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| Marriage Moments
It is crucial for couple's to develop a habit of praying together. Prayer draws us closer to God and to each other. Things happen when you pray that will not happen if you don't pray. God is faithful. You can count on Him because He is: The Author and perfecter of faith (Heb. 12:2); a Compassionate God (Deut. 4:31); our Deliverer (Gal. 1:4); the Everlasting God (Gen. 21:33); the Everlasting King (Jer. 10:10; the Everlasting Rock (Isa. 26:4); our Faithful God (Deut. 7:9); Father of mercies (2 Cor. 1:3); our Fortress (Psa. 91:2); the Giver of Eternal life (1 John 5:11); God of all grace (1 Peter 5:10); God of love (2 Cor. 13:11); God of hope (Rom. 15:13); God of peace (1 Thess. 5:23); God of truth (Isa. 65:16); and, a God who is near (Jer. 23:23). "...researchers found that the families which function well under stress go beyond casual church attendance. They pray together in the home, and take time for personal meditation and Bible study." Do you ever wonder why stress causes some families to break up while it strengthens others? That was the question that intrigued two sociologists a few years ago. Drs. Nick Stinnett and John DeFrain began studying 3000 families that had undergone stress. Studying the traits of families that responded favorably to stress situations, they found six common factors: 1) commitment; 1) appreciation; 3) communication; 4) time together; 5) spiritual wellness; 6) determination to cope with crisis. These two researchers found that the families which function well under stress go beyond casual church attendance. They pray together in the home, and take time for personal meditation and Bible study. Their commitment to God embraces a commitment to their family. There is a cohesiveness that goes far beyond the average. They play games together, they talk together, they actually enjoy each other. They refuse to take each other for granted, but instead contribute to each other's welfare. Stress experienced in various forms such as marital struggles, children's problems, job issues, illness, and tragedy brings us face to face with reality and spiritual weakness - or strength. Sometimes it is necessary for us to be placed in tough situations in order for God to get our attention. When this occurs, some people make significant commitments to the lordship of Jesus Christ - while others harden their hearts (see Hebrews 3:7-11). Many of the solutions to our distress simply treat the symptoms, not the causes. The human body is a marvelous machine, and it usually signals when something is wrong. If you heed its warnings, you will learn some very important things about yourself. On the other hand, when severe stress is experienced over a long period, it commonly results in physical complaints such as ulcers, nervous breakdowns, tension headache or migraine, allergic rashes, asthma, compulsive eating, sleeplessness, and fatigue. God will not allow believers to be tempted beyond what they can bear. He gives us victory in every temptation, trial, or problem (! Corinthians 10:13); 15:58). Failure under excessive stress probably indicates previous inner failures left unattended or ignored, just as the sudden collapse of a beam due to termite infestation indicates the hidden presence of termites. The Bible makes it clear that every believer is involved in a spiritual battle (Galatians 5:17) and that God's plan for our spiritual maturity involves a continuing process of change towards Christlikeness (Romans 8:29). God's formula for encouraging this change often comes through trials (James 1;2-4). According to Ephesians 6:10-18, believers are called to a continued spiritual warfare and are exhorted to be "strong in the Lord" in order to overcome spiritual enemies. Life is complicated and human problems rarely have simple solutions. In this spiritual battle there is no substitute for prayer. Once we determine that prayer is important, our spiritual battles begin. Dr. Hallesby explains in his classic book, Prayer: The carnal mind will always instinctively and automatically mobilize every possible reason it can possibly conceive for not praying at a particular time. For example, you are too busy; your mind is too preoccupied; your heart is not inclined toward prayer; later on you will have more time, your mind will be more calm and collected, and you will be able to pray in a more devotional frame of mind. Before we know it, the entire day is gone, and we have not had a single quiet hour along with Christ. Prayer is a powerful engine entrusted to us by the living God. Use it continually by faith and you'll be able to deal with the stresses of life victoriously with God's help. |
Principles for strong Christian
marriages
