Treadmill thoughts
by Rosemary ~ April 11th, 2008Almost every weekday I talk to husbands and wives who are struggling with the impact of sexual sin on their marriage. The issue that always rises to the top of the heap is the response of wife to husband. That’s the basis of what I was thinking about this morning as I did my 50 minutes on the treadmill:
The degree to which a woman loves and submits to the sovereignty of God distinctly correlates with the degree that she is able to love and submit to the leadership of her husband. We’re fooling ourselves if we think we love the sovereignty of God but oppose our husband’s leadership. (Implied: in any way that is not in opposition to the Bible.)
The way a woman can joyfully, deeply rest in the arms of a husband who has miserably sinned against her is through acknowledging and repenting of her own sin and finding deep rest in the sovereignty of God who can never fail her. (Implied: having done this, she is able to forgive him.)
“Forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors” Matt. 6:12. Are we happy to have God forgive us in the same way we have forgiven husbands/others?
Agree? Disagree? I’d love to hear it!
April 11th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
I absolutely agree. Having walked through this with a close friend I know it’s possible, too. I think you hit the nail on the head to bring it back to a sovereignty issue. It’s God we need to trust. Good for you walking on the treadmill for 50 minutes!!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
I agree.
The acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty in this circumstance would be crucial for true peace. But knowing me, if this were to happen to me (God forbid!) my deep rooted pride and my wounded heart would certainly make this challenging.
I would need huge measure God’s grace to enable me to completely forgive and regain the peace and joy in our relationship.
April 11th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
I am walking this difficult road in life right now. I continually think of God asking me “Do you trust me no matter what happens in life?” Do I really trust Him with everything? I have become aware of how sinful I am through my husband sinning against me. God works in creative ways to shape and mold us. It is painful but I am challenged to walk in obedience to God. God graciously forgives me. Should my forgiveness for others, especially my husband, have a limit? Through the grace, strength and truth of God I am daily seeking to live in obedience to Him - to forgive others as I have been forgiven.
p.s. Thanks Rosemary for being a great encouragement on the days I feel weak. What a gift from God!
April 12th, 2008 at 8:47 am
I heartily agree. The time I was angriest with my husband had everything to do with how very angry I was with God and what I wanted Him to do, but was not His will. My husband became the “goat,” and it was a destructive time for us. It was only God’s sweetest grace that first changed my heart towards Him, and then changed my heart towards my husband. Glory to His Name!
And, I love the new header and its story.
April 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
I so agree! Actually I have seen this played out within our family, and as painful as it has been, I am witness to a miracle. Amazing grace.
April 17th, 2008 at 9:14 am
A productive 50 minutes, I’d say…