Striving for Oneness

A few days ago I took time to reflect on my marriage; the good and the bad. This helped me realize that God is with me and present in my marriage. Another revelation struck me: a good marriage is doable, but only if one desires mediocrity. But, an excellent marriage is obtainable with effort and sacrifice. So, what do we want? . . . good or excellent.

My marriage is no where near perfect, and there have been times it felt like I was riding a never-ending roller coaster and holding on for dear life. My marriage, and maybe yours, has bounced over many bumps and endured a lot of bruises. But as God gives me strength, and I continue to strive for oneness.

Achieving anything worthwhile in life is not easy. As women, we are always looking to lose those last five pounds, but find it hard to run that extra mile every week. We want to save money, but find ourselves in the mall because some store entices us with a huge, one-of-a-kind sale.

There is always something keeping us from reaching our desired goals. Being married is no different. At times, we've all struggled to create a great marriage, but the enemy lurks and seeks to destroy what we are trying to build.

Do not let the enemy discourage you. Your efforts are not in vain. Your father in heaven will reward you (Matthew 6). You may not always agree with your husband. You may object to his spending habits or other things. Smile and seek God on the matter. Whatever his instructions are to you, OBEY! (NOTE: Please understand my encouragement is for struggling marriages, not those with serious issues like abuse). It may not be easy, but remember that you are striving for oneness.

Striving is an action word requiring us to move and do something. As wives, we must get out of our complacency and be about our father business (Luke 2:49). God the Father united us back to him through his Son Jesus Christ. We must have the same mindset, when it comes to our marriages. Even though the enemy will not stop his evil tactics to destroy marriages, we must be like the tree planted by the rivers of water(Psalm 1:3) and exercise the power inside of us.

The devil tries to remind me of my husband's past, his faults and imperfections. What is the devil doing in your marriage that hinders you from striving for oneness? When you identify it, seek God for strength and do the opposite of what the devil says.

The world is watching us, as are our sons and daughters. They will never know what is means to come together as one if we fail to give them a good example of striving for oneness. God is not the author of confusion, but peace. (1 Corinthians 14:33. KJV)

I understand these struggles because I have lived my own. What I went through did not make sense to me at the time, and I constantly cried to God how hard it was. I actually thought I was going to lose my mind in the process. Trying to fix things in my own strength didn't work, but when I stopped going it alone, God showed up.

My marriage has come a long way. Most of the bumps and bruises have healed, but some are still healing. If you are struggling, I encourage you to keep going. Do not lose your desire to fight. Keep your energy. God is standing at the finish line, but he has peace, strength, hope, faith and love to share until you finish that race.

You may be at a point in your marriage where you have put your energy and focus on other things.You are concentrating on work, children, church and/or other activities and not your marriages. You want some type of return because of the energy and time you have invested. Be patient and wait on God. Keep investing in your marriage and do not let the enemy keep you from achieving your desired results. Do not get caught up in how much time has passed because no desired results are visible(2 Peter 3:8).

Read the Word of God, spend time in his presence, and pray without ceasing. Do not lose focus. Do not become complacent. Keep moving. Keep striving for oneness in your marriage.

Comments

[KayleeShea]

Wow Lakeyshia!! Girl God annointed you to deliver this message!! Eye opening and powerful! Keep doing what you do! Bless you.