Why does God let things go from bad to worse for those He loves – those like me? Like Martha and Mary?
Yet, consider this: When Jesus expressed words of encouragement concerning Lazarus’ condition, Lazarus had already died! (John 11:4) Was Jesus lying? Was His promise some sort of empty “hope so”? Was He just toying with Martha and Mary’s feelings? NO! What Jesus said meant . . .
that Lazarus’ sickness did not have physical death as its ultimate purpose.
that God has a greater purpose than our immediate comfort.
that getting what we want, when we want it, is not always the best for us or glorifying to God.
Would you tell God now, in prayer, that you want what He wants more than what you want? Then trust Him!
One of God’s principles for marriage is that those who have established a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ are not to marry those who are not in a right relationship with God. The reason for this principle was explained logically by Amos when he said, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” (Amos 3:3, NIV) For someone who has real faith in God to marry, or “walk with,” another person who is in rebellion against God would mean a lifetime of compromise on everything from how to spend time and money, to setting priorities and standards. If there is no basic agreement on an issue as significant as a person’s relationship with God, then there can be no agreement on lesser issues, and a compromise would have to be made to preserve the marriage. That compromise would inevitably lead to neglect of God’s Word.
So . . . make your marriage a triangle, with Jesus Christ at the apex. As you and your spouse grow closer to God you will grow closer together.
