“Moses spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, ‘This is the thing which the LORD has commanded, saying, ‘Take from among you a contribution to the LORD; whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as the LORD’S contribution:  gold, silver, and bronze, and blue, purple and scarlet material, fine linen, goats’ hair, and rams’ skins dyed red, and porpoise skins, and acacia wood, and oil for lighting, and spices for the anointing oil, and for the fragrant incense, and onyx stones and setting stones for the ephod and for the breastpiece.’”  Exodus 35:4-9 (NASB, Underlined emphasis mine)

When preparing to construct the tabernacle in the wilderness, God asked the Israelites to bring an offering to Him to go towards the construction of the tabernacle but He asked for those who were willing.  God wanted willingness.   And the same is true now.  Our faith is about choice.  God gives us a choice whether to follow Him or not.  He wants us to willingly choose to follow Him.  He wants us to have hearts willing to do what He asks.  His desire is not forced drudgery with bad attitudes and wrong motives.  He wants willing hearts that He can fill with joy and peace and contentment. 

As a stay-at-home wife and mom, running a household may not be fun.  Having to submit to my husband, especially when I don’t agree, is hard.  Giving of myself to serve my family can be difficult at times.  But willingness is the key.  If I am willing to do what God asks of me, even though it may be hard at times, God can help me do it.  He can fill me with peace and yes – even joy – when having to do yet another sink of dirty dishes!

In addition to a willing  heart, we need to understand in those moments of frustration that it’s not about us…it’s not about our husbands or our families and whether they appreciate what we do or not.  Sure, that’s wonderful and it’s great to see their appreciation.  It’s even okay to want to please your spouse and family.  However, if we are doing those things solely to get affirmation from them to boost our self-worth and to feel appreciated, not only are we looking in the wrong place but we’re also doing those things for the wrong reasons.  Instead, we need to be looking to God for our affirmation and self-worth.  We need to do what we are doing ultimately for Him.

Our roles as wives and mothers can give and bring God glory.  Let’s go to God with a willing heart and say “Yes, Lord, I am willing.  Guide me, strengthen me, and fill me with Your joy.”

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