Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Since so many of you pray for marriages, you are no stranger to the seen and unforeseen struggles that can occur or even blindside a couple in marriage. During the absolute lows, one usually turns to prayer, even if they have been remiss in that department for a while. After what may feel like an eternity of prayers and petitions, who hasn’t uttered something to God in accord with this Psalm?
How long, LORD? Will you utterly forget me? How long will you hide your face from me? How long must I carry sorrow in my soul, grief in my heart day after day? Psalm 13:2-3
Yet, the Lord answers in his own time, giving you the graces you need for today. He only asks for your trust.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely. Proverbs 3:5
How often do we rely on our will and vision of happiness versus the Lord’s? (Be honest with yourself). But conspicuously absent from scripture is a promise of happiness. Instead, regarding our marital vocation we are told:
Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Romans 12:12
Mend your ways, encourage one another, agree with one another, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 2 Corinthians 13:11
We are not only called to love and peace in our relationship, but to holiness.
Be holy, for I, the LORD your God, am holy. Leviticus 19:2
Live up to what you are called to, and joy will undoubtedly follow.
Reaching for holiness can feel like climbing Everest. Daunting! A trial run, turning back, retrying, abandoning the mission, renewed hope, another plan, visualizing the summit, inclement weather, repeat! Pray for yourself, your spouse, and others, that each may be given the daily grace, to weather the storms and walk toward holiness, one step at a time! Unlike Everest, the Lord will be your sherpa to the summit, if only you trust in him with all your heart!
Holiness is the goal, happiness is the by-product. Pray!
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” Corinthians 12:9
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Pray more for marriage and family this Lent! Pass it on!
