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

Archived Message

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.

Teach Me Lord To Wait!

Have you noticed, we live in a world where almost everything is a product of immediate gratification? We frequent fast-food restaurants, self-serve gas stations, quick-lube stations for our cars, drive through tellers at the bank, and the 'Doc in a box' clinics when we are sick. Mega-stores support one-stop shopping. We travel between towns on high speed freeways rather than taking the two lane scenic route with its stop signs and road side parks. Life is in the fast-track mode. Today's world is not equipped for waiting. Yet, when our lifestyle begins to crumble, when our marriages fall apart, waiting for some becomes a burden while for others, waiting becomes a blessing. Let us see what the Bible says about waiting:

"Moses answered the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today. The Egyptians you see today you will never see again." Exodus 14:13

"Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes." Psalm 37:7

"Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress." Psalm 46:10-11

"Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you." Proverbs 20:22b

"But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express." Romans 8:25-26

Each of these scriptures are just a sample of the many times in the Bible that we are instructed to wait. In each if we work in our own power, we cannot overcome the issue at hand. For those who do not have a relationship with Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior, these scriptures have little meaning. Yet for many, when we realize that we cannot in our own power solve our marriage problems, we cry out to God, turning our lives and our marriages over to Him. Each of the above scriptures reflect how our Biblical forefathers approached their individual problems.

Moses entreated the Israelites to "stand firm" and not run at the sight of the Egyptians. When our marriages crumble, we need to stand firm with God for the sanctity of our marriage vows. As we stand, we draw closer to Jesus Christ who is our example of sinless living. Many times, during a "stand," we have special moments alone with God that bring many blessings into our lives. Most standers come closer to Jesus Christ and their faith is strengthened during this time of trial. Thus this time is a blessing for those who are receptive.

The Psalmist tells us to "be still" as we wait on the Lord. We are not to fret, yet know that our God is all powerful, that He is to be praised above all kings and leaders of nations of this earth. He is always with us, standing along side of us; He is our Fortress.

The writer in Proverbs calls us to "wait for the Lord." He is our deliverer. He will fight our battles for us if we just wait patiently on Him.

Romans speaks of hope. As we stand in the gap for our families, our marriages and our relationship with God, we hope for new beginnings. Our marriage and family situations did not occur overnight and they will not be healed overnight. We need to be patient. The Holy Spirit must have time to work in each person's life. God's timing is not our timing and in our rush-rush world, we get impatient. Impatience is probably one of the biggest obstacles we face as we stand with God for the healing of our marriages. Waiting for God's healing of our relationships becomes too much for some; yet it can be a blessing for others, for God keeps His promises spoken to many standers. He has but one main agenda, and it is called repentance.

"But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:8-9

So dear friends and fellow standers, the Lord calls each of us to wait as the Holy Spirit works in our loved ones and also in us, to bring us all into a relationship with Him. So "Teach me, Lord to wait!"

Standing firm until parted by death,
Ben in Texas
Rejoice Marriage Ministries, Inc.
Post Office Box 10548
Pompano Beach, FL 33061 USA
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otherwise noted, Scripture quoted by permission and are from the
Holy Bible; New International Version® Copyright© 1973, 1978,
1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of
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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.

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