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IS
GOD WORKING?
BY
MARILYN CONRAD
During
Easter, Christians all over the world turn their thoughts to the
crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus our Lord. By going to the
cross, Jesus demonstrated to us in the most unselfish way the
truth of His words: “Greater love has no man than he lay down
his life for his brother.” Although laying aside our own
desires, needs and agendas is difficult and often painful, we can
only gain victory in our lives by taking up our crosses daily and
dying to ourselves.
Many
lost hope when Jesus lay in the tomb; their hopes for victory over
their enemies and a new way of life seemed dashed forever. As His
agonies drew close to the end, Jesus Himself cried, “My God, my
God, why have You forsaken me?” When our marriages seem dead and
hope recedes, it is easy to think that God has stopped working in
our lives. The Savior’s resurrection nearly 2000 years ago gives
proof that, even when things seem darkest, God never stops working
with and for us.
A lady
called our office and asked, “Do you really believe God is
working in our situations—especially when we can’t see any
results?”
Not
seeing immediate results is what faith is about. Hebrews 11:1
says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the
evidence of things not seen.” The Greek word
translated “substance” literally means “a standing under”
and was used in the technical sense of “title deed.” The idea
is that of standing under the claim to a property to support its
validity. Thus, faith is the title deed of things hoped for.
If you
own your home you have a deed that proves that the house is yours.
In the same way, if you have faith for the healing of your
marriage, that faith is the title deed to your miracle.
Assurance
Rests on God’s Promises
No one
can take from us an assurance that is based on God’s Word. In
order to lose your substance you must faint and give up on what
God has spoken to you from His Word.
Faith
must be grounded on God’s Word. If we base our stands on what
someone else says or on our emotions, we will faint and not
receive the healing we so desperately need for our families.
When we
marry, we enter God’s system: His institution and not man’s.
The Apostle Paul writes in Ephesians 5:22-23 that the relationship
of Christ and the Church is depicted on earth by the relationship
of a husband and wife. “For this cause shall a man leave his
father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and the two shall
become one flesh. This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning
Christ and the church.” Paul is referring to Jesus’ words
in Matthew 19:5; Jesus goes on to say in verse six: “Therefore,
what God has joined together, let not man separate.”
In
Malachi 2:16 we read, “For the Lord God of Israel says: I
hate divorce and marital separation, and him who covers his
garments (his wife) with violence.” (Amplified version) Paul
indicates in 1 Corinthians 7:10-11 that “…a wife is not to
depart from her husband. But even if she does depart, let her
remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And a man is not
to divorce his wife.” Later in the same chapter in verse 39
we are told that the death of a spouse is the only release we have
for remarriage.
We see
from these scriptures that God does not approve of divorce, and
His heart is for healing and restoration. We can choose to become
and remain covenant keepers even in the face of divorce.
And
what do we do when we see no changes in our natural situation?
Keep our perspective! When we go to see a stage play or musical,
the curtain is drawn between acts and we are unaware of what is
happening on stage. Even though we are unable to see it, a great
deal occurs behind the curtain. There is much activity, and
sometimes entire sets are changed.
Likewise,
we must understand that God is at work behind the curtain of our
situations; in the spirit realm there is much activity. Just
because we can’t see what is happening doesn’t mean that God
is not working!
To
create the intricate beauty of Persian rugs, the weavers work
underneath the frame and follow the instructions and directions of
the master weaver above. Even though the weavers cannot see the
results of their labors, a beautifully patterned rug is created.
In like manner our Father has a beautiful plan for our families
and marriages if we will but follow His instructions. His plan for
us is far greater than anything we could desire.
Habakkuk
2:3 tells us, “For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
but at the end it will speak, and it will not lie. Though it
tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not
tarry.”
“For
the vision (our healed marriage) is yet for the appointed time.”
There is a waiting period. Our miracle is not going to happen
overnight. Some covenant keepers wait two or three months; others
wait several years. Some of us wait many years. God’s promise
remains: “But at the end (God’s timing) it will speak and
it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it; because it
will surely come. It will not tarry.”
The
only way our marriages will not be healed is if we quit waiting
for the vision to be fulfilled!
Covenant
keepers have to come to terms with several things in order to
endure a long stand.
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Length
of Stand Doesn’t Matter: Learning to let go of your
ideas about how long you should stand and just trusting that
God knows best brings peace and release. “My times are in
His hands.” (Psalm 31:15) Stop worrying about which month or
year your reconciliation will take place. Learn to say, “If
I die or my mate dies or Jesus returns before our
reconciliation, that is okay.”
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Faithfulness
to Your Vow: Being faithful to your vow—until death do
us part—satisfies the promise that you made and also is a
long, living witness to your children about the permanence of
your marriage.
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Standing
Defeats the Enemy: Your stand comes between the curse of
divorce/remarriage and you. It weakens the power of the enemy
over your children and grandchildren.
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God
Fills the Void: Learn how to let God place Himself quite
adequately in the areas you counted on your mate to fulfill.
God will be a special companion to you, be the best father to
your children, and He will provide for your spiritual,
emotional, physical, and financial needs.
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Your
Sacrifice Wins: As you give up selfish and self-serving
ways and lay down your life, your sacrifice will bring
salvation to your family.
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