Theme:   Love Sex and Marriage - Conflict

This eDevotional was written by a volunteer from Timberlake Church.

READ:  Philippians 2:12-18; Romans 12:1-2

THINK:  For some people at church these past weeks, Pastor Ben’s messages have been very hard to hear.  Maybe you find yourself in a place in your marriage where it’s a very painful and lonely place to be.

Every couple experiences seasons that are just plain difficult... Sometimes we can even feel like divorce is our only solution and the ‘easiest’ thing to do. And have you noticed during these times there are those ‘friends’ whose advice can be encouraging us to do just that? 

But we have to stop and ask what God wants from us.  During these difficult times is often when God will do some major “heart surgery” on us.  In those moments we can trust the words of Philippians 2:12, “for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”

Whether it is us or our mate that is having difficulty instead of walking out on the marriage, God asks that we have a heart of compassion and mercy.  We’re asked to make the first move and work toward healing and resolution…That in and of itself can be a huge turning point in any marriage relationship. 

Joint willingness to rebuild trust and work on the relationship, coupled with putting God first in our lives works! But we can’t pick and choose which parts of our lives we’ll allow Him into.  He wants it all.  That means even allowing God into those hurt places, the sin-filled places, our finances, the bedroom…  When we openly and actively pursue the “I Do Promises” that Pastor Ben discussed, it can be good again.  We can be naked and unashamed—emotionally and physically—as were Adam and Eve.  And it can restore our marriages.

If you are at a place of discouragement with your marriage, let this give you hope. For this is my story… and God has worked miracles!

DO:  Someone has to make the first move.  As Pastor Ben said, “It’s not about what you are not doing.  It’s about what God is calling you to do.”So you set a time to connect with your spouse and talk about Pastor Ben’s message.  Pick out one of the I Do’s that you can both agree to work on in the next few weeks.  Make it a priority in your marriage to give each other this gift of rebuilding and restoring.  Small steps toward each other can make a difference if both partners are willing to let God heal those broken parts. Don't be embarrassed to see a Christian counselor for advice on your marriage.  If needed, contact the church for a list of trusted counselors that can help guide you toward restoration.

PRAY:  Heavenly Father, I know that my marriage is a gift from you.  I want to make my marriage a priority again.  Help me to let go of past hurts and to rebuild the trust in my marriage.  Jesus, break down any barriers that prevent me from seeing my spouse as You do and give me a heart of compassion for their needs.  Amen.