A Suitable Helper
As of late, Joe and I have been doing devotions at night. Tucked away together and dusk, him and I discuss Scripture, and discuss what are called, "Marriage Builders" in our couple's devotion Bible. Last nite's verse: Genesis 2:18 which says, "I will make him a helper." This was deemed from the mouth of our Creator in the midst of His creation making. Just a hint that the help of a husband is part of God's creation masterpiece...wow!Then this morning, I dived into a book the Elder's wives and I are reading together for discussion, enlightenment, and growth together as minister's wives...A Woman After God's Own Heart by Elizabeth George. I highly recommend this book if you are a woman who longs to deepen her commitment to God, service, prayer, family, and ministry. Chapter 4's title was "A Heart that Serves" with Genesis 2:18 as the focus verse. I know, talk about a divine focus. God always has a way of repeating himself in our everyday happenings. You just have to catch them, pocket them, and take them out and meditate on them in devotion and solitude.She began the chapter asking poignant questions such as, and I paraphrase: "With your husband, do you help or hinder? Do you punish and pout when God calls him to be out of the house on tasks that need completing? Do you ask him daily, how can you help? Do you ease the tension in your home with service, help, and concern for your husband daily?" I know...these were loaded questions that left me hushed to say the least. Then she brings it home by saying, and I quote, "But my primary purpose and role each day is to help...to share his responsibilities, to respond to his nature, and to wholeheartedly cooperate with him in God's plan for our life together. This mind-set, this servant spirit, helps me be more like Christ as I esteem others-especially my husband-as better than myself (Philippians 2:3) and commit myself to service."I was crestfallen, this lioness helper began to germinate inside my skin, boiling over with love and concern for her covering, her man, her head of the family, her husband. As a minister's wife, the responsibility of uplifting him with my help, my prayers, my acts of service, and my ministerial contributions came flooding over me like a gush of water springing forth on all sides from under a bridge.I'm not saying it's easy: the long nights, the counseling sessions, the planning meetings, casting the vision of the movement that keeps him up at night because the revolution is such a part of him, in his fixations, his spirit, he can touch it it's so tangible, as God gave it to him. The successes and disappointments, we are supposed to be there. We are supposed to be the net they fall on when they need it. We are supposed to be the sounding board, the ear to listen and take in, the hands to help & plow in the field of their ministry ordained by the Father to complete. Present. Aware. Concerned.
I long to be that suitable helper. I long to make that commitment to plunge deeper into the heart of my husband to be that Help that God intended. Yes, but how? So glad you asked....1. Know who you are in Christ by daily coming to Him in communion, prayer, and worship.2. Consult with God with every decision, conversation, and action. I'm trying it, and it's working.3. Love the people God has placed in your life without pretension and agenda, allowing that unyielding love to marinate in your home, and ultimately reach the heart of your husband.These actions will cultivate in your heart one that is willing to serve, lend, help, and love.The life of a minister's wife is complicated to say the least. But is an honor and privilege to have access to the lives and souls of people. It is an absolute gift to have the ability to influence and impact lives through the Power of God and the transcending qualities of the Holy Spirit, revealing Christ as the Cornerstone to any problem they may face.The question is are we ready to grow, mature, and develop into more profound help that is suitable? Only you alone can answer that question. I know what my answer will be...