Change of Guard

Change can be a good thing. It does not always feel good but it can be a refreshing experience. I remember when my father retired from the military after more than 30 years of service. This was a change that my mother had a hard time accepting. During my dad's career, he would be gone to sea for months at a time. This gave my mother time to miss him and appreciate him in his absence. This also put my mother in  position to have full control of what goes on in the house without him around. And she did a great job!  She was the rule maker. The disciplinarian. She was our sole caretaker and spread her love to four children skillfully.

Then came the time for my father's retirement. My mother had already gone through the empty nest change and now was about the make another shift. My father was home and leaving was now a thing of their past. Not only was he always home, but a change had occurred in him. He became more attentive to my mother. He seemed to be more protective and concerned of her whereabouts.

You would think this was a dream for my mother. NOT! It drove her crazy! I can't say I know the particulars of her story but from my point of view, it was a turn of events for both of them. My mother told me that she had to get used to their being together all the time. Her alone time was gone. Two worlds collided in a new way and they found themselves together - all the time. There was nothing wrong with that; they just weren't used to it. It pleases me to say with determination, they were able to blend their lives together again. I want to share with you how this relates to a wife whose husband is not saved. I hope this helps someone. 

It's been over four years since I decided to follow Christ. I have my prayer time and Bible time. I have developed a way of teaching my children about Christ. I use life situations as an opportunity to share what God is doing in their lives. I lead them in prayer and encourage them to seek God's will in their own lives. My husband is the head of our home. I respect him in that way in every sense. My prayer is that my husband will one day be the Spiritual leader that God intends him to be.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way. (Psalm 139:23-24 NAS) (I would encourage you to read this whole chapter)

After my husband gives his life completely to God, how will I respond? After all the tears of joy and thanksgiving, how will I respond? Will I freely give up the reigns without a fight? Am I ready for change? These are questions that no one really wants to ask because what if the answer is "No. I don't want to give up my reigns." If I ask these questions now and ask God to search my heart, I can give to God whatever needs to be given to Him.

I must realize that after my husband becomes the Spiritual head of our home, the battles don't disappear - they just change. The devil won't just say "Okay, this place is too Holy for me, I'm outta here." No sir. He will bring in his big guns to try to shoot my husband's faith down. He will attack me in ways I have not yet experienced.

But I thank God for the Armor of God that he has provided for me. I know that we have the victory through the blood of Jesus. There will be a change - but through our continued seeking of our Lord our lives will blend as one. The way it was meant to be.

I ask that the Lord prepare our hearts for the Change of Guard. So that together we will stand on the battle field with our husbands. And as our husbands grow to their rightful places Spiritually, may we love them as they love our Lord Jesus Christ.