Bear the Burden
Are your kids a fountain of joy or a burden you bear daily? I assure you, your kids are not the "cross" the Bible tells you to pick up daily. (Neither is your husband) Furthermore, your being a wife and mother is not your "lot in life" but rather your high calling and fulfillment of your destined position. Can't you see that it's your way of thinking and viewing things that produces your grief and bitterness? When was the last time you actually renewed your mind with God's Holy Word? When was the last time you chose to sit and meditate on all the goodness that God has provided for you? Sure, some of you are saying, "But you don't know my husband or kids". That's true, but God does know them. He also knows that the problems you encounter in your relationships are from lack of obedience to His Word and His Will. In spite of it all, you can choose to start now and seek Him in your circumstances and He will guide you out. His Word will light your path step by step and His Spirit will lead you and guide you into all truth. Trust in Him. You say you are a Christian - that you believe in God; so live like you do. Let everything you do and say reflect that your life is in the hands of an ALMIGHTY and LOVING Father who really has GOOD PLANS for you. Read His Word. Please don't take for granted the freedoms that we have - to live in a place where we can worship God openly still and have these resources readily available to us. Make the most of everyday. SERVE your husband as unto the Lord. Not because he is a man that is so good that he deserves it, but because the Lord is to be feared and He commanded you to. Train your kids to obey you so that they will have an easier time than you do in obeying God. Train them now to be givers, and lovers, and cheerful, and grateful so that they won't have to wrangle their flesh as much as you have to wrangle yours. Don't expect more from them than you do of yourself. Teach them by example. Rebuke with love early so you won't risk harshly punishing later. Don't be overwhelmed by your position but rise to the calling. Don't think that you need 4 solid hours of prayer and devotional time alone everyday in order to be spiritual enough to live your life holy. Recognize that God called you holy already in Christ, then everyday renew your mind with the Word a little here and there (especially the parts on being a wife and mother) throughout the day and don't spoil it with secular magazines, T.V., videos , etc. Then cheerfully go about your day serving your family and taking care of things to the best of your ability. Be a good steward over your home, but don't idolize its cleanliness. Keep things in decent and good order, but don't stress about the things of life. Work with your children each day to take care of things, teach them and explore the world with them. Don't keep company with people who are grumblers, back-biters, or busybodies. Do your best to help lift them up, but then walk away and keep them in prayer. Do these things and more throughout your day with a cheerful attitude in all faith with a humble heart. The yoke of Christ truly is easy and light, even in the midst of trials and tribulations. If you feel heavy it's because you're listening to your flesh and/or the devil. Be blessed in mind and body and praise the Lord for He is good and He loves you.
~ Amanda M. Paul
August 31, 2005
Used with permission
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