As I was spending time with God a few weeks ago, I was lead to write in my journal. When I began to write, I heard the Holy Spirit say that the next 3 months would be very pivotal months of our marriage because God is preparing us for greater level of exposure and increase. Yes, I got very excited at the thought of productivity and more opportunities, but not at all did I consider what needed to happen in order to make us ready for it.
I sat down with my wife and to discuss with her what I believe God had spoken to me. She agreed for us to begin to prepare every area of our life for increase, which included: time management, finances, relationship with God, and relationships with others.
As we moved into the month, a domino effect of events began to occur from my car breaking down costing us $700.00 to fix, which thank God we had a emergency fund to cover that. Then, the next week I get a call regarding a financial situation that hadn’t been taken care of that now was costing us over $1,500.00. At this moment I was like, “Really God?” As a husband, I stand on Proverbs 18:22 which states, “He who finds a wife, finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord”. I know many quote this, but I stand on it as a promise from God. Well, that verse had me scratching my head saying, “God, where’s that favor at?”
Marriage is under attack in the body of Christ for a reason, and I believe its because the enemy knows the greatest display of the work and love of Christ towards His people is found in a God centered marriage! God desires to bless those who enter into this covenant, which we agree that anything God puts favor upon, testing will follow. We had to adjust our spending drastically to make up for the set back. This caused Natasha and I to turn to God to get His perspective, as we knew these situations were testing our faith in God’s ability to turn this thing for His good. As we set our hearts to trust Him during this trial, God has strengthened our dependency on Him. Our times of prayer together has erupted something within us towards one another causing a re-commitment to love one another no matter the circumstance.
I want to encourage you whether you are a husband or wife in the middle of a moment where you don’t understand why it’s happening, but you trust God to turn it for your good. Do not be dismayed and allow this season to discourage you ultimately affecting you, your spouse, and your family. Be strong in the Lord and declare His goodness is better than any earthly trial or gain. As we go through we are praying for YOU to make it through with us.
Here are a few quick strategies to use when fighting TOGETHER during a trial.
- Pray individually in the morning and together at night every day until the storm passes. (Prayer has the power to pull you out of a situation)
- Remind yourself of the promises of God for your family. (The devil’s top weapon is lies, so strike back with truth)
- Go help another family out that may be having a hard time as well. (You reap what you sow)
- Spend extra quality time with your family. (The important things in life matter most)
BMWK – What strategies have you and your spouse used during a trial?