MY THOUGHTS on Stormie OMartian's "The Power of a Praying Wife"
Chapter 21: HIS MARRIAGE

Mike and I got married March 18th, 1995.  I was 20 and Mike was 30.  I will never forget turning around to face the guests as we were introduced as husband and wife and feeling as though everyone was wondering how long our marriage would last.  Mike was divorced and had a son who was 8.  From the outside looking in, it didn't look good and many doubted that our marriage would last.

We loved each other and we believed in God, but God wasn't a part of our marriage.  I can honestly say, had that not changed, we wouldn't be married today.  I had seen what divorce had done to Mike's son, and our marriage as well, and even though I didn't want a divorce, I was struggling with our marriage and didn't know what to do... so I turned to God and told Him that HE was going to have to "fix" our marriage... and then I began reading, "The Power of a Praying Wife" and God began to work on me first.  My heart softened toward my husband and I could see him as God's son, and knew that God was hurting that our marriage was suffering so.  I didn't know how things were going to get better, but I knew that I was going to give it my best effort...

...and God saved us from ourselves... because really, that was the biggest problem.  We were selfish people wanting our own way, and not wanting to given into the other's desires or expectations.

It's like two people getting together to play some ball.  They show up and each have their own basketball but are unwilling to share.  "You have a ball... why don't YOU give yours up?"  The other replies, "You have one too... let's use yours."  In the end if no one is willing to share, then there's nothing more that can be accomplished no matter what the "referee" does.

Our marriages can be like that too... if a husband and wife aren't willing to share of themselves and be vulerable to each other, then there's nothing God can work with.  But when a couple is willing to open up (even if it's only one person), then God can step in and begin to work.

Satan is out to destroy marriages... especially Christan ones.  There is nothing quite like a divorce that shakes up the body of Christ.  It can leave Christians questioning their own marriages or even God Himself.  Those who don't believe in God and use the demise of Christian marriage to mock God.   

So let me ask... how are we doing as wives for "his marriage"?  Who's side do we look like we're on?  Are we rooting for our husband?  Are we a part of the marriage team... or are our expectations killing "his marriage"?

You have to continually pray that any unreal expectation be exposed and all incompatibilities be smoothed out so that you grow together in a spirit of unity, commitment, and a bond of intimacy.     -Stormie OMartian (p.152)

Marriages are falling apart all around us.  What are WE going to do to make sure that we not only stand behind our husband, but God's intention for the bond of marriage?

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for saving our marriage and bringing us this far.  Thank You for taking two very selfish people, and changing them.  Please continue to work in us... protect our marriage.  I pray for it to reflect what Your desire for marriage is.  Protect our marriage from evil, and that no jealousy will take root.  Let our marriage be a place of joy and peace... and laughter.  Unite us together Lord... in friendship, commitment, and in You.  As long as Your the center, I know that we are safe.  Thank You for such a committed husband Lord.  I pray that he will remain so committed to You that he will not waiver in any way with anything.  In Jesus' name, Amen.

_________________________________________________________

It's not too late to join us for the month of June as we pray for our husbands!  You can check out more about it by clicking the following link: S.H.M.I.L.Y. for 30 days of prayer...  Please share a link to your blog post if you've made one on this chapter!