BUILDING RESILIENT MARRIAGES (II)
We invited a special guest to a conference once. I was prompted to ask the wife to also share for about ten minutes. It was something else hearing from her. They had been married for years without the fruit of the womb. Medical reports said the husband had no sperm count.
To make matters worse, business investments went on a downturn. It was not just the fact that things went south; they were also indebted. The woman said there was a time that their source of protein during one rainy season was picking snails from a nearby transformer. It seemed like a miracle.
She knew she could not divorce her husband, but at a point, she was tempted to pray the suggestion of Job’s wife for death. At least, if he dies and does not return home, she would be justified by her conscience to move on with life.
Well! God is faithful. He visited the marriage. They were blessed with their own children and are also financially blessed today. God turned the seasons around for the family.
Beloved, some forces never want a godly marriage to stand. Some marriages are going through a storm right now. I want to pray for you – May the sweet breeze of peace blow over you now. May the Lord bless you with a witness that strengthens your weak heart. Every suggestion of hell will not be fruitful.
How do you go through a tough season? You must first understand that every season has its fruit. No matter how dry a season is, there is a fruit that thrives that season. In hard times, still place a demand on yourself for great fruit.
Second, stand on the covenant of the marriage institution. Do not let the enemy turn your back on each other. Don’t talk down on your husband in tough times. Stop killing his esteem with unguarded words. A house divided against itself will never stand. If the situation puts a sword in your hands and you use it against one another, that is the end.
Third, embrace flexibility. Make sure you are teachable. Tough times demand huge wisdom. You may have to join your wife’s mini business to work together to feed the home. Be humble and do that. Who knows? Your input as a manager can take the business to new heights financially. Do not despise anything your hands find to do.
Do you know that your bond can also strengthen as you work together? Do you know what quality time spent together can do to your marriage?
Finally, respond with songs and hymns to the Lord when the devil wants you in tears. I know the times are hard, but make sure your heart is not hardened against the Lord and your loved ones also.
Do you remember this song?
In Christ alone, my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This Cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My Comforter, my All in All
Here in the love of Christ I stand
Yes! Sing it again.
Grace to you today and continuously.