Genesis 3:16

     Genesis 3:16 "To the woman he said, 'I will greatly increase your pangs in childbearing; in pain you shall bring forth children, yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.' "

     Wow! I was surprised that the very first verse was directed to women.  This is just like God to show such respect to women and give to them the same priority and attention that he gives to men.   Jesus was born of an earthly, normal, human woman,  women are listed in his genealogy, women followed him and believed in him, women wept for him at the cross and they were first to the empty tomb. Women were counted among the  believers in the upper room and helped fund and support the first century church. Women have always been close to the heart of Jesus. 

     God is aware of our particular differences and needs as women.  That is why this verse is a curse and a comfort.  It is of course, the result of the sin and fall of mankind.  Any women who has given birth to a baby knows that the birthing process is only the beginning of the price we pay for love.  Our lives are marked by the pain of sacrifice, both physical and emotional.  A sacrifice that is not always appreciated.  

   As women, we find ourselves in situations that can only be handled by a women, a mother, a sister, grandmother or aunt. Being "ruled over" has its curses and blessings.  We are to consider what others need first and still find protection (many times from ourselves) in the loving arms of a good husband. As women, we set the "tone" in our home.  We are the music playing. 

    This verse talks mostly about a positional relationship.  As women, we are not beneath men only to be subservient, slaves or property.  We are not lower, just in a different position.  We have a different place in the home then men. I could never be a father to my children and a man could never be a proper mother.  But this relationship is spiritual as well as physical.  We are equal but different.  We are in a position of love and authority by God and our husbands.  So the curse is a blessing also.  It is God's order of things while the earth is still in this fallen, broken state.  

    This positional gives us great spiritual confidence.  We have the same love and affection from our Lord.  We prays for us, watches over us and provides for us....the big question is...do we trust that.......