Recently, my husband Joel and I got the opportunity to host our very first couples’ conference and let me tell you, it’s been quite a journey! The conference was right after our vacation.
Now, picture this: we’ve just returned from a much-needed break, and we’re trying to settle back into our daily routines. Can you relate?
We’re talking about those post-vacation days when you walk through the front door, and it feels like your house has turned into a suitcase explosion zone. The dust has taken over, and all those souvenirs you picked up during your holiday are scattered everywhere. Sound familiar?
Lucky for me, Joel has this incredible talent for keeping things neat and tidy. It’s a trait he’s had for as long as I can remember, even dating back to our days in the United Kingdom. Let me give you an example: one time, I was away on a trip, and while I was gone, he decided to give our kitchen a makeover, getting rid of what he thought was unnecessary clutter. Surprisingly, this spontaneous tidying session turned out to be a real blessing.
Joel also has a knack for organizing my bags and getting rid of stray receipts, which usually results in a more organized and clutter-free space. However, there have been a few times when his well-intentioned cleaning efforts unintentionally led to the loss of important receipts. I’ve gently asked him to be a bit more careful when going through my things to avoid such unfortunate mishaps.
Just last week, I went to a homeschooling group meeting, and a fellow mom wanted to borrow something I owned. I promised to ask Joel at home, given his recent cleaning spree. When I asked him, he initially thought he had seen the item but couldn’t find it later. His explanation took a sudden turn – he said he might have accidentally thrown it away while organizing the children’s homeschooling area.
I rushed to the room and opened the cupboard, only to find that almost half of my carefully collected educational materials from my time in the UK were gone. I felt a mix of frustration and disappointment. I had specifically warned him not to get rid of anything, and he had made these decisions without consulting me.
This upsetting discovery came just a day before our conference, making the timing less than ideal. I was struggling with anger while getting ready for my sermon, which I was scheduled to share at the couples’ conference. The passages I had chosen to explore were from Genesis 2 and 1 Peter 3:1-7, the latter focusing on six verses directed toward women, emphasizing the virtues of gentleness and a quiet spirit.
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornments, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes. Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight. For this is the way the holy women of the past who put their hope in God used to adorn themselves. They submitted themselves to their own husbands, like Sarah, who obeyed Abraham and called him her lord. You are her daughters if you do what is right and do not give way to fear.
It was a moment of deep self-reflection because I realized I was straying far from embodying these ideals.
Throughout that night, I had a spiritual wrestling match with God, and the thought of attending the conference felt overwhelming. However, I ultimately decided to go and openly share my inner turmoil during my presentation. I chose to be vulnerable, exposing the raw emotions that had taken hold of me. After all, life is far from perfect, but it’s in our obedience and surrender to His word and authority that we find profound peace. I also approached Joel and sincerely apologized for not demonstrating the gentleness and quiet spirit encouraged by Scripture, despite my initial feelings of righteous anger.
Life is far from perfect, but it’s in our obedience and surrender to His word and authority that we find profound peace
Today, I am filled with deep gratitude for the incredible transformative power of God’s Word. It convicts us, gives us hope, and helps us grow, shaping us into reflections of Christ Himself. It also assists us in letting go of the sins that can so easily trap us.
So, I want to encourage you today to dive into your Bible. Even when life gets tough, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the strength of God’s Word, we can overcome any challenge as children of the Most High God.
Don’t forget: In our obedience and surrender to God’s Word, even amidst life’s imperfections, we discover profound peace and the strength to overcome.
| Consider this: This week, I want to encourage you with three takeaways from my chaotic yet transformative experience: God’s Word Transforms: Just as the Bible has the power to transform our lives, our experiences and challenges can also be transformed when we approach them with faith and obedience. Romans 12:2 (NIV) reminds us: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Vulnerability and Humility: Embracing vulnerability and humility, the willingness to share struggles and apologize, can lead to growth and healing in our relationships. Proverbs 15:33 (NIV) says, “Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.” Find Peace in Obedience: Even when life is imperfect and challenging, we can find profound peace by surrendering to God’s Word and seeking His guidance through the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 26:3 (NIV) assures us: “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in you.” |
