One Way to Discern God's Will

After we had studied submission in our Bible study, a woman said, "Ted announced that we will move by the end of July. Earlier I would have fought the idea. But I prayed about it until I knew I could live anywhere the Lord wants me to. I then discussed my concerns with Ted. Within twenty-four hours, he said, 'You know, I think it will be too much work to move.' Then he began using the excuses I had earlier mentioned."

Having a submissive spirit does not mean we should never mention our concerns. It does mean, however, that when we do speak, we depend upon God, not our words, to change the other person.

Submission is a method both husbands and wives can use to determine God's will. When Paul says, "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ" (Ephesians 5:21), he is writing to both husbands and wives. If a decision is to be made and the wife has strong reservations, a wise husband remembers God's call for submission and unity. His desire to please God by having unity with his wife will protect him from forging ahead without her approval. Just as the wife is to trust God to direct her through her husband, the husband must trust God to direct him through a sense of oneness with his wife.

Thank You, Jesus, for grace to submit as though I'm submitting to You.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord; he directs it like a watercourse wherever he pleases" (Proverbs 21:1).