“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27
This weekend my husband and I were sorting through some lumber he has been saving. Jeff is a woodworker by hobby and hopes to someday build a piece of furniture out of the wood. The boards were coarse, uneven & marred. As we were looking over each board I couldn't help but wonder how, with some cutting, sanding and elbow grease those boards could turn into a beautiful, strong table in our home.
My thoughts began to wonder to what we build our marriages on. Do we use the truth of God to live our lives or do we follow the whims of the world? Today's passage discusses a house built on God's Word compared with a house built on worldly ways. The house built on the rock of God stood up against the rain, the streams & the winds that blew and beat against the house. But, the house that was built on the sand came crashing down when faced with the rain, the streams & the winds.
What does a worldly marriage look like?
- It is weakened by the influence of celebrity couple role-models.
- It is strained by the "advice" of "well-meaning" friends.
- It suffers under the "its all about me" syndrome.
- It crumbles under lies & deceit.
What does a marriage built on God's truth look like?
- It withstands the exhaustion of sleepless nights when the children are young.
- It survives the devastation of family illnesses.
- It overcomes the fears of paying the monthly bills when layoffs strike.
- It persists despite the long hours or days of separation because of work.
Is your marriage influenced by the world or by God? Please let me know how I can pray for your marriage.
I am linked today with Julie at Come Have a Peace.
In His Calm,
Mary
I really enjoyed this post Mary, thanks so much! It was a good remindeder for me to see all that the Lord is doing in my marriage and how much we have become strengthed in Jesse's absences. The stretches of absence are tough and can make our boards unevened or marred but they also help us to look to the Lord to strengthen and sand us as well
ReplyDeleteMary, I love this. After 43 years of marriage some of our foundational boards have taken some pretty bad nicks and have dry rotted due to lack of attention but thank God we know how to make them viable and strong again.....if we're willing to do it!
ReplyDeleteLove you!
Thank you April. I certainly will be praying for you and Jesse as you spend so much time apart because of his job. Praying that the time together will be extra special!
ReplyDeleteMickie, Thank you so much! Your marriage is a true testimony. I can't wait to one day say I have been married 43 years! Praying for you and Uncle Alex! Love you!
What a great picture of the contrast of the 2 kinds of marriages and an excellent application of that passage of scripture. Pray for us this week, as we both have big events in process, and we just need to make sure our communication, affection, and cooperation are Spirit filled.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your godly perspective and turning us to God's thoughts about marriage.
Blessings to you Mary!
~ Julie
Thank you Julie! I will be praying for God's Holy Spirit to fill you and Jeff as you prepare for your events.
ReplyDeleteMary
Another good post.
ReplyDelete