THE HUSBAND THAT WILL BE RESPECTED 7
We were in front of a supermarket. Irewamiri mentioned the things she needed to buy and asked for money. I did not realise when my face betrayed me – I had been squeezing my face. All I heard next was, “Don’t worry”. She stepped out of the car. She made the purchase!
I am sure I am not the only one at this table – there are husbands whose facial expressions change the moment money matters are raised. It took a while to master the art of responding.
A husband who will be respected is the one who knows and has mastered the art of having conversations around financial matters without getting displeased, angered or pressured to misbehave.
A beloved father in the faith described leadership in marriage like this: “Your wife wants chicken and chips, but what you can afford is yam and egg. Leadership is the ability to move your wife from chicken and chips to yam and eggs, and she is still smiling with you”.
How many times do we fail this test? How many times do we succeed? Most husbands fail this test.
He went on to say, “You cannot be broke and angry at the same time. If you do not have the money for it yet, become the comedian of the family. Bring joy to everyone’s face. At least make everyone smile and laugh while you trust in the increase you desire”.
Dear husband, first, acknowledge God as your father. He is your source. By the way, He is also your Father-in-Law (if you married one of his daughters). Rest in the fact that He does not want any of His children to lack.
Psalms 37:25-26 MSG
I once was young, now I’m a graybeard— not once have I seen an abandoned believer, or his kids out roaming the streets. Every day he’s out giving and lending, his children making him proud.
Find rest in the Word of God. Personally, I have seen the Father show up many times. Now, when I say to my wife, “Let’s trust the Lord”, she believes me.
Second, you may need to gather financial intelligence. Faith does not negate learning. Learn from those who have gone ahead about the art of saving, spending and investing. You can begin a long-term investment plan for your children. There are opportunities for it. Save so you can invest.
Proverbs 21:20 ICB
Wise people store up the best foods and olive oil. But a foolish person eats up everything he has.
Store up! No matter how small. Start from somewhere. Do not eat up everything. It is easier to get help when you have already shown signs of responsibility.
Finally, when your wife asks for big things. Smile and look at how privileged you are that she can make such a request of you. If she sees you at that height, please do not use anger to demote yourself. If she sees greatness in you, tell her that her prophecy will come to pass. Rejoice about the request. Ask the Lord for wisdom. Leverage insight. Grow to that new height. She is speaking to the king in you. Do not respond like a mere man!
I pray for you- Grace! Strength!! You will do well. You will see the hand of God. That season of pressure is over. The Lord will lift you.