I am more and more convinced that for Christians who are or were married, that that marriage or divorce is the primary tool that God wants to use to make us more like Christ. So for example Paul tells us that those who marry will have trouble in the flesh, and that he would spare us that trouble (1 Corinthians 7:28). But he also tells us that the furnace of the trials, tribulations and difficulties that we encounter in life are intended to build character (Romans 5:1-4). This same passage tell us that when we fully submit to this character polishing (verse 2), then the hope and love we so desperately need to continue to submit, are poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (verses 4 and 5).
So how does this work? The scriptures show us the default when we do not “rejoice in tribulation” (Romans 5:2 again). In particular when things went wrong between Adam and Eve, Adam immediately blamed both Eve and God (Genesis 3:12). So it starts with taking responsibility for our part in what went wrong. This may involve coming out of denial that we are blameless! And what I want to say this morning, is that when we have not completed the hard work of working through to a heathy separation from our parents, we more than likely bring any residual conflict into our present situation. And this will make holding fast more than a little difficult. For those of us who are divorced, we also need to work on our part in obeying the command “As much as is possible with you, to live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18).
Father, we need (I need) an abundance of Grace to respond in the way You want us to respond to any of the troubles, trials and tribulations of life. Thank You that when we choose to throw ourselves on Your Mercy, that Grace and Peace are multiplied to us (2 Peter 1:2). Thank You that in this way all things are possible in You (Philippians 4:13) in Jesus Name Amen
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