THE HOLY SPIRIT- YOUR PARTNER IN BUILDING A GREAT MARRIAGE 8
When we were instructed to relocate to the city of Ibadan to pioneer a new work, it was a stretch for our faith walk as a family—the cost of accommodation was not the same as our beloved Eruwa. We had to move from “free education” to paying fees. Even though we heard him, personally, my faith was being tested, especially in the area of accommodation.
The houses we saw at almost eight times our normal rent were nothing compared to our house in Eruwa. I literally froze. Irewamiri could not convince me to pay that much. I knew what I had could only do a small house for a start. She saw my faith shake but she did not complain. She just kept asking questions to test my convictions.
God answered her prayers. He asked us to sow everything we had saved up for the move. It was a crazy one, but we obeyed. That was what God used to take our eyes off her savings to look up to him. It was a huge faith walk. Eventually, God gave us what our daughters have prayed for all the way. All their desires in a house were ticked. I learnt that the centre of strength that we both had even when we could not utter words is the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.
We are in interesting times where husbands can plan to relocate without the agreement of their wives. There are times that it is the wife who thinks life will be better in another city or country and both are ready to do it without the agreement of the other. When your desires become your idols, you do not just lose your home, you kick God out of your affairs.
No matter how painfully slow it is, if you are married to a spouse who can hear the Lord, be patient. Sometimes their hesitation is part of God’s plan. Even when or if it does not seem like it, you still serve a God who makes all things work together for your good.
One of the works of the Holy Spirit is to work on our hearts until we come into perfect alignment with the will of God.
“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:27-28 NKJV
Do not force your spouse. If they are not getting it yet, trust the Lord for light that can come from a conversation or circumstances. Your obedience to the prompts of the Lord will surely deliver you from a crisis. God will honour your faith.
As a wife, if you hijack leadership, it will not end well. As a husband, if you force submission, it will not end well. Be patient with each other. God will use the process to strengthen your union. Today, our faith is stronger than ever. Why? We went through the process together in faith and we learnt major lessons.
temilOluwa Ola, Eruwa