For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening. ~ 1 Peter 3:5-6, ESV

Quick Sip

I want to be like Sarah. She was so beautiful that even in her late 80’s she could still turn heads. The verses above follow others that talk about how she and other women in ancient Bible times uses to make themselves beautiful. It makes me wonder, how is obeying my husband and not being fearful are part of this equation?

I will admit I’m not entirely sure how to be submissive to my husband. Some say it means not questioning at all, while others say being submissive was part of the culture and to be ignored now. Right now, I choose neither of these options.

I do think it is an idea that is relevant now, and yes, our job would be easier if all husbands loved their wives like Christ loved the church. But that is not always the case. Jeremy is a fair and very loving husband, so I will admit that submitting to him is easier than what other women may face.

That said, for me I’ve decided it means that when we disagree on a subject or decision and no compromises can be found, I can kindly present him with my ideas but the ultimate decision is his. It also means that in situations where I or both of us have no clue, we seek God and other sources for wisdom, but in the end it is Jeremy’s responsibility to try to make the best decision for our family. Because of the importance of the decisions he has to make, I often pray for God to give Jeremy wisdom, trusting that God will do so. However, in the moment, even though Jeremy is a good husband, being submissive Is. Not. Easy.

When we are at such odds that I’m consumed with anger and all I can see is red, or when I’m so afraid of the consequences of his decision that I’m on the verge of panic, I want to quit. I want to throw these thoughts out the window and say that’s great in all, but in THIS instance It. Does. Not. Work.

However, I can honestly say that no matter how angry I’ve been over a disagreement or worried I’ve been about a decision we have had to make, I’ve never regretted submitting to Jeremy. I don’t even remember most of them.

Submitting to your husband may look different for you. This is just how I’ve worked out the idea in my own life. However you choose to submit and follow in Sarah’s footsteps, just think about how beautiful that attitude makes you to your husband. A stunning woman whose constantly arguing would begin to look ugly after awhile, but a pretty woman who kindly submits and prays for her husband quickly becomes stunning and a prize to treasure.

Full Cup

For further study….

Genesis 12:1-9
Genesis 12:10-18
Genesis 20:1-7
1 Peter 3:1-7
Ephesians 5:21-28