Becoming a Woman who Builds

My friend Sara always challenges me to dig deeper.  Never one for easy answers, she makes me want to discover the “how to” of Scripture as well as the “why.”  So I was delighted when she offered her thoughts in response to my new book, which is officially released today.  (David has written the companion volume for you guys).  So glad Sara has entered the conversation about honor–especially in our marriages. I hope you will, too!

GUEST BLOG:  Sara Miller

I love reading so I was delighted to receive a copy of Marilynn’s new book Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Husband. I quickly dived in over Valentine’s Day weekend and enjoyed learning and being reminded about ways I can honor my husband well.

I was just about to wrap up my reading and start my day when the last page of Chapter 3 stopped me in my tracks. It says, “Becoming a Wife Who Builds” and centers around Proverbs 14:1 – “The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears it down.” And, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing” from 1 Thessalonians 5:11. (ESV)

I’ll be the first to say that the word “builds” and the Scriptures included aren’t all that revolutionary for me. I’ve read them many times. I’ve used that word throughout my life. We all have, right? So why did I stop and stare at the page?

Here’s the definition she includes. “To build, to build up, rebuild; to edify, strengthen, develop another person’s life through acts and words of love and encouragement.” Also, “to build a house, to construct; to advance a person’s spiritual condition.” Wow. There’s a lot more to building than I initially realized.

As a wife, mom, friend, family member…I am called to be a woman who builds. I took a quick glance through that definition and used it as a checklist, and it was convicting. Am I building up? Edifying?

Strengthening others’ lives through my acts, words of love and encouragement? Through God’s strength, I try to, but when I act only out of my own strength and willpower, I fail. Am I advancing anyone’s spiritual condition? Am I an ezer to my husband and a good role model in my walk of faith for my kids? Am I sharing God’s love with others who don’t know Him yet?

It’s safe to say I have plenty of opportunities to be a builder. I’m guessing you do too! When I’m tempted to be overwhelmed by this opportunity, I’m grateful for the reminder that God is the master builder and He just lets me take part in His work. When I’m weak, He is strong! I’m praying for His strength to work in me and through me today. I’m praying that for you too!