HUSBANDS ARE MARATHONERS

Main Scriptures: Gen.12:1-3

More Scriptures: 1Cor.13:7, Eph.5:27, Matt.6:22

I have come to realize that becoming the godly man, husband and father is not a sprint but a long-distance race, and it requires all that you have and know to succeed and remain a success. So that as you lead your wife and children in the way of the Lord, you will encounter challenges, pressure, temptation that may discourage you from going further with your leadership function in your sheepfold. And this where so many shepherds lose it. They give up on themselves, their sheep so soon. So, if you are one of those husbandmen who have given up or about to throw in the towel in defeat, please, stop and read the further.

Have you ever seen a distance runner before? Well if you have not, let me tell you one striking characteristic about them. It is PERSEVERENCE; willing to go the full distance even when the journey seems far and discomforting. That’s how best to describe you as the godly shepherd. In our main text today, the Scripture gives a graphic illustration of a husband who went the distance. His name was Abraham, the husband of Sarah. Even though he didn’t understand how far the place was or how long it would take to get there, he nevertheless went along. As the head of your family and the spiritual authority over the affairs of your wife and children, you must understand that what gives credibility and value to your headship is when you go the distance for your flock. And this will require perseverance from you.

So, what does it mean to go the distance for and with your wife and children? It simply means leading them, investing your time and resources and upholding them in prayers until you see the change you desire. It means bearing all things, believing all things, hopeful in all things and enduring all things regarding your wife and children (1Cor.13:7). You must believe that your wife and children would turn a new leaf, even when their present or past behaviours reflect the contrary. But for you to go the distance, you must see your sheep as precious seeds from God, given to you to nurture and bring up in the ways of the Lord (Eph.6:4). This is because, if you don’t see your wife and children as seeds from God, you may never appreciate their worth as individuals made in the image and likeness of God (Gen.1:26-28). Secondly, you must understand that you are on a journey with your wife and children to win a prize-eternity with Jesus Christ. And as the custodian of these seeds, you will give account of their lives to God. So, your desire must be how to present the fruits (a glorious family) without spot or wrinkle (Eph.5:27). Thirdly, you must maintain steadfast and remain focused on the mark that has been set before you-a united and trans-generational family. If thy eyes be single, your whole body will be full of light (Matt.6:22). And as you go the distance with your flock, you become their hero. They will continue to sing of your praises to all who cares to listen. And finally, they will defend you through and through.

 SPIRITUAL EXERCISE

• Father, in the Name of Jesus, empower me with grace to go the distance with my wife and children.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, fill me with the oil of gladness and joy even as I relate with my sheep.
• Father, in the Name of Jesus, deliver me from discouragement and weariness.

FAITH CONFESSION

I am committed to go the distance with and for my wife and children because that is the hallmark of the good and godly husband in Jesus name. Amen.

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