Over the summer the women’s Bible study group I’m apart of read the book “The Power of a Praying Wife” by Stormie Omartian. Before reading this book I have never heard of Stormie or anything she had written, my expectations were kind of low since I’m not much of a reader to begin with. But I was going to give it a go since I wanted to be able to share with my group and not feel left out.
Chapter one, His Wife, kicked my butt…I thought this book was about praying for my husband not about me!!! As I am reading through this chapter I am taking notes and highlighting scriptures that I would like to remember for certain situations. It wasn’t until I got to the “Creating a Home” section that I was overwhelmed with conviction.
…you will still be expected to see that the heart of your home is a peaceful sanctuary-a source of contentment, acceptance, rejuvenation, nurturing, rest, and love for your family. On top of this, you will also be expected to be sexually appealing, a good cook, a great mother, and physically, emotionally, and spiritually fit. …These are basic things a man may not compliment his wife on every day (or ever), but he will notice if they are not done.
After reading all of that I circled the list and wrote next to it “I fail in all categories.” I felt like such a failure and didn’t want to read anymore after that. The next day still feeling overwhelmed by how am I
going to accomplish all of this when I struggle so much as it is, God spoke to me. He didn’t speak audible but to my heart and this is what He said “Don’t worry about the list, pick 5 things that matter to YOUR husband and see that they are done. We will work on the rest together later.” I don’t think I can explain the kind of peace that came over me but it was as if I huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders.
It’s been a month since I’ve been taking care of those 5 things and the Lord is slowly helping me take care of rest of the list. I no longer freak out about “How am I ever going to get all this done?” which is so freeing! If you struggle like I did in anyway I encourage you to start with 5 things and give your To-Do List to God!
Oh and just in case you were wondering what the 5 things that matter to my husband here’s the list:
1)Make sure sweet tea is made (he’s a southern boy)
2)Dinner is Ready
3)Clean Underwear
4)Work Clothes are ready
5)His lunch is packed.
From A Mess To A Beautiful Mess 
I like the idea of picking 5 things for YOUR husband! I’ve really been more bothered by some of these books that have specific lists. I know that there are things that matter to my husband and I WANT to do them out of love. But often in the books they come across as so…legalistic. At best. Or maybe I should pray about it? 🙂 I really like your take on it! Ps- Thanks for subscribing to my email!
LikeLike
I know what you mean some of these books offer great insight but at the same time make you feel like such a failure. So I take the good in and pray about the rest and God shows me what matters and throws the rest away!
Oh and your very welcome, I am so new to blogging and another than just writing what’s on my heart the rest is so confusing and you offer some great insight!
LikeLike