Temptation is everywhere today and we're fools if we think we or our husband can't be lured by it in some form or another... Certain people are tempted by alcohol and drugs; others have a lust for money and power.  Still others find food addictions, pornography, or sexual immorality to be irresistible lures... The question is not whether there will be temptations, it's how we will handle them when they arise.  –Stormie OMartian (p.76)

Some temptations aren't good at all.  A "little" porn is never okay... a "little" affair is never okay... but there ARE some things that don't have to be issues if they're kept under control.  With so many temptations in our world today... we probably don't even realize some that are issues.  What about the ones that we don't think about... the ones that seem "normal" because it's become so ingrained into our very existence that we don't realize they're actually overtaking us?

If temptation looks appealing but leads a person to regret his/her actions later... would some of our every day conveniences find themselves as "temptations" in our lives?  A cell phone in itself is not a bad thing, but how many times has that phone rang while you were talking with your spouse, and you either stopped what you were saying or cut them off to answer the phone?  Could answering the phone actually be a temptation?  Is the need to be connected and reached at all times overtaking you or your husband... certainly years from now if the communication between you and your spouse had been altered because of the lack of communication earlier... that would produce regret.

I remember Mike and sitting in a restaurant once (a rare occasion to be sure) and in the booth next to us a couple sat across from each other talking.  We couldn't help but overhear their conversation... but soon we realized that they were having two very different conversations.  When I got up to go to the bathroom, the answer was revealed... they were both on their cell phones talking to people as they sat there eating supper "together" yet very apart from one another.

So how many other things are like this?  You may have a husband who has to work long hours. Some do... but then there are some husbands who are "work-a-holics" and they just can't stop.  The temptation to make more money, or "move up the ladder", or become recognized can be a huge temptation for men... especially when they come home to a wife who talks about all she would like to buy for the kids, remodeling the house, homeschool curriculum, or that dream vacation. 

So with that in mind... how many more things might you think of as being a temptation to your husband and are there things that are tempting you to lead your husband into temptation (such as the woman who is discontentent with things at home and wants more... leading her husband to want more).  In keeping this about our husbands, you see what an important role we have in guarding our husbands against temptations of ALL kinds... including any that we are the cause of.

I know that my husband wants me to be happy... he wants me to have "nice" things... and if he could, he would buy me a red washer and dryer tomorrow.  :)  But see, that's just it... I've been guilty too many times of wanting something and sharing that desire with my husband, therefore making him feel bad and become frustrated with our financial situation or life in general.  How is that blessing my husband?  As a wife, I am supposed to make sure no harm comes to my husband... I am supposed to do good to him all the days of his life... not add to the list of things that I WANT. 

So that leads me to my next question... how many of YOUR temptations as a wife, overflow into your husband's life and cause him harm?  Now, I'm NOT saying that talking on the phone is the same as pornography... but I do want you to really take a good look at how temptation IS affecting your life right now.  I don't want you to look at this chapter and think that you don't have any temptations in your life... because that is exactly what satan would like for you to think.  Look deeply... be honest with yourself.  Look at your husband as well, but instead of nagging him about something you think might be a potential problem down the road, pray about it... pray for wisdom to handle it... and pray for the right moment to speak... and then SPEAK IN LOVE. 

Temptations are something we all face... your husband is not above them (and neither are you).  It's hard to have something controlling you... especially when you want to do differently.  The grip can be so strong that ONLY GOD CAN BREAK IT.  As a wife, you should feel bad when you see your husband struggle... and pray for him to be set free.  This can be especially hard if you have an angry husband with hurtful words, or fast reacting temper.  Try and remove yourself from the situation though and instead of having hurt or angry feelings yourself, know that his reaction is actually a "temptation" that he is giving into when he has that kind of reaction.  The enemy is controlling his feelings and reactions and that's not what God wants.  Pray in love for this man God has given you... and then speak in love when the time is right.  One of the temptations that you may be facing as a wife is to "tell" your husband exactly what you think about what he's doing, has done, or is going to do... remember... when you are tempted (to open your mouth) remember that God will give you a way to escape (prayer) so you will be able to stand it!  (1 Corinthians 10:13 paraphrased by me... tee hee...)

MY PRAYER: 
Dear Heavenly Father, I pray that You would give my husband the strength to resist any temptation that comes his way, seeking destroy him.  Keep his mind clear and focused on You and not give into anything that is not of You.  When temptation comes his way, please  make the way out clear to him.  Deliver him from any temptation, and spare him from evils like adultery, pornography, drugs, alcohol, food addiction, gambling, and perversion. Make him strong where he is weak that he may not fail.  I pray that he will be the man of God you created him to be.  Keep his eyes on You and his heart desiring all that You deem good.  Help him to have self-control and discipline, and turn away from tempting situations.  Protect him Lord and help me as his wife to remember to pray for him in this area BEFORE it is an issue.  Help me also to not give into fear and trust You to watch over and guide him.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

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It's not too late to join us for the month of June as we pray for our husbands!  You can check out more about it by clicking the following link: S.H.M.I.L.Y. for 30 days of prayer...  Please share a link to your blog post if you've made one on this chapter!