Welcome to Wilco Wednesday! If you are a new around these parts, “Wilco” is Army-speak for “Will Comply.” Think of it as saying “Roger, God. Got it. Will do.” So that is what Wednesday here at 7 Days Time is all about– exploring his decrees and seeking guidance for what complying with Him looks like in everyday life. The best part? He loves us for who we are, not what we do. Remember: He doesn’t want perfection, just obedience. Share. Enjoy. Interact. Welcome a very Godly, loving woman, my friend Bobbie.
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The answer was always in front of them. They missed it.
What about you?
Do you suppose that getting married, reviving health, winning the lottery, having a more supportive husband, or raising perfectly behaved children will bring you greater joy or more contentment?
Many women of Scripture struggled to trust God in the difficult places of life. Their fears and hopelessness led them to do things and act in ways that sabotaged their own happiness.
Leah was Jacob’s first wife but not his first choice. Although God gave Leah six sons, guaranteeing her husband’s esteem and that of others, she was miserable because she did not have his love. Rachel had the adoration of her husband but was childless. Rachel’s discontent led her to nag her husband and to compete with her sister.
These married women placed the weight of their happiness in the wrong source. They would each be happy if only this one thing was theirs. Assuredly, Rachel’s husband could not give her children since God had withheld them, and even if Jacob had loved Leah with all his heart, he could not have loved her as well and faithfully as God. Leah said, “This time (after her 4th son) I will praise the Lord (Gen. 29:35).” Scripture records: “Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive (Gen 30:22).”
It may be counter-intuitive even for Christian women to believe that peace and purpose in life are found in a personal, vibrant relationship with Jesus Christ. Categorically, our significance and deep fulfilment find expression in growing connectedness to the one who made us. When we look at our struggles or our lack in the context of God’s sufficiency, we invite a powerful transformation of our lives.
Thomas Jefferson said, “If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done.”
What are you willing to do to move closer to the faithful and true one who loves you? Consider these messages from the Psalms. Are they true for you?
“The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; I have a godly heritage.” ~Psalm 16:5-6
“My flesh and heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” ~Psalm 73:26
“This is my comfort in my distress that your promise gives me life…” ~Psalm 119:50
Personalized, allow these verses to become your “I could be… if only.”
I could be strong, comforted, hopeful and rejuvenated if only I believe God is my portion, holds my future, strengthens my heart, and keeps His promise.
We welcome you thoughts and feedback. Join the conversation and leave a comment.
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Writer, Editor, Consultant, and Conference Speaker, Bobbie Simpson is a seasoned high school English teacher, women’s Bible study teacher, parent of three adult children and grandparent of three.
Married 36 years to her husband Larry, a 27 year Air Force Officer , she credits the success of her marriage to the “cord of three, which is not easily broken.” Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation that drives her passion for marriages that thrive, singleness with satisfaction, and parenting with purpose.
For the past seven years Bobbie has written and facilitated spouses’ and couples’ conferences for Spiritually Smart Family Conferences, a ministry that she and her husband founded under the auspices of Officer’s Christian Fellowship. Bobbie is ardent about the health and success of military marriages and homes.
Linking up today with my friend Kristin over at Three-word Wednesday and having a little Coffee for your Heart with Holley. Oh! And be sure to join our #EverydayJesus link-up community right here at 7 Days Time every Thursday!
