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Looking for a Good Excuse? - Part 4: Embracing the “Helper” Role as a Wife · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

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  Have you ever wondered how embracing your biblically defined role as a wife
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  can transform your marriage?
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  Hey everyone, welcome back to the Couples Journey blog series podcast.
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  We're on part four of Looking for a Good Excuse? Today, Annie shares her heartfelt
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  journey of discovering God's design for her role as a helper,
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  supporting her husband Ray, and how this shift brings harmony and purpose.
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  Stay with us. Your path to a Christ-centered marriage continues now. Here's Annie.
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  When I first learned about the biblical view of my role as a wife,
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  I struggled, especially with setting goals, making strategies,
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  and working through them.
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  I didn't realize at the time that I was unintentionally undermining my husband-raised capabilities.
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  Now I see the need to shift my perspective to not only consider his role in
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  important decisions, but also to support him as he can confidently fulfill his
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  role as a spiritual leader,
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  not just to me, but to our entire family.
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  This shift isn't easy. I've had my own struggles, especially when circumstances
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  reveal my husband's weaknesses or shortcomings.
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  But I've come to realize that Satan often uses those moments to distract and
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  discourage us from applying what we've learned.
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  I used to think that my role depended solely on my skills and intentions,
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  but in truth, it's a continuous act of submission to Jesus' authority,
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  seeking help and guidance from the Holy Spirit every step of the way.
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  As I've learned more about God's design for marriage and our roles within it,
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  I've also taken time to re-evaluate my identity through the lens of God's truth.
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  Society tends to distort the wife's
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  role as helper, often thinking it's significant or a lower standard.
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  But if we take the time to truly understand our role, we'll see how vital it
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  is, not only in supporting our husbands, but in strengthening the entire marriage.
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  The term helper in Genesis 2 verse 18 is from the Greek word ezer.
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  Theologian John Jill described it as one to help him in all the affairs of life,
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  not only for the propagation of his species, but to provide things useful and comfortable for him.
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  To dress his food and to take care of the affairs of the family.
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  One like himself, in nature, temper, and disposition,
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  in form and shape, or one as before him,
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  that would be pleasing to his sight and with whom he might delightfully converse,
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  and be in all respects agreeable to him and entirely answerable to his case and circumstances,
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  his wants, and wishes.
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  From his notes, we can summarize what it means to be a helper.
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  1. Support in all aspects of life.
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  Not just helping him with childbearing, but practically supporting in every area of life. 2.
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  Provider of basic needs. assisting in providing useful and comfortable things
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  like managing household needs and caring for daily essentials. 3.
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  Companion in nature and temperament, being like himself, understanding and sharing
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  similar nature and disposition to create harmony.
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  4. A pleasing and delightful partner, being asked before him,
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  appealing to his sight and conversation, fostering joy in companionship.
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  Five, an equal and appropriate partner.
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  Being entirely agreeable to his circumstances, needs, and wishes,
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  answering well to his case, and ensuring compatibility.
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  When it comes to establishing shared goals and working alongside our husbands,
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  we should be supportive and compatible partners.
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  I truly appreciate Ray when he allows me to be heard, especially when we're setting goals.
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  He considers my suggestions and gives me space to exercise the gifts and skills God has given me.
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  When we work in certain issues, I prepare information and ask him which areas need our focus.
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  He also asks for my input on people or organizations to contact,
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  and I might compile and present the information in a way that's easy for him to understand.
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  This not only helps him assess every detail confidently, but also supports him
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  in his role as a spiritual leader, knowing we are working together in harmony.
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  There are times when I feel tempted to rush decisions or actions,
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  but staying grounded in my role helps me to remain patient and trusting.
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  I've also seen how God's hand moves in our situations, how things turn and flow
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  according to His timing.
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  We're capable of this, of walking through life with God by our side.
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  When we maintain a genuine connection with Christ, stay guided by His Word,
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  and sincerely desire the influence of the Holy Spirit.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
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  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
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  You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  As we conclude today's episode, Annie reminds us that supporting our husbands
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  according to God's truth is vital in strengthening our marriage and walking in His purpose.
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  Stay tuned tomorrow for the final part of this series.
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  Don't miss it as we continue to grow together in Christ.