The most memorable moments of my life is witnessing the
faith of others. It is encouraging and truly a blessing to see others living in
the hope, faith and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. This was most evident in my
recent trip to my first ever permanence of marriage retreat. It is a blessing and
encouraging to see how He works in the lives of others who have experienced the
painful and awful realities of divorce. Though these people have experienced
pain and rejection, they truly have a foundation that cannot be broken. It is
evident in their testimonies of putting complete faith and trust in the Lord
even in the midst of a world, and a church, that embraces divorce and
remarriage.
I was looking forward to this trip because I wanted to see
for the first time those individuals who have given me courage, strength and
hope to carry on the truth for the permanence of marriage. I wanted to see them
face to face and hear their testimonies of how the Lord has comforted them. It
was through social websites like Facebook where I first met others who stand
for marriage as a one flesh covenant that does not end in divorce. My own
convictions of God’s word concerning marriage, divorce and remarriage led me to
seek others who see the truth.
It is perceived by some that these meetings are nothing more
than pity parties for those who believe in the permanence of marriage. Yet, I
would encourage every believer to attend one of these meetings. I am confident
that anyone who witnesses these meetings will come away with a deeper respect
for the people who go through divorce and remarriage. They will also come away
with a deeper respect for the covenant of marriage. This is not just about
testimonies in faith to restore marriages, it is testimonies of individuals who
love the Lord Jesus Christ.
If I could put this meeting into perspective, I would narrow
it down that the purpose of this meeting is to glorify God. There are certain
words that describe this meeting, yet I could clearly say that this was true
worship because it was in both spirit and in truth. The Lord Jesus Christ said
that true worshipers would worship in spirit and in truth. (John 4:24) From
the moment this meeting began, it was about worshiping the Lord in spirit and
in truth.
What I witnessed was a body of believers who viewed marriage
as something that is special and that in every way was a representation of the
Gospel. These men and woman have a deep love for Christ that includes a deep
love for all people, including a wayward spouse. They truly love their wayward
spouses and they are not afraid to speak the truth that marriage restoration is
more about salvation than anything else. They recognize the truth of the Gospel
in their own lives. They know that while they were yet sinners, Christ died for
them.
This is the foundation of every believer. Imperfect people
saved by a perfect God. It is this faith that makes sense to stand and wait in
the Lord to restore a prodigal spouse because this is exactly what Christ did
for them. They have the heart and mind of Christ. This was evident in the story
of the Samaritan woman. (John 4) Christ loved this woman enough to expose her
sin problem, yet He offered Living Water and a way to eternal life in Him. This
exemplifies all the standers who cling to the hope they have in Christ.
Then there are the testimonies of restoration. These stories
were not so much about a restoration of a marriage then they were a restoration
of a lost soul. The couples of restored marriages share one thing in common.
They will acknowledge that it was faith in God in restoring the marriage than
it was believing they could do anything of their own accord. The standing spouse remained in the covenant allowing
the Lord to chastise and discipline the wayward spouse. These standing spouses
did not believe that God’s word provides loopholes to divorce and remarry,
these spouses believed that God can do the impossible for those who remain obedient
in faith.
God requires that we believe in Him by faith. If we enter
into marriage without ever believing that God is very much a part of the
covenant, then we really do not understand marriage. Since marriage is God’s
design, it imperative every individual understands the purpose of marriage.
Marriage is a representation of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. If the
world will not believe this, then it is with urgency that the church must represent
marriage as one man and one woman for life. There is no question that marriage
was fully represented by the individuals and couples of this marriage retreat.
They will tell you that it is not easy at times, but the faith they have in Christ
keeps them centered on Him. This is applicable to both the restored couples and
the single standers who wait in the Lord.
I pray that the church would see the desperate need for
speaking the truth on the permanence of marriage. The lives of many hang in the
balance. Marriage is very much a matter of salvation and the deception is for
those who believe that divorce and remarriage is an option. The key is to
remain in faith with a God who will never leave of forsake you. Let God fight
the battles that need to be fought. God hates divorce and calls all remarriages adultery. We must believe that those who remain in sin will not inherit the kingdom. (1 Cor 6:9,10) At the same time, we must believe that God will not despise those who repent of sin and live by faith in the glory of Christ. (1 Cor 6:11)
1 Cor 6:9-11 now ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.
In Christ's love,
Neil
No comments:
Post a Comment