THE WIFE OF THE WARRIOR

By Mrs. Jim Carroll

After the fig leaves were fashioned into aprons, and the Lord God had spoken with Adam, He turned to the woman and asked, "what have you done?"

This was not an interrogatory for the purpose of God's enlightenment. It was an invitation for Eve to confess her disobedience. She knew they were not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because she had readily explained it to the serpent in the garden.

Eve did not suffer the consequences of her disobedience alone. However, she was not found blameless.

Today's women are still confronted by the same old tempter. In many cases they're even seeking him out, and he isn't difficult to find. He's lurking in everything from unbiblical self-help books to TV witches masquerading as understanding and caring big sisters.

No wonder it's difficult to be the wife of a warrior. There's so much bad advice out there, that many wives of even the most Godly men stand poised, waiting for a fight. How determined they are to reject the honor and respect that their husbands would so love to give them. Listening to the voice of the world, rather than the voice of God, women have become persuaded that to be treated as a lady, is to display weakness. They fear that if they appear weak, they'll suffer abuse. Worldly teachers have convinced women that if they don't take the upper hand they'll surely end up some man's victim. Genuine, Godly men do not abuse their wives! They love and protect their wives and their children.

God is calling His warriors to the streets, to be contenders for the Faith. Out of fear, women set about spiritually neutering men to keep them under control. How? Disengage! That's the silent battle cry. Let someone else go to the streets. Let the preachers do it. Don't embarrass me! What if you get arrested? What if our children suffer because of your actions? What they're really saying is, "I'm afraid for you, for me, for our children. I don't trust your instincts, and I don't trust God!"

For many men, the fires that once raged in their bellies have died down to mere embers, if not ashes. They are quick to dash the occasional flame for fear of waking the giant. They beg other men to join them as they cook breakfasts for the men's groups, and search out their manhood by bullying the preacher. Women are unconsciously realizing that they're being left without their protectors, and they are flooding the streets with women, who pretend to be men!

As it was in the beginning, the women will not bear the consequences of this foolishness alone. But, we will not be found blameless.

And once again, the Lord God will ask us, "what have you done?"

On that day, my hearts desire is to answer, "My Lord, I have stood in support of your warrior. I have diligently prayed, loved and honored him. Lord God, I have not tempted the man, but have left him to your purpose."

October 26th, 2008