Consider this: One old hymn declares, “I’ve seen Him in the lightening, I’ve heard Him in the thunder, I’ve felt Him in the rain; my Lord is near me all the time... my Lord is near me all the time.” God wants to be near us all the time. Many couples are unaware that Jesus wants to be involved in the everyday activities of their home. But the truth is, Jesus cares about every aspect of our lives, including the hours we spend at home and on the job.

Our children and our coworkers watch us and make judgments about us and the God we serve based on how Christ-like we are in our words and actions. These qualities are often revealed as being present, or lacking, through difficult circumstances and through our weakness. The great news is that God is more than just a crisis manager. He is with us all the time! When we seek Him in good times and through trying circumstances, we cooperate with the process of becoming increasingly transformed into Christ-likeness and Christ-centeredness. When we recognize His presence and depend on Christ, we can remain strong in a time of crisis because we know that it is God at work in us. He is using difficulties and trials as His chisel to sculpt our lives into Christ’s image, the image people will eventually see.

Discuss: Conflict is a normal part of any relationship, and you can use it to strengthen your marriage. Do you agree or disagree? Why or why not?

Pause here and thank God that His grace is a free gift and that His supply of grace is inexhaustible. Receive from His abundance right now with expectancy as you ask God, in prayer, to accomplish these things in every detail of your life.

True contentment is a real, even an active, virtue…
It is the power of getting out of any situation all there is in it.
G. K. CHESTERTON (1874–1936)

Building Relationships Across Nations | Bringing Christ to the Home