Day by Day Faith through the Ups and Down

Most people who have chosen to stand in faith that Christ can heal their marriage will tell you that there will be times when you see small or even big miracles only to be followed by what seem like crushing defeats.

The Bible makes it clear that journeys of faith, trusting in God, start with just that: a trust in God, but not in signs or things that happen such as behaviors in prodigal spouses.  You will find that your spouse will be friendly on one day as God works in their heart, and then cold and heartless the next.  Do not put any faith in human actions, but simply know that the Lord loves marriage and will come to the aid of those who stand for “We live by faith, not by sight. 2Cr 5:7”

David in the Psalms describes the faithfulness of the Lord, who knows our journey takes us through times of despair and failure. God is faithful to help us and provide “an oasis in the desert” when we are in the down phase – when attitudes or situation make it seem impossible for reconciliation.

Psa 84:5-7 Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Sadness, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion.

The Holy Spirit through David is saying to us: “Don’t be surprised when you have ups and downs.  For every down I God provide you help and comfort.  Remember the ultimate victory will happen in the end.”

This is why Christ says in John 16:33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

We of course would like the Lord to just give us complete instant victory, and that does happen sometimes.  But more often the journey is one of back and forth.  It is a spiritual battle in your heart and the heart of your prodigal spouse and the demonic forces which encourage divorce. Like a war in the physical world, there are days of winning battles and days when we seem to loose them.  However, don’t be defeated!  If you read the story of Moses in the book of Exodus it was not one final victory against Pharaoh, but a back and forth until the final victory.  When all seemed lost God came through.

God will come through in the end, if you don’t look on the situation for hope, but rather trust in God’s promise in Psalm 34:

Psa 34:19 A righteous person may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers them from them all;