When we got married, I had high expectations for our union. After all, I had prayed for the man I wanted and God answered my prayers. My husband loved me, loved Jesus, prayed regularly and served in the church, all the things my heart desired. Of course, I wasn’t expecting Walter to be perfect, I was just hoping he would meet all of my needs. The Lord promptly opened my eyes and reminded me that He is Jesus, not Walter and that my expectations were just that “my (selfish) expectations”. I choose to see and embrace my husband’s good character, his gifts and talents and turn a blind eye to the fact that like me, he was a sinner saved by grace. He was void the ability to satisfy my thirsty heart. Well, as you can imagine this fairy tale of mine was short lived. I quickly got over my disappointment and gladly embraced my husband as my gift.
Today, I am grateful to have eyes to see and a heart to know my husband, all of him. I am his helper, his confidant, his lover, his friend. It is my daily responsibility and privilege to pray for him. There are so many blessings that come from making the commitment to do so. It is a sacrifice…an act of love for him. Prayer is the means by which I place my cares and considerations for Walter before the Lord.
When I don’t want to pray for him because I’ve been disappointed, frustrated or offended by him it is my commitment that humbles my selfish heart. It causes me to look beyond myself and our situation to see him as God’s child. Prayer is not a means to gain control of my husband. It is an implement of restoration of my heart and mind unto the Lord. It encourages me to respect him as a person not a possession.
Many years ago the Lord lead me to pray intentionally for Walter each day. I use the book “The Power of a Praying Wife” as my daily prayer prompt. Currently, I am journaling my prayers for him in this journal “Yes You Can” because my hope is that he is confident in this season of his life. God has given me so much insight as Walter’s wife. It blesses me to be the one to pray for him, to war on his behalf and to praise God when I see Him at work in my husband’s life. It is truly a humbling service and labor of love.
Would you like to commit to prayer, affection and affirmation for your husband? We can encourage and inspire each other along this journey!
Fruit of Her Hand 