“What Women Really Want”
I was once asked to speak at a men’s retreat on the question, “what do women really want?” I was reminded of that topic recently while talking with a friend as she shared her heart’s desire for her husband to better understand her needs. My first thought was how flawed the world’s message is when it comes to understanding this. Sometimes women think they know what they want and the men also think they have it figured out….but beneath it all, there is something stirring deeper within. Beyond the expectations, the assumptions and everything in between, there is a more significant desire quietly stirring in the hearts for the following….
We want to see you seek God’s guidance with intention. My husband loves to say “intentional” is a cheesy word, but it means wholeheartedly. You are choosing God on purpose and that speaks volume. We desire to see you seek God because you want His guidance.
· We LOVE to see you reading your Bible! Not out of obligation, but out of hunger. Men have big shoulders for a reason; they carry big loads from work decisions to financial responsibilities and more. So, to see a man open His Bible-the actual book, not the phone-because if it’s your phone, we don’t know if you’re looking at deer pictures or Bible verses…a peace washes over us. It reminds us that you are choosing His guidance over pressure and leading us with humility and wisdom.
· You’ve heard the verses about taking up the armor of God…to women that armor looks like a man allowing God to build him up and equip him one piece at a time.
The belt of truth-that looks like living a life with integrity and knowing how you can discern what’s right and wrong for your family through His Word.
The helmet of Salvation-that your worth is secure in Christ, our futures are held by our faith, and our security lies in Christ.
The shield of faith-you aren’t naïve to think life won’t hand you struggles and that the enemy isn’t prowling around. You use your faith as a shield as you trust God’s sovereign plan and prepare for the enemy’s arrows.
This is what builds our trust, helps us feel protected-knowing you are willing to be led by the one that carries the world for you. That kind of posture brings a great deal of security to us. The enemy works in subtle ways to quietly distract you. He will convince you not to worry with Bible time, intentional prayer, or he’ll persuade you to think none of it is really necessary. But as Paul says in 1 Corinthians 16:13, “Be on guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.”
In the end, we desire to see our husbands choosing to seek God, remaining committed to Him and looking at His Word more than deer…just kidding!
To the ladies that have a husband wearing God’s armor-stop and tell them how thankful you are and walk proudly alongside them!
To the ladies that’s husbands have not picked up the armor God has laid before them-don’t stop praying! Our God can do exceedingly more than we can ever imagine!
To the ladies that have not met their husbands yet-wait for the true Knights in armor! They’ll be worth the wait!
