Tuesday, February 12, 2008

First Conviction, Then Mercy

(CONVICTED) Yesterday, I was sharing my bankingsnafu with the other ladies of the Board that I serve on for the purpose of asking for prayer and I was talking about how it was a grind for us to not have cash available and how it was stressful for my husband because this is a bad situation that I should have handled better and he can't really do anything to help. And at that moment God laid Proverbs 31 on my heart. Specifically 31:11, "The heart of her husband safely trusts her; so he will have no lack of gain." (NKJV) This verse says that he safely trusts her. Meaning that his trust is not displaced. That she can, in fact, be trusted to take care of things so he will have no lack of gain. Although I believe that my husband DOES trust me, this behavior calls in to question whether he SHOULD trust me and that, my friends, is a striking conviction. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Paul tells me, "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God's way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants us to do." (NLT) And back in Proverbs 3:11-12, I am given this encouragement, "My child, don't ignore it when the Lord disciplines you, and don't be discouraged when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights."(NLT)

(MERCY) Today our chapter in our study of Ephesians was on the subject of mercy. And one of the questions was "What illustration from your life would you use to describe what it feels like to receive mercy?" My answer: I had to confess to my husband what I had caused to happen with our bank account. It would have been perfectly understandable if he got angry, if he used harsh words, if he altogether removed the task of handling our finances from me, If he told me how he has enough to deal with just trying to stay alive. But he did not. He calmly expressed to me that he was upset with the situation and that it would work out. This man, my husband, the head of our household, exhibited to me the kind of mercy that comes from God. Unmerited, undeserved and freely given.

I am blessed by my husband and blessed by my God.

6 comments:

Jenn said...

Thanks for sharing what you learned about convictions and mercy.

But do not forget about Grace. We are all going to make mistakes and in your case you are doing A LOT right now!! Don't be too hard on yourself - we are all praying it will work out.

But I am so thankful for your husband's response. Sounds like a wonderful man.

Marsha said...

What a wonderful application!

Several years ago I too had to go to my hubby and confess a financial snafu. It's very humbling. But when we have Godly husbands who respond Biblically to our mistakes, oh what a source of protection and grace.

His Girl said...

how much do i love that you love your husband? especially today, a million much.

how much do i love that you have a godly husband? especially today, a million much.

how much do i love that you let God both correct you and restore you? especially today, a million much.

how much am i thankful that I know you? especially today, a million much.

Anonymous said...

Isn't God's grace just amazing??

Hey, I think there's a song about that....

LOVE Ephesians -- tell me more of the local PWOC scoop...

Jenster said...

Lovely post! You know, by sharing your vulnerability you're showing us your strength. Thank you so much! And your husband is awesome!! But then you knew that. You are blessed!!

Alana said...

I'm so glad he was merciful. My husband is almost always gracious in these situations. Wish I could say the same about myself ;-)

Great lesson to us all!