Staying Power

Read

Ephesians 4:26-27, “If you are angry, don’t sin by nursing your grudge. Don’t let the sun go down with you still angry — get over it quickly; for when you are angry, you give a mighty foothold to the devil.”Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your work to the LORD, and your plans will be established.”

Think

What if Abraham Lincoln had decided that winning the Civil War was just too difficult and gave in without ever abolishing slavery? What if Dr. Jonas Salk thought that working to find a cure for polio was too much? What if Jesus thought dying on the cross for our sins was too hard?Wanting to quit is normal, even okay – if we know we’re not going to quit. This is especially true when it comes to marriage. Unfortunately, today’s culture is so used to convenience and quick fixes that when life gets tough we look for the nearest exit. But what happens to get us there in the first place?When spouses have totally opposite schedules or differing priorities, a chasm develops. As time passes and anger and bitterness go unresolved, it provides an opportunity for the enemy to divide and conquer. And, unfortunately, too many couples end up speaking through attorneys. But that doesn’t have to happen.Just as Christ defeated the grave, we, too, can win — IF we’re willing to do the work. So, consider the tenacity and amazing staying power of those above and commit not to quit. Stay at the table and work through the issues. Avoid going to bed angry. And, most importantly, love one another with the same grace and compassion Christ has shown you.

Act

What is it that you are caving in to the pressure to quit? Spend some time to reflect and meditate on the staying power of Christ. What step can you take today to reboot and get back to work?

Pray

Dear Lord, It’s only by Your power that I can stay in the fight. Open my heart and mind to see my situation in a new light — affirm to me that it is “doable.” I lean heavily on You, knowing that through Christ all things are possible. In Jesus’ name, Amen.