Scripture: Philippians 1:6
… that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Observation: God, who is at the beginning of all good works, will continue his work until it is complete. (And only He will know when that time is.)
Application: This verse did not come from my regularly scheduled reading, but instead jumped out at me this morning as I was looking over my notes from last week’s Bible study meeting.
Because it jumped out at me, I feel compelled to share why:
Soon after our third child was born I began praying that I would enjoy my role as a homemaker. I didn’t want to endure menu-planning, cooking, shepherding and teaching my children, and all the others roles and responsibilities that go along with homemaker, I wanted to actually enjoy them. If God created me for this role, then I wanted to enjoy it, gosh darn it.
I prayed fervently about this and I was the broken record of prayer requests anytime asked: “Please pray that I would enjoy my role as a mom and homemaker. Guide me to really grow into it,” I would say week after week. And I really meant it.
Fast forward to this summer:
Somehow, I started trying new things in the kitchen… and enjoying the challenges! And I actually had to start washing my apron regularly because I was wearing it so much. And just a few weeks ago my husband told me that he thinks I am so much calmer now than ever before and the house is much nicer to return to after work each day.
Two weeks ago it occurred to me: This was the answer to my prayer! All this change didn’t come about by accident, but as I result of much prayer! God heard my prayer and answered it!
Many of you who only know me through this blog may not know the Amy who endured the cooking and several other homemaking duties, making it though, trying to do her best but being frustrated, irritated and intimidated. I never thought I’d be the girl who would bake bread regularly or make a massive batch of apple butter (and can it!) just because it seemed like a good idea and something new to try. And last week I was invited to speak to a MOPS group about kids and the kitchen. (What??! ME??!!)
This could only be the result of God answering the prayers I and my friends offered up to him.
And you know what… He is not finished!
Last weekend I saw ways I could be a better helper for my husband. Isn’t that what I was designed to do? Eve was to be a helpmeet and I want to live that role. I want to relieve stress for my husband. I want to serve him and now I’m learning how I can… and I am finding joy in that!
Wow! God is amazing. And I am so excited not only that He listens and answers, but that He is not finished with me yet.
I cannot wait to see what He does next. I just need to remember to listen, continue praying, and do my best to follow. And maybe buckle up!!
Prayer: I cannot thank you enough, Lord, for changing my heart and leading me to enjoy this role for which you designed me. Please, keep it coming! Guide me in listening, learning and becoming the woman you designed me to be. You are amazing! And, Lord, I pray that for anyone else who may be reading this, please touch their hearts, too and, and lead them to finding joy and fulfillment in living the life in roles you have designed for them.
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