Courage & Strength

In the view of the world, when a wife decides to leave her husband, the husband should then: "move on", "find someone else", "give up on his wife", etc, etc. Thoughts or feelings that the husband should seek Our Lord for His divine intervention are rarely ever even considered. Never considered by anyone - not the family, friends, husband...certainly not the wife. It's just not the way the world does things. To ask Jesus for His divine assistance is going against the world.

So how do you go against the world? What do you need? From what I have learned during my time standing in the gap for my wife and praying for my wife's salvation, one needs courage and strength. But during the circumstances of being in a separation, or during a divorce, courage and strength can be hard to come by. At least hard to come by on your own.

You can get that needed courage and strength through God's word. Jesus depended upon the Word when He was faced with the devil's lies and temptations. So if Jesus relied on the Word, so should we. The Word of God is like a powerful sword we should be using to face the challenging circumstances we are going through.

Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6

I promise you what I promised Moses: ‘Wherever you set foot, you will be on land I have given you ... No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.  Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do. This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:3-9

David also said to Solomon his son, "Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20

There is very inspiring song by the Christian band Casting Crowns called "Courageous". The song is quickly becoming my anthem for being a better father, husband and spiritual leader to my family.  Here are a few of my favorite verses from that song – the lines in red just seemed to resonate with me about a call to stand for my marriage:

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"Courageous"

We were made to be courageous
We were made to lead the way
We could be the generation
That finally breaks the chains

We were warriors on the front lines
Standing, unafraid
But now we're watchers on the sidelines
While our families slip away

Where are you, men of courage?
You were made for so much more
Let the pounding of our hearts cry
We will serve the lord

We were made to be courageous
And we're taking back the fight
We were made to be courageous
And it starts with us tonight

The only way we'll ever stand
Is on our knees with lifted hands
Make us courageous
Lord, make us courageous

This is our resolution
Our answer to the call
We will love our wives and children
We refuse to let them fall

We will reignite the passion
That we buried deep inside
May the watchers become warriors
Let the men of god arise

In the war of the mind I will make my stand (seek justice. love mercy. walk humbly with your God)
In the battle of the heart and the battle of the hand (seek justice. love mercy. walk humbly with your God)
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Men we have been called to  stand unafraid, to take back the fight, to refuse to let your wives and family fall.

Be a warrior for your marriage, family, wife.  Pray for strength and guidance.  Learn and depend on the Word.  Be courageous.

Blessings.