Modern Woman. Modern Life. And God預覽

God’s Provision

After the fall of man, Adam and Eve had continued contact with God, evidenced by the fact that Cain and Abel were taught that they were to bring an offering to God. The Lord did not withdraw his presence, even though he allowed the consequences of the sin of Adam and Eve to follow in due course.

Scripture reveals that God was available to women to aid them in their difficulties. God is never the enemy of his children but their most dependable and faithful friend (Jn 15:14). He assuaged Eve’s sorrow at Abel’s death by giving her another son (Ge 4:25). He encouraged Sarah in the time of her barrenness (Ge 18:10,14). He answered Rebekah when she inquired of him (Ge 25:22–23). God spoke to Deborah (Jdg 4:6), instructed Samson’s mother (Jdg 13:3–5), gave Ruth direction (the book of Ruth), comforted Hannah and healed her barrenness (1Sa 1:26–27) and used Esther to save her people (Est 8).

When Jesus was to be born, an angel of God visited Mary to describe her role in the incarnation (Lk 1:28–33). God filled Mary with his presence, both literally (through the life planted in her womb) and spiritually (through the presence of the Holy Spirit).

Jesus, in all of his teaching, pointed to the Father’s original plan for Christian marriage in which the wife was to be an equal partner to be loved and protected (Mt 19:4–6). Paul gave instruction to husbands and wives as to how they are to relate in the home (Eph 5:22–33). God never gives a command to his children unless he makes provision for them to obey. He has given the power of the Holy Spirit to help believers withstand temptation (2Pe 2:9) and the presence of Christ that becomes their spiritual armor in withstanding the enemy’s fiery darts (Eph 6:10–18). He also extends his presence through loving and supportive fellow believers in the church (2Co 13:11). He prepares for protection from abuses through establishing civil authorities (Ro 13:1).

When both husband and wife know the Lord as personal Savior, the Holy Spirit lives in their hearts. As they submit to his Lordship, they are enabled to follow his directions. The husband will be empowered to love his wife as Christ loved the church (Eph 5:25), and the wife will be inspired to submit as unto the Lord (Eph 5:22,24). The atmosphere of the home will become one of joy (Eph 5:19–21) as hurtful attitudes are laid aside (Eph 4:25–31). Forgiveness and kindness will become house rules (v. 32).

Couples are enabled to overcome temptation with faithfulness to each other (see 1 Jn 5:4–5). When husband and wife give their expectations to God and focus on the good, then peace will rule in their hearts and in their home (Php 4:6–8).