Dave and I decided before we got married that we would always do our best to invest in our marriage. We have heard so many stories of failed marriage and we did not want to be one of those stories. We talked about how we would do something every year, whether a weekend conference or weekly series, to develop our marriage. Three weeks ago we started a weekly marriage class called The Marriage Course. It is a 7 week study and we are really enjoying it.
For our wedding, we received many great books and devotional for married couples. One that I know Dave has really enjoyed is The Power of a Praying Husband. He read through it once and is reading it again. I just recently started The Power of a Praying Wife. We are so thankful to have received these books as gifts and would recommend them to any married couple.
While I was reading through the first chapter of the book. The author, Stormie Omartian, mentions Proverbs 31:10-31. As I read through the verses of "The Wife of Noble Character" I am reminded of what I should be striving for as a wife. I also know that I cannot do all of these things on my own. I need the Lords help. Only He can make me into this woman. I'm going to pray over these verses and make an effort to memorize the section so that these words will always be in my heart. I'm also committing to pray for my husband with more intention. I have started asking him what he needs prayer for so that I can pray for him for that specific need.
10 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
She is worth far more than rubies.
11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still night;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her female servants.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 “Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all.”
30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
31 Honor her for all that her hands have done,
and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
Proverbs 31:10-31 NIV
We are in a battle. We have to fight for our marriage. Fight for each other. Fight to allow our love to grow and not just fizzle out. We recognize that this is a fight for the rest of our lives and we are willing to get in the battle. These verses encourage me to strive to be better. To be the wife God created me to be.
If you have never read these books, I strongly encourage you to. Through prayer, God can work amazing miracles!
If you are single and reading this...it is never too early to become a prayer warrior. There are lots of things to pray for. Figure out what that is and commit to pray for it each day. Even pray for your future husband or wife.
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