via TJC
Jesus said, “With people, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.” - Matthew 19:26
"It ain't over till it's over." ~Advice from Yogi Berra
In my first marriage, I was not a stellar husband. Unfortunately, youthful arrogance combined with tremendous success blinded me from letting the Lord clean my cup completely. My pride and choices hindered me from seeing the weaknesses I dragged into my first marriage.
I was devoted to being a disciple of Jesus and honoring the covenant I made with my first wife. Yet, as events in our church and marriage began to unravel, these exposed my weaknesses; I failed to recognize the groundwork being laid into my ex-wife. I could not believe she or I would ever have been so deceived. Then, the day came when she asked me to leave our home and her life.
I honored my covenant for the next decade and a half, choosing to ‘live with my wife in an understanding way’ all the while standing against the internal/external voices tempting me to curse her. Many times throughout each day I had to vocally repel this vile counsel. 10+ years developed a consistency in blessing and not cursing others.
Despite my repentance, bringing forth fruit of repentance and devotion to her, my first wife chose to divorce me. Over ten years of work. I was a broken man. Yet, I also knew that With people, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible. Was I going to choose His steps for me or fight to continue to be the ‘captain of my fate?’
After the divorce, I met a younger lady while working in a new church environment. She had been divorced far longer than I, yet remained devoted to the Lord. She had not sought another man or even dated in over two decades. I argued and fought with the Lord. I never wanted to risk deep relationships again. The Lord showed me this was the same old pattern: me choosing to set my course without submitting to Him. I chose Him AND my new wife.
I am still not a stellar husband, yet I better understand the importance of ‘living with my wife in an understanding way.’ At least this time, I have a more mature outlook. Better choices make me prone to agreeing with Him more quickly. My new wife informs me that I am an understanding and loving husband.
Daily Battle Order: While the outcomes are in His hands, our choices significantly affect where we end up. Determine to allow Him to ‘clean the whole cup’ of your life. In this way, you will be a better-equipped husband. With people, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.
Commentaires