12.23.2008

Boyd Bailey: Expecting Wife…

“He [Joseph] went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:5-7

An expecting wife needs extra sensitivity, and a strong supportive husband. She is emotionally vulnerable, and physically overwhelmed at times. As with Mary, there may be some uncertainty of the ultimate outcome, but she trusts the Lord to care for her and her baby. The circumstances are challenging when you are away from the comforts of home and its familiar feel. Husbands, your expecting wife needs you to step up like Joseph and provide leadership. This is not the time to lose faith, or become frightened. Perfect love casts out fear, so overcome any apprehensions with the Christ-like love that dwells in your mind and heart. See pregnancy as a prayerful process to accomplish the plan of Almighty God, as expecting moms and dads can expect great things from Him.

Lastly, a husband’s leadership needs to provide protection for his wife. Accompany her, as Joseph did, to new places and people who might take advantage of your sweet spirited spouse. It makes your woman feel safe and secure when you buffer her from bad people, or strangers with unseemly motives. Stay with her, and see her through stressful situations. Your protective leadership may need to be applied to immediate family members who mistreat her. Intervene and defend your wife if your children, parents or siblings show disrespect, however subtle it might be. God, in marriage, made you one flesh, so if she is offended, you are offended. Of course prayerfully confront all parties in a spirit of grace and humility, but with clarity. An expecting wife is beautiful to behold, as she brings forth an innocent infant woven in her womb by God. Be there for her labor of love for the Lord, and for His gift of a precious little one to love. The Bible says, “The LORD has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).

Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 16:21; I John 4:18

Transformational Living
How can I support my wife through prayerful and protective leadership?

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My thoughts!
Two thoughts today.

One: My wife and I just had a baby in the last year and it is such an amazing experience. WOW! Little ones grow so fast. Standing over a little one as they sleep and watching them breath is such a peaceful thing that only God could have created.

Two: Protect, Protect & Protect the wife!

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