There Is Hope

This has been an emotional morning for me. I have had feelings of anger- righteous anger, the kind Jesus had when he knocked over the money tables- mixed with sadness. A friend of mine, someone I care about deeply, is going through a very difficult time right now. Her husband is the cause of her pain. Someone she has loved, trusted and respected so much has deeply pierced her beautiful heart:) This makes me sad for her, but I also feel angry. Angry at what has happened to her and her family, and angry at how Satan has attacked women and continues to do so.

I love men. I believe with all my heart that the male gender offers to the world God's character as only they can do. I believe the same for women. But lately I have heard too many stories from my friends of how the men in their lives are treating them, and mistreating them. It saddens my heart so. I cannot even put into words what I am feeling.

After Adam and Eve sinned, God said that there would be enmity between the woman and Satan. Now I know that Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy both man and woman. But I agree with what John Eldridge wrote in his book "Captivating" that it is obvious Satan has a special hatred for woman. (She is a life-giver whereas he comes to kill; she is God's most beautiful creation whereas he once was and in his pride fell...)

Just look at women in history and notice how women are still treated in many parts of the world today.

BUT GOD.





My friend Heather captured this amazing shot of the sunrise. I have never seen anything like this. God is just so awesome and beautiful.

BUT GOD.

When we look at Jesus, we have seen God's heart and character. Jesus cared deeply about women and loved them tenderly. Even more proof of God's heart toward women lies in his commands to their husbands. God told husbands to "love" their wives, "cherish and nourish" them, "honor" them, and "live with them in an understanding way."

Yes, that's our God. He loves. He cherishes. He honors. He understands. He created a woman's vulnerable, tender, and feminine heart and so He knows what we need. He wants our husbands to care for us the way we so desire to be cared for; that is why He told them exactly how to do so.

But each man has his own will. If he chooses to disobey God...there is still Someone with outstretched arms waiting to hold us. God Himself. He will cherish us. He will nourish us. He understands and honors us.

In His precious word, He has said that a godly wife is her husband's crown. He has said that she is more valuable than rubies. He has said that such a wife is from the Lord Himself and a man who finds such a wife obtains favor from the Lord. And He has said that a woman with the inner beauty of trust is very precious to Him:) Why did He include all these affirmations for wives in the Bible? The same is not listed for husbands. I will leave that question in the air and let my readers ponder the answer. I think there a few possible reasons.

God loves women so gently. He knows the value of a godly wife. Any woman, any wife, who is hurting out there- run into the arms of the only One who will never fail you, who loves you enough to write those affirming and tender words in His book to all mankind. God has created within you a heart that is soft, vulnerable, warm and open. A feminine heart that reflects His own character. Lean on Him when it is hurt and fight the battle by not allowing your heart to become hard and cold and bitter. Let God into the pain to replace it with His love and care for you, His woman.

Lean on God and then lean some more. He is right there waiting to hold you.

Scriptures that speak of how God sees you and how He loves you:

"Who can find a virtuous wife? For she is more precious than rubies." (Proverbs 31:10)

"An excellent wife is the crown of her husband..."(Proverbs 12:4)

"He who finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor from the Lord." (Proverbs 18:22)

"A prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 19:14)


Ephesians 5-
25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish. 28 So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as the Lord does the church.


1 Peter 3:7
7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

1 Peter 3:4
"...the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God."