John ESENE        

Please continue from Part 1 of December 14.

    Husband, it is your duty to help lift her where she is weak because she needs your support for her growth and development for the good of the family. Your wife is a unique person with her problems and fears.  Sometimes, she would wonder how she is doing and may not feel very good about it.  At times, she feels disorganized and undecided and painfully close to chaos without you coming to her aid or lending a supporting hand towards her. You want the best from her without giving her all the necessary support she needs to break a record.

    She is also endowed with great toughness in the face of adversity; consciously consuming God’s grace as she matches gallantly towards her life destination.  She has and will continue to survive the most unbelievable difficulties and persecutions from culture, nature, relations, friends and enemies. How often do you console and urge her to conquer as a husband?  Are you a true friend to your wife? Examine your conscience before you conclude!

    Today we have a perfect story of a man who truly loved his wife irrespective of her weaknesses in adherence to the Marriage Vow he made on their wedding day. Silence sometimes helps in situations where we cannot help ourselves. Sani married Lima from a home where children are over-pampered to the extent that Lima does not know how to cook, wash clothes, and do other house chores because many house maids were employed by her rich parents to do those things. Lima was so good and beautiful that Sani did not expect her to accept him for a husband. On the other hand, Sani was a very good man who every woman would like to marry if given the opportunity.

     Yes! When a baby troubles you and you try your best (to no avail) to bring him peace, you just have to let him be. If he realizes that you no longer respond to him when he cries unnecessarily to catch your attention, he will change his tricks. But you have to be more constant than the Northern Star, in your resolve to let him be what he will be. This method may not be the best but it has worked for many people including Sani.

   Sani picked up Romans 12:9-12 and worked on it. “Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” These gave energy to Sani as he sojourned with Lima unlike most sources who will go all out to publicize the deficiencies of their partners and expect praises from supporters.

     Sani had invested so much love on Lima that on discovering her short comings decided to forge ahead taking into consideration, the content of the vows they made on their wedding day.  Lima became a big burden than Sani bargained for as she became worse than a baby who needs regular replacement of napkins. Sani had to lose his jobs constantly as his family affair affected his output. He neither reported Lima’s burden on him to his relations nor to her relations. He resolved to keep her at all cost not only because of her beauty but the solemn vows he made before God and His faithful people.  Yet, he decided not to apply “Teacher to pupil” attitude but hopeful that she will grow into a mature woman someday.

     He engaged himself with cooking, washing of clothes (with machine) while Lima developed the habit of learning. The road was rough and Lima needed someone to handle her with iron hand coated with love and trust. Everyone shall have a special someone. So, lack of vision is worse than blindness because a blind man can have vision. And no one is defeated until he accepts defeat. Somehow, Lima got a responsible and gentle neighbor who came to rescue the situation by coaching her on regular basis and was paid a salary.

    As the neighbor and Sani changed Lima’s strength from nothing to something within two years of her counseling and physical assistance, a better Lima emerged. But as expected, Lima became a better person with determination to be a good wife and mother in appreciation for Sani’s love for her.  “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace” Luke 11:21.

     When she was pregnant for the third time and receive her husband’s usual support, she successfully delivered a baby boy. Sani exhibited his appreciation to God and lavish so much money celebrating this long expected achievement. Yes! It is not the length of years you spend in marriage that matters but the intimacy you experienced in your partnership.

     Unfortunately, Sani had a car accident which took his life, leaving behind, a wife and a son to mourn him. On his dying bed in the hospital, he affirmed to Lima that he had no regret marring her and begged her to look after his son as he looked after her over the time. When the mourning period was over, Lima vowed not to remarry as she would never find such a loving husband like Sani.  The Lord has called you to His own glory and power, and He has given you all the very great and precious things He had promised.  Jeremiah 49:11 is telling Sani, “Leave your orphan with me, and I will take care of him. Your widow can depend on me.” Sani, rest in peace!

    Lima, never lose heart! If you wish to receive what God has promised, you must have the patience to do His will. Dear readers, read this story meditatively and reflect on your marriage to ensure you love your partner and make amend if necessary! Have a Happy and Blissful marriage!