How can one of my most difficult labor and delivery experiences be positive?
Well, it is—not due to the absence of difficulty.
It’s positive due to the presence of the Lord.
His hand upon this birth was exceptionally evident.
Customarily, my daughter would run to me screaming and crying with all of her very big 4-year-old emotions. But this time, she ran past me… towards another couch.
God may be receiving the utmost glory in the midst of you feeling like you’re failing at everything. The angels may be rejoicing, when you can’t grasp any of your intended accomplishments. Maybe the goal isn’t physical results, but a Galatians 5 Holy Spirit-bred fruit.
Do you want your wife to respect you out of fear and intimidation, or out of love for your personhood, character, and seen example? I believe the former has caused some men to exhibit misogynistic, aggressive, and intimidating behavior that is both unbiblical and deeply troubling.
Jesus never demanded respect.
It was freely given to Him by those who had ears to hear and eyes to see.
I had everything to do and so little time to do them. But secretly, I didn’t mind because deep down, I desired to hide behind my schedule as the reason why I couldn’t spend time in God’s Presence (or rather in the awareness of His Presence). Anytime I did squeeze my devotional somewhere in the day, I dreaded it and mainly did it out of obligation.
