DO WE REALLY KNOW WHAT SAYING "I DO" MEANS?

Hello dear one!

I'm sitting in the stillness of my study and thinking about the burdens the Lord has placed on my heart for His beloved people. 

Marriage is one that is continually there and with that in mind I share a post from the archives.

I could hear the frustration in her voice.  It sounded familiar.  Many women I've counseled have expressed similar frustration.

How many times have I heard:

 "It just isn't fair.  I thought that when we were married that our home responsibilities would be shared 50-50.  After all my job is demanding too, and when I get home I need to decompress.  Why can't he cook dinner some nights? I'm not the best cook around either but I'm trying to learn.  Do you think my expectations were unrealistic?  When we were dating he was so attentive! I just don't get it!!"

In this day of "his" and "hers" thinking I've noticed that  many times those who are choosing marriage are choosing to "incorporate" their life with the life of another.  Not become "one flesh" as the bible teaches.  They keep a record of their personal rights and think love is a right not a gift.

Love is the greatest gift given when there's not a requirement of reciprocation.  1 Corinthians 13 describes God's ideal love. In the Greek it is "Agape", translated "charity" in the KJV, meaning benevolent love.  In Zodiates Complete Word Study New Testament this benevolence is explained as not doing what the person loved desires but what the one who loves deems as needed by the one loved; (e.g., For God so loved the world that He gave...John 3:16) He gave not what man wanted but what man needed as God perceived the need.    God loves us, dear ones, with this love and he calls us to offer His precious gift to others.  It is unconditional love..God's love.

During a bible study first completed some time ago the Lord began to reveal to me how I was missing His mark as far as loving my husband as he teaches in His Word.  It's been a revelation that devestates as well as inspires almost simultaneously.  Believe me, I am still a work in progress.  I have good days and not so good ones. However, it's becoming more comfortable "dying to self" and as I see fruit sprouting forth I am encouraged to "Keep going on, and on, and on".

This morning I picked up a small book with a huge conviction impact.  The title is "If", written by Amy Carmichael.

Reviewing this precious writing helps me to check my heart and progress.

This morning the Lord has spoken to me through this precious pearl:

"IF the moment I am conscious of the shadow of self crossing my threshold,
I do not shut the door, and in the power of Him who works in us to will and to do,
keep that door shut,
then I know nothing of Calvary Love."

The burden of my heart dear ones, is "Marriage".  Mine and those of other women desiring not to miss God's mark - loving as He does.

Has the Lord given you a similar burden?  I'd love to hear about it.

Til next time - sending His love your way,
Judy