Daily devotion – every marriage needs the Lord to work
Genesis 3:6 The woman was convinced. She saw that the tree was beautiful and its fruit looked delicious, and she wanted the wisdom it would give her. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it, too. 7 At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves.
Many times, when Christian couples are struggling with their marriage they will seek out books on marriage from their local Christian bookstore. Often they will find some helpful tools and wisdom from such publications. However, a subtle trap can also occur at these times.
When you read or hear of marriage relationships that appear perfect without a hint of conflict or disagreement. One can feel even worse after reading such books that you begin to think you are further away from fixing things.
All marriages have dry and rough patches when two sinners saved by grace come together as husband and wife. Two different personalities learning about grace and forgiveness together as a couple.
Even the first marriage of the first couple had its problems. Two perfect creations made in the image and likeness of God, each with a moral free will. Adam and Eve had difficulties, to say the least, in their marriage even though they lived in paradise!
Genesis 3…..the LORD God asked. “Have you eaten from the tree whose fruit I commanded you not to eat?”
12 The man replied, “It was the woman you gave me who gave me the fruit, and I ate it.”
13 Then the LORD God asked the woman, “What have you done?”
“The serpent deceived me,” she replied. “That’s why I ate it.”
Here we have trouble in paradise and we see Adam and Eve both playing the blame game now because of their sinful disobedience.
Every ‘real’ Christian couple will face times of upheaval in their marriage – that is a given. So don’t think you and your wife or husband are odd!
But most importantly, both husband and wife must realise that their marriage cannot survive or stay intact without God’s help and intervention.
This is the wonder, the joy and strength of a marriage where God is the third vital part of a blessed relationship.
Too often, we fall into a pit of condemnation when we fail in our role as husband or wife. But your marraige can be restored by the hand of God and two gracious hearts unite in gracious communion with Him.
A marriage is made up of love – yes, the love described in 1 Corinthians 13, which is selfless and sacrificial in its make-up.
But a marriage is also made up of forgiveness and the realization that Christ is the glue of a blessed union.
If things are tough this week or you are going through a storm at home, do not lose heart. Christ is with you, and He can make your marriage an wonderful picture of the church’s love for the Lord in every way.
Seek the Lord and ask for His help; you take the first step in reconciliation, no matter who you think is at fault and let both of you enjoy the presence and wonder of God’s presence in your marriage made in Heaven.