Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- December 21, 2013
“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. Pregnancy is a transition that requires trust in the Lord.
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 apprehension with the Christlike 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. Hannah and her husband Elkanah gave God the glory for the blessing of their son Samuel.
“Early the next morning they arose and worshiped before the Lord and then went back to their home at Ramah. Elkanah made love to his wife Hannah, and the Lord remembered her. So in the course of time Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel, saying, ‘Because I asked the Lord for him’” (1 Samuel 1:19–20).
Furthermore, 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, like family members who can be awkward and insensitive toward your bride.
Intervene and defend your wife if your children, parents, or siblings show disrespect, however subtle it might be. God made you one flesh in marriage; 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. Mary gave God the glory for her baby Jesus!
“The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23).
Prayer: Whom can I support and pray for who is expecting a baby? How can I thank my heavenly Father for His gift of baby Jesus to me and to mankind?
Related Readings: Isaiah 7:14; Micah 5:2; John 16:21; 1 John 4:18
Taken from the December 21st reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God” volume 2… http://bit.ly/Tv6y9a
Post/Tweet today: An expecting wife is beautiful as she brings forth an innocent infant woven in her womb by God. #expectingababy
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© 2013 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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Great! Once again, right on time. Thank you.
Dear Jeanne~ Thank you for your comment. Have a Merry Christmas and a Joyful, Healthy New Year! How can we not when we have our Heavenly Father with us!!
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne