[marriagerestoration] He Is Our ONLY Hope!!

The Lord is the only hope in this fallen world. You cannot do on your own what only the Lord can do. You cannot soften a prodigal's hardened heart by yourself. You cannot change your spouse by yourself. You cannot make everything right in your marriage by yourself. BUT GOD CAN! Do not give up! God will deliver you and restore to you what is rightfully yours!

"The Lord hears the needy and does not despise his people." (Psalm 69:33).

James 1:2-4 unveils a marvelous truth and promise that we can hold on to during these difficult times. "The testing of your faith develops perseverance." Troublesome times are not a sign that God has forgotten about us or is neglecting us, but rather that God loves us. We are told in Hebrews 12:6 that "the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes
everyone he accepts as a son."

The comfort of this truth is that God is in control of our trials. He will not let them get out of hand. You can put your trust in the fact that a loving God is dealing with you. In John 14:1, Jesus says, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in Me."

Isa. 42:3 "A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;"

Even though it may be hard or impossible to see, God has a purpose in the trials we are facing. As we persevere, God uses our trials to mature us and make us complete so that we don't lack anything. In other words, we become more like Him, yielding more and more glory to Him through the Godliness He is producing within us. Bringing glory to God is at the root of our joy in the Christian life. For the Christian, pleasing God is very pleasing. Therefore, we can have joy in suffering because of the glorious work that God is accomplishing in us by conforming us to the likeness of His son, Jesus Christ.

As you examine James 1:2-4, consider this passage...

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son..." (Romans 8:28-29).

"Though the Lord is on high, He looks upon the lowly, though I walk in the midst of trouble, You preserve my life; You stretch out Your Hand against the anger of my foes, with Your Right Hand You save me. The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me; Your love, O Lord, endures forever - do not abandon the works of Your Hands." (Psalm 138:6-8).

If you were to give up on your marriage, you would be saying that the Almighty, All Powerful, All Knowing God, who created the Heavens, the Earth, and everything in it, has met His match. You are saying that He is not capable of overcoming the evil that has come on your marriage. Is this what you truly believe? Is this how you intend to witness to a fallen world?

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39).

Know that I am praying and interceding on your behalf daily.

Be encouraged

Pastor Doreen
2778 NW 193 Terr. Miami, FL 33056