Charlyne Cares Daily Devotional - Helping Stop Divorce God's Way

Each Monday we share a guest devotional written by a fellow stander. The views expressed below are those of the writer and may not reflect the views of Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc. or the Steinkamps.

---

"Whys?"

As I started this journey many months ago, I cried out to God, "Father, why me? Why my family? What had I done to deserve this?" I now know that many of the whys I will never know or will need to know. But in Your infinite wisdom and timing Father, You have patiently revealed to me some of the "whys":

1. It is for His Glory: "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31

2. It is for His reputation: "But I held back my anger. I acted for the sake of my name so it would not be dishonored in full view of the nations who watched as I brought the Israelites out...so they would know that I am the LORD." Ezekiel 20:22,26 (NCV)

3. It is for my husband's life: "But sinners and those who turn against him will be destroyed; those who have left the LORD will die." Isaiah 1:28 (NCV)

4. For my spiritual growth: "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope." Romans 5:3-4

5. For my need to repent of my sins: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:9

6. To increase my Faith: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." Hebrews 11:1

7. For me to see God's Glory at work: "Sing praises to the Lord; praise our God with harps. He fills the sky with clouds and sends rain to the earth and makes grass grow on the hills." Psalm 147:7-8 (NCV)

8. To learn to rely on something other than myself or another person: Jehovah -Jireh -- "...The LORD Will Provide…" Genesis 22:14

9. To make my relationship with Him even closer: "But I am always with you; you have held my hand. You guide me with your advice, and later you will receive me in honor. I have no one in heaven but you; I want nothing on earth besides you. But I am close to God, and that is good." Psalm 73:23-25 (NCV)

10. To increase our family's faith: "God, we thank you; we thank you because you are near. We tell about the miracles you do. You say, I set the time for trial, and I will judge fairly. The earth with all its people may shake, but I am the one who holds it steady. Selah" Psalm 75: 1-3 (NCV)

11. To break generational sin!: (for my children and my grand- children and...) "...Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved-you and your household." Acts 16:31

12. As a witness to others: "But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more. My mouth will tell of your righteousness, of your salvation all day long, though I know not its measure. I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, O Sovereign LORD; I will proclaim your righteousness, yours alone." Psalm 71:14-16

13. To minister to others who are going through this situation: "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers." Luke 22:31-32

14. To understand the importance of marriage to God and how much God truly hates divorce: "You ask, 'Why?' It is because the LORD is acting as the witness between you and the wife of your youth, because you have broken faith with her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant. Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So guard yourself in your spirit, and do not break faith with the wife of your youth. I hate divorce," says the LORD God of Israel..." Malachi 2:14-16

15. To reveal to me what "unconditional" love truly is: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy. Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Loves does not count up wrongs that have been done. Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth. Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes and always endures." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (NCV)

"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:43-44

I have many more that I could add to the list. I realized that the list could go on and on. May this list help you understand, as it did me that this journey is bigger than myself and my family.

All He wants me to do is to continue to abide in Him.

Standing For His Glory,
Helen in Georgia
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061 USA
http://rejoiceministries.org  (Ministry web site)
http://rejoiceministries.org/r.php?num=tizwl   (Bookstore)
http://rejoiceministries.org/r.php?num=1qrwh  (24/7 Radio)

Devotional Copyright© 2010 Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.

Scripture quoted by permission and are from the Holy Bible; New International Version® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.