Encouragement for Today - Oct. 18, 2007
October 18, 2007
Who Should Submit?
By Wendy Pope
“Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.” Ephesians 5:21 (NIV)
Devotion:
I was driving out of the neighborhood the other day and saw something that broke my heart. A sheriff deputy’s car was parked outside the home of one of my neighbors. Beside the deputy's squad car sat a moving truck. Coming out the front door was the woman of house with an armful of stuff. It didn't take long to figure out what was going on. This was the sight of a broken home.
With this image still heavy on my heart, I later learned that two couples who had been friends with my husband and me early in our marriage had divorced. My mind wondered and my heart cried out, "Lord, what happened? Why does this keep happening?" In the case of my neighbors, I am sad to say that I don't know if they were believers. Our friends were believers and at one time had been very active in the church. Through heartache and prayers I again asked the Lord another question, "How can I keep this from happening in my marriage? What can I do?"
He quickened my spirit to the Book of Ephesians, specifically, chapter five. I had a mental conversation with Him. "Lord, submission? It can't be just up to me." Quickly I felt peace in my spirit as I realized He was talking about verse 21. I have to say I felt relieved once I understood what He was saying. The submission must be to Him. Both the husband and the wife must submit. I daydreamed of what my marriage would be like if both my husband and I fervently submitted to the Lord in every area of our lives. Wow, it gives me tingles just thinking of it.
The purpose of today's devotion is not to debate the pros and cons of submission. Nor is it to discuss the context of chapter 5 in Ephesians. The purpose of the devotion is to make us think. Whether you are married or single this verse applies to you. Submitting to God is not an option. It is God’s prescription for a world of peace. In a world where everyone submitted, God would be heard by all His children and they would willingly and delightfully obey. In such a world families would stay together, murders would cease, and kindness would abound. Wouldn't you like to live in a world like that? It would be heaven on earth!
Dear Lord, Let Your kingdom come. Help me to submit to You as the Lord of my life so that I might reflect the beauty and kindness of who You are. I want to pray for others to do the same, and then this world would be like heaven on earth. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Related Resources:
I Am Not, but I know I AM by Louie Giglio
6 Habits of Highly Effective Christians by Brian T. Anderson & Glynnis Whitwer
Application Steps:
In your journal, prayerfully and honestly answer the reflection questions.
Reflections:
What areas of your life do you experience difficulty submitting?
How do you perceive submitting in the difficult areas will personally affect you?
Are there any areas in your life in which God has called you to submit and you have not? If yes, why haven't you?
Power Verses:
Job 22:21, "Submit to God and be at peace with him; in this way prosperity will come to you." (NIV)
Psalm 34:8, "Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (NIV)
Psalm 112:1, "Praise the LORD. Blessed is the man who fears the LORD, who finds great delight in his commands." (NIV)
Proverbs 31 Ministries
616-G,
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org
