeled, once again his own laying down of his desires that my needs may be met. This is what we do. Now don’t get all upset because your hubby would never do this for you. Instead consider the way he uniquely serves you that you may not even be recognizing. Of course, most of all learn to lay down. I know I am learning. Slowly.
3. Decide and Delight: Decide to trust God and delight in Him. Decide to delight in your husband’s strengths, uniqueness and positive attributes as opposed to his perceived shortcomings. I know earlier, I said I was reluctant. God knows our true heart’s desire. Sometimes we think we know best. This must be balanced by the wisdom of His word. He knows my reluctant heart and is the process of transforming and conforming it to His own. He will make me into that cheerful giver, I long to be. He is doing the same for and in my husband. This does not always work out in the same manner and he uses our marriage as a grand arena for it all to be won or lost.
Decide, Delight and Fight for God’s plan of victory for your marriage!
The LORD makes firm the steps
of the one who delights in him;
though he may stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with his hand.
Psalm 37:23
Hope this makes sense!
There you have it, my simple plan for following your man!
By the way: My secret to getting my hubby to read my BLOG is by writing about HIM! Hi Honey! Love you!
Originally posted: 4/3/12-A Simple Plan To Follow Your Man
*For Sits Girls link – Click Here: I broke the link with the Titus Tuesdays addition somehow!
Enthusiastically, Dawn 
Yea! You made me happy by starting with “commit” and saying to stick to it whether the feelings come or not. I have been “preaching” that at people (teens) for years! In this modern world too many don't feel the warm fuzzies and decide it's over. I believe you have pegged it right on the nose. Our marriages should be a reflection of Christ's relationship with us….committed, sacrificial, and forgiving! 🙂
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Great post for a touchy subject =0)
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Glad you shared.
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Wonderful way to start out the morning, thanks Dawn! Good points and reminders! Just started reading your blog (and started my own – any feedback / advice appreciated, but you can see you are right on path with what I need!) http://keeponpath.wordpress.com/
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Oh, gosh! My marriage would be in trouble if I didn't commit! My husband is chronically ill and disabled and some days it's just hard to walk in the door after work. But everyday I do.
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Such a wonderful post. I hope you have a wonderful weekend! =)
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Love this… so often we learn the best from those who are the opposite of us anyway – and when we are committed – whether it be a marriage or friendship, family – whatever… when we follow the steps you point to here – we find that there just may be more in common than at first glance – and we can learn from one another! Visiting from Barbie's this morning! Good to 'see' you again! (How is your OneWord showing up this year? Can you even believe it is June already?)
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A fine post. Marriage is meant to include this commitment, this submission, and this trust, this delight, these decisions. It is ongoing and should never be taken for granted. Thank you for reminding me of these pieces of marriage that I value and do my best to walk. Caring through Christ, ~ linda
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I LOVE this post! You wrote about such a sticky subject, with grace, humor and it really humanized the whole idea!
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Great post my friend! Perhaps my husband would read my blog if I started posting about him. Hmmmm!
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thank you for these eloquent and inspired words.
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It's only recently that I see the differences between my husband and I are really blessings. We can learn from each other every day (even when I might not want to!). Definitely need to fight for it :)Peace in Christ,Ceil
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