Greetings Prayer Warriors,
You all know that love is a journey. It’s easy to begin marriage by proclaiming to the Lord,
“Behold, I come to do your will.” Hebrews 10:9
In your mind, you are thinking, “Yes Lord, I can love this person for the rest of my life! Thy will be done!” Loving is so easy in the beginning, especially before financial challenges, kids, carpools, competing schedules, etc.
Like any journey, trips are fun until you’ve been in the car too long together and the radiator isn’t the only thing overheating. Perhaps that’s why rest stops were created. Stopping, replenishing, and taking in some fresh air brings about a fresh perspective. So it is with marriage. While much of the journey is extremely enjoyable, without some rest stops, one can’t remain their best self. Nor, can one bring about the best side of the other.
We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. Hebrews 10:24
When we are at our best, we are loving and our actions mirror that. Small, kind gestures are often enough to disarm a spouse’s less than pleasant disposition, helping them to reverse course. Yet, when it doesn’t, discouragement can set in, weariness takes over, and leaving one’s effort to love, nil. With your newlywed exuberance a distant memory, your hope and confidence in “forever and ever” wanes.
Do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense. You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised.
Hebrews 10:35-36
And what will help boost your endurance? Prayer of course! Weekly at a minimum!
We even boast of our afflictions, knowing that affliction produces endurance, and endurance, proven character, and proven character, hope, and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out into our hearts through the holy Spirit that has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5
Catch that? We get replenished by God’s love!
Heavenly Father, you have gifted each of us with a unique journey that is just ours. May this journey begin and end with praise on our lips, for you know exactly what we need to grow in love, patience, hope, and endurance. Give us an outpouring of these gifts and virtues and an extra dollop of your love. Lord you ordained marriage as a special gift, one that helps us understand the depth of sacrificial love. Heal and reignite the marital unions of these dear prayer warriors and all the couples they hold dear, for Jesus we trust in you!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Be love, and may your good work be in passing it on!
