Mending Broken Branches by Elizabeth Oates

Author:Elizabeth Oates
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Published: 2018-03-17T04:00:00+00:00

What is your reaction to the above list describing submission?

What is your attitude toward submission (e.g., resistant, affirming, angry, something else)?

Queen Esther clearly chose the role of the submissive wife. She also maintained her identity and her opinions. She did not enable wrong behavior in the kingdom and did use her power and position on behalf of God’s people. She exercised strength under control. Finally, she showed wisdom in what was best for her people, not just for herself—and she saved an entire generation of Jews in the process.

I know many women would like to exercise submission as Esther did. Maybe you are one of them. Maybe you wonder how you can practice submission and still actively participate in the marriage when your husband wants to sell the house but you don’t want to, or when you want to put the kids in private school but your husband doesn’t, or when your husband feels emotionally distant and you don’t know how to bridge the gap. The answer to such a question has been the topic of many books and is far too complex to answer here. However, we can start by taking these three baby steps:

Embrace joy. It’s easy to develop a resentful spirit in marriage. Give your husband space to lead your family. As much as is possible and reasonable, do it with a joyful heart instead of a resentful spirit. Submission is a choice; we are not powerless.

Use your voice. Many women think submission equals silence, but that is the Enemy’s lie. Submission is compassionately approaching our husbands with kindness and respect that does not undermine them. Submission means honestly explaining our feelings and opinions, then listening and trying to understand. Submission is using our voice to pray for resolution instead of devising plans to get our way.

Remember your significance. You matter. You are special simply because God created you. Submission does not determine your worth. In fact, submitting to your husband shows how special you truly are. God created you because your husband needed a helper (Gen. 2:18). Your husband needs you! You are vital to his success and his own feelings of self-worth. Never forget that, my friend.

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