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August, 2001

OUR EYES ARE ON YOU, LORD!
by Marilyn Conrad

Most of us were affected by the Persian Gulf War in 1991. Many had loved ones or friends involved there. All across our nation lives were changed by that distant battle. Events that happen in the natural often parallel what happens in the realm of the spirit. The Persian Gulf War awakened the Body of Christ to the reality of the spiritual battle we face.

We are in a battle for the home. Today that battle grows more intense. Divorce, drugs, and sexual abuse are at an all time high. We know that 50% of all first marriages end in divorce. Are you aware that recent statistics show that 60% of all second marriages end in court? That 70% of all third marriages and 80% of all fourth unions end in divorce?

There must be strength and power in the Body of Christ to fight this attack against our homes. When my husband divorced me, I was shocked at the lack of support I received for the healing of my marriage. All my Christian friends told me they hoped God would do something, but they really didn’t know what He could do. Although they hurt for me they suggested that I just go on with my life. They said I should just put the past 27 years away and make a new start. In other words, I should accept defeat and start over.

That was not what I felt the Lord was saying to me. As I studied His Word I discovered that God hates divorce and marital separation. (Malachi 2:14-16 NIV) I also found that He is very displeased when we make vows and do not keep them. (Ecclesiastes 5:4-5) Marriage is a covenant, not a contract with loopholes written in. Those entering the marriage covenant become a family, and marriage was intended to last a lifetime: “until death do us part.”

God says that a man who does not care for his family is worse than an infidel. (1 Timothy 5:8) However, one study shows that husbands, no longer burdened with a family, experience a 42% increase in their standard of living while their former wives show a 73% decrease in theirs. Women and children suffer, not only emotionally, but also financially when there is a divorce.

When we were born again, the enemy sent his tanks rolling across our borders. We are in a war whether we like it or not as the battle for our homes rages. In the second book of Chronicles, in Chapter 20, the Ammonites and Moabites came against Judah. Jehoshaphat was afraid so he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah to ask help from the Lord. In verse 12 he says, “…for we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (NKJV)

We must keep our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. Only He has the help we so desperately need to save our marriages and families.

The Greatest Love
The following came from a CK in Ontario, Canada.

No matter what the cost or the results, my desire is to live my life for God. Like the potter takes the clay; mold, make, and use me to fill your plans and desires for me. That, my friends, is what this is all about! In John 15:13 it says, "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends (loved ones)." When you stand for your mates' salvation and marriage restoration, this is what you are doing. Laying down your desires to go on, putting down your hurts, putting down your life for them, just like Jesus did for us! Don't give up on God no matter how long or hard it has been. Put your trust in God and let His joy and peace fill you. Remember, God is able and willing to take care of it all. Determine that you're not going to let the waiting period discourage you. Then hang on until the Word of God is manifested in your situation. I love you and will continue to pray for you and believe for your marriage restoration.

The next time you are tempted by discouragement, doubt, or fear, remember this; we are called to imitate and reflect Jesus to our mates, families, and communities. We are called to lay down our lives for them, as He did for us. "Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." Eph 5:1-2. What a privilege and honor!

Prodigals will return to the Son in 2001!