In the creation the first thing that God decreed “not good” was man being alone. God decided to make a suitable helper- one just right for him. He then created woman out of man – bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.  

There are people who are not called to be married, and that is perfectly ok. Jesus himself was among them. This week’s message being part of the ‘Better Together’ series on marriage, however, looks at those who are called into this journey.  

If God made the woman to be a helper as described in today’s text, then we can assume that she has that built in potential. In Sunday’s message, Pastor Craig Groeschel gave great advice as to how to fulfill the God given potential to be a suitable helper. The speaker mapped out living a Christ centered life and keeping Jesus as your #1 and your spouse as your #2, as being of key importance.  

Searching in greater depth, the scriptures are filled with examples and directions as to how to tap into that potential. It is important to realize that we aspire to these things with God’s help. In other words we can’t do it outside of God. Proverbs 31 gives a number of characteristics to develop and things to practice in becoming a suitable helper such as being trustworthy, industrious, looking to the ways of one’s household, being generous, being respectable, strong, and wise, to name a few.  

Each spouse’s daily devotion to live pleasing before God as our #1 in our lives will ultimately bring about the characteristics of the godly husband and wife. Let us keep our focus on Christ and seek him first, and the potential to be that suitable helper will grow to realization. *P.S., If you are in a marriage to an unbeliever, be encouraged by 1 Peter 3:1, which gives hope to you!

Married (to be prayed together):

Querido Padre Celestial,

We thank You for Your design of wives to be suitable helpers for their husbands. We confess that our selfishness has often gotten in the way of the fulfillment of Your purpose and design. Forgive us, we pray. Help us both to keep Jesus as number one, and to be in selfless service of our spouse as number two. Show us in practice what this means through Scripture, through the Holy Spirit, and through brothers and sisters in Jesus speaking into our lives. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Single:

Querido Padre Celestial,

I thank You for Your design of wives to be suitable helpers for their husbands. I confess that my selfishness has kept me from considering Your purpose properly. Forgive me. Help me to establish Jesus as number one in my life and to chase after Jesus wholeheartedly. Your word says that “he who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord” … (let the Holy Spirit guide your prayer here and ask God for what you want in a wife.) In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

Pastor Craig Groeschel encouraged married couples to develop this one life-changing, marriage-growing habit starting today: Pray with your spouse. Keep it short. If you want a suggestion for what to pray, use today’s devotional prayer, the Lord’s prayer, or simply pray in agreement, “Dear God, keep us close to You, away from temptation, and always in Your will, in Jesus’ Name, amen.” Do not let fear or excuses that prayer is too personal keep you from experiencing the blessings of obeying God in this area.