Offering Prayer

[bigybiz]

Hello all. I was feeling a little down so I googled devotion for troubled marriages. This popped up and it resonated with me instantly. Please have a read - I hope you find some comfort in it.

"Why is God taking so long to heal my marriage?" I am reminded me of the story of Lazarus in the Gospel of John, Chapter 11. Jesus performed many miracles, including raising several people from the dead. In spite of this, people still did not believe that He was the Son of God. Jesus loved Lazarus yet He did not immediately go to his side when informed of his sickness. Jesus let Lazarus die and remain in the grave for four days. In the past, people excused the miraculous healings of Jesus by saying the person was just sleeping and not dead. Jesus removed all doubt in His ability to heal by raising Lazarus from the dead after four days. Many people believed because they witnessed this event. God chose to glorify His Son by delaying the miracle.

I cannot answer why God is taking so long to heal your marriage. Ask God to give you an answer to your question. I believe that the story of Lazarus provides an insight as to why God sometimes delays answers to prayers, "so that God’s Son may be glorified through it." God is in the marriage healing business. Quick solutions to family problems do nothing to convince individuals that God is behind the healing. Only when a marriage is declared dead in the world’s eyes, buried, and kept in the ground until "by this time there is a bad odor" (Jn 11:39), that God’s healing will be recognized by an unbelieving world. Your prolonged suffering and pain will bring glory to God when the ultimate healing takes place.

By looking at your marital problems through this perspective, your stand takes on a whole new meaning. You are partners with God in bringing many to believe in Him. This is not about broken relationships and hurt feelings. This is about advancing the Kingdom of God. God is using your situation to show those around you His power in healing families. He has taken what Satan has meant for harm and turned it into His ultimate good (Rom 8:28).

Your task in this time of waiting is to believe that God is able to do what He says He will do. You need to walk in faith and believe in His power to heal relationships. You need to be obedient to God and His Word, standing firm for your marriage.

"Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?’" John 11:40

Yes, you will see the glory of God in the healing of your marriage. Patiently wait for the Lord to act on your behalf. Spend this time apart from your spouse to grow closer to the Lord through daily prayer and Scripture reading. Ask the Lord to change you into the spouse that He would have you to be and that your spouse needs and desires. Pray also for other standers that their marriages will be healed. Being alone affords you the time to develop a closer relationship with Jesus. Cherish these moments. Offer your suffering up for the glory of God. He will surely bless your obedience.

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in his wings." Malachi 4:2

God heals marriages! Be encouraged to know that your sharing in the sufferings of Christ on the cross will bless many as they come to believe in Him. Never give up the fight for your family.

"For he himself in our peace, who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility." Ephesians 2:14