Grounded Wife: Simple Truths to Honor God in Your MarriageSample

Jesus introduces us to the first type of soil, the footpath, in Matthew 13:4, “As he scattered them across his field, some seeds fell on a footpath, and the birds came and ate them.”

Let’s take a minute to think about a footpath. They are usually well worn, trampled upon by runners, hikers, kids, bikes, etc. There’s generally not much life growing within one because before anything has time to take root and grow, it’s eaten up by the wildlife or crushed by the everyday traffic. It’s hard for things to grow in this type of ground, much like it would be hard for our marriage to grow if this is the kind of ground we’re cultivating as a wife.

So what does the footpath look like in our marriage?

It’s our desire to control every aspect of our life, from our biggest worry to our smallest tasks. And seeing as how we have to be in control, we have zero interest in listening. We just want to prove our point and show we’re right. More times than not, it’s our way or no way when making decisions. We might say we want our husband’s input, but the second it doesn’t match our agenda, we bulldoze and manipulate to get our way. Even if good is being done or said, we will point out all the reasons why it still isn’t good enough. The bottom line is, the things we say and do are motivated by a desire to be in control.

From that place, our words and actions trample all over our spouse and anything that’s trying to grow. So even when good seeds are scattered, they’re being devoured by our demands and self-interest. Our disapproval and constant objections are crushing the life that has sprouted up. And the growth that has taken place is eaten up by our nagging and nit-picking.

Can I remind you of a truth that is on repeat over here? God is in control; you are not. And the more you try to control your life and the lives of those around you, the more messed up it gets. Surrender is the only option if you want to stop trampling on the ground around you.

So, it’s time to do a little digging. There is work to do, but you are not working alone. There are hard changes to be made but the hard is not done in your own strength. And it all begins with surrender because your surrender gives way to God’s sovereignty.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word that pierces the hardest of hearts and minds. Forgive me for all the times I try to control what only You are truly sovereign over. A lot of times it’s because I’m scared of what will or will not happen, but I surrender that fear to You instead of it becoming motivation to try and fill Your position. Decrease my desire to control and increase my desire to be a loving and gracious wife. Cause growth along the footpath of my marriage. I give You all glory and honor and praise. I love You, Lord. Amen.