Prepare for the Certain Difficulties that are to Come
As a child growing up in Iowa, I knew the reality of getting ready for winter. It meant the final harvesting, canning, and tilling of the garden, and covering the windows with plastic. The winters were bitter and long. As long as I was inside in my cozy pajamas looking out, I was happy, but as soon as I stepped out the door I knew I would need to don the proper protection.
Like winter apparel, preparing to face bitter challenges, especially as a couple, requires some outfitting. Think Holy North Face®. It is what we do before troubles arise that prepare us to face difficulties. Curtis and I have been challenged with some extremely difficult moments in our relationship over the past almost four decades.
Some came on suddenly; like an early frost. Like the moment we got a call that a child was being admitted to the hospital from school. Many we saw coming and had time to prepare for, my father’s passing was several years in the making. Whether it’s a shock or something foreseen, getting through these seasons of winter-like events demands preparation. Jesus modeled times of preparation while he was here on earth. (Luke 5:16)
One of the best habits Curtis and I have established is a daily reading of God’s word together. Generally it is in the form of a devotional through the BibleAp™(If you don’t have a Bible on your phone you are missing out). There is a huge library of plans and readings available for just about every topic you may encounter. This format makes reading the same plan easy to keep up with even if you are not physically together.
This morning was a precious encounter we had together. The lesson quoted Cory Tinboom, “Never hold onto anything so tightly that Jesus can’t take it from you.” The question was then proposed, “what are you holding onto that Jesus can’t take from you?” We each identified things that we keep from Jesus. We laughed and prayed and resolved to release 100%, to surrender all, to Jesus.
It can be difficult in harsh conditions to identify blessings and gifts. But if you are constantly fitted with the equipment of heaven, your marriage can thrive, even in the winter.
Happy Honeymooning!
Ephesians 6:13-17 Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand firm therefore, having belted your waist with truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having strapped on your feet the preparation of the gospel of peace; in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God