The Perfect Husband for Ann
From a secular worldview Ann's marriage is miserable. Her husband is not affectionate, never calls just to say "hi," and is often critical and sarcastic. Nor does he live a Christian lifestyle. At times, Ann has wondered if he cares about her at all. She has even thought about divorce.
But Ann says that coming from a Christian worldview, she has the perfect marriage. Twenty-eight years ago, Ann married Ron. She was blind to her own faults and thought she deserved a perfect husband--someone who would always be there for her and wipe away every tear. Little did she know then that the only one who can fulfill all her needs is God.
During the first years of their marriage, their home turned into a battlefield. She was filled with anger and remorse. She blamed herself for not making better choices and blamed God for allowing her to make those choices. Then she blamed her husband for everything else.
But somewhere along her journey she began, in desperation, to call out to God. By the power of the Holy Spirit and by her own choice to follow God's lead, she stopped fighting so much. Gradually she began to awaken to the purpose God has for her life--to love and serve God. It felt good to agree with Psalm 16:5: "Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure."
Now she says that Ron no longer wears the countenance of someone created solely to bulldoze her joy. Today Ann thanks God for her husband. Mostly, though, she is thankful for the changes she sees in herself. She now answers a harsh question or comment with a soft reply. She now tolerates things that in years past would have sent her into a rage, and she can now love unconditionally a man she knows God has placed in her life simply because He loves her. She is no longer in "wait" mode--waiting for God to change her husband so she can live happily ever after.
Thank You, Jesus, for knowing the best ways to teach us patience, self-sacrifice and unconditional love.
"The LORD will indeed give what is good" (Psalm 83:12).
Memory Verse for May
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6, 7).
