In Whose Hands?

by Debbie Hancock

Ephesians 5:21-23 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. (See also James 4:1-2) 

My husband and I had already cared for our 4 year old grandson for 3 weeks during the time he was removed from his mother’s care. Now the inevitable had happened. More irresponsible behavior by the parents was grounds to remove him again. We had talked about it, and I thought I had come to terms with our decision that deep down I was struggling with. This time, the removal was deemed long-term, indefinite. “Will you take him?” My husband declined. “Foster Care then,” the judge said, as his gavel hit the desk. When I heard, my heart sank. How can I agree with that? It was his decision, not mine. Wait…remember the Bible says, “Wives submit to your husbands as unto the Lord.” Unto the Lord…would I willingly submit in this as unto Christ? I bowed my head and asked forgiveness. It wasn’t easy, but God supplied the grace and love I needed. When we submit as unto the Lord, we are in reality releasing our will into God’s hands. He knows the plan, He is in control, and He will work it out for His glory.

The Scriptures also tell us to submit to one another. What better example of Christ and the Christian walk than to submit to anyone who is in authority over us? It is also an indication of how we respond to Christ. Do we argue, ignore, or disregard His leadership?

Prayer: Father, may I be obedient to submit, not only to my husband, but to those leaders that are in authority to me. Thank You for the leadership and covering of protection that You have provided for me in this way.