Sacred Influence

Remember when I told you I was reading the book "Sacred Influence" and that I wanted to use my blog to answer the questions from each chapter? I haven't really stopped. I mean, I took a break from reading because life got a little crazy there for awhile. But I started back up and I read the third chapter last week. Go me! (LOL!)

Chapter 3: Be Worthy of Me

1. If it's true that your husband's faults may be God's tools to transform you, what do you think God is trying to work on in your life today?

I hate to say Jeffrey has faults. It sounds mean, kind of. But if I had to really stop and think about it, I'd probably say that I get irritated when I think he's spending too much time playing computer/video games. I also get irritated when he doesn't cheerfully give in to my every request. What is God trying to teach me through this? Perhaps patience. :) But I also believe God is teaching me to honor Jeff... when Jeff wants to play games, watch movies, hang out with his friends or brothers, I need to respect that and honor him because he deserves a break from his hard work each day.

2. Why is it important for wives to maintain a healthy, biblical attitude of "becoming worthy" while seeking to influence their husbands' growth?

Wow. This is actually something I've thought a lot about and prayed about too... being worthy of Jeff's love and hard work is sort of like me trying to be worthy of the salvation I (do not deserve, but...) get from Jesus each and every day. I honestly am not worthy of either! I am sinful, selfish, and pitiful. But to become worthy, I like to soak up God's word and learn how HE desires me to be... so that I can be the person, wife, and woman that HE created me to be. I believe that when I'm in line with God's plan for me, Jeffrey's role as my husband (and as a man of God) just becomes easier and falls into place. Does that make sense?

3. How is God using your marriage- as it is right now- to teach you how to love?

God is teaching me to be grateful. That's for sure. But if you look at all the characteristics of love (in 1 Corinthians 13... love is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, is not proud, not rude, not selfish, not easily angered, keeps no record of wrongs, does not delight in evil, rejoices in the truth, always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres...), I'd say that right now in my marriage, God is mostly teaching me to be patient, kind, selfless, and to persevere or press on. Thank God for that.

4. How has being married to an imperfect man made you stronger and wiser?

LOL! I thought he WAS perfect... LOL. Well, at least he's close, right!?! :) No, seriously... I really have become stronger and wiser because I realize that Jesus is the answer, not Jeffrey. I need to turn to Jesus in all things, and I need to not expect Jeffrey to meet my (unrealistic) needs. That has made me stronger and wiser...

5. What is the difference between "dreaming" things for your husband and demanding that he change?

A dream is something special... something sweet and sacred, isn't it? A demand? Well, that's just rude. LOL. When I demand he change something, I'm telling him he's not good enough for me. When I dream something special for him, I'm letting him know (or God know) that I love Jeffrey and I want the best for him and for our marriage. BIG DIFFERENCE, huh?

6. How does the notion that God is with you in your marriage help you face your current marital frustrations and struggles?

Because, I can do all things through HIM because He gives me strength. (Phil. 4:13)

7. In what ways will an active and courageous addressing of the issues in your marriage prepare you to influence and transform the world?

We can show and prove that there most certainly is and can be hope for marriages that hurt. We have had our share of ups and downs (even in our 3 1/2 yrs of being married), that we are living testimonies to God's goodness, grace, and faithfulness through it all. We have seen the "in sickness and in health" the "in good times and in bad" the "for richer or poorer" come into play. And while it's been really hard, we did it... together, with God's help. :)