Operating in the Flesh? One Couple’s Story
Our group has done a lot of marriage ministry – mostly because our group made a lot of marriage mistakes. Hooray for us!
Because: “When I am weak, He is strong.” (2Cor. 12:10)
Because: “Praise be to God, Who always causes us to triumph in Christ Jesus.” (2Cor. 2:14)
Because: “No weapon forged against us shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against us, we ourselves shall refute. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord. This is the vindication that comes from God.” (Isaiah 54:17)
I’d rather have something that comes from God, gives Him all the Glory, and has His strength to sustain it rather than be super self-reliant, producing things of so-called value, but it is all in the flesh. Wouldn’t you?
The Flesh?
- Ministry is often done “in the flesh.”
- Love can be done “in the flesh.”
- Good works and responsibilities can be carried out “in the flesh.”
While we are busy being competent and diligent, it could be hard for God to get a word in edgewise! “Don’t need any help from You, Lord. I’ve got this!” Right?
The husband of one of the standers was extremely gifted and accomplished in many areas. Things came easily for him, but he also had a disobedience problem. (Sounds like lots of God’s kids, doesn’t it?) This man was involved with a woman outside of his marriage for about 4 years, after which he repented and came home. But, like everything else, he assumed once he made up his mind to change, that would be the end of it.
In the meantime, after 4 years of forgiving, praying, and walking the agape love walk, the standing wife was told, by the voice of the Holy Spirit “When he comes home, he will come home “loving” the other woman.” What???!!! The praying wife’s response to God was “You are God and that’s the best You can do?!”
The Lord simply said to her, “If you are willing.” Disrespectfully she answered back “Well, I’m not.” He paused, letting her digest what He had just said, and then explained “Everything your husband has done, he has done in his own strength. Now he will learn he can do nothing apart from the power of the Holy Spirit.”
The stander, crying but calm paused, remembering the goodness and faithfulness of God, then she replied a bit more humbly, “I am willing to be made willing” –and His grace made it so.
Not Everything Comes Easily
Not everything comes easily –though we want it to. We have a free will – oh so precious in God’s sight. God doesn’t force us to do the right thing. But when we do make the right decision, He will give us all the help and strength we need. That is called “grace.”
So, the man came home, trying to be faithful to his wife and assuming he would be. And he was faithful for several months. But then he fell again, as God said he would. That ordeal went on for quite a while, but this time his wife knew how to trust God better.
Other men came alongside and supported him, helping him to become more accountable. Eventually, during some private time with God, the man himself admitted, “Lord, I don’t know how to love You.”
The Lord gently reminded him from His Word “He who loves me is he who obeys Me; and he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and disclose Myself to him.” (John 14:21) The man replied “Oh, I can do that!”
First Things First
At first, he had been putting emotions before the Word and the Spirit and that could not sustain or deliver him. When he truly began to have a relationship with the Holy Spirit, and not just a “form of godliness”, he received God’s love and obedience began to flow. (2Timothy 3:5-7)
The husband went through many deliverances and went on to love God, family and the church in healthy, biblical ways – far from being perfect, but never again condemned. He even became involved in deliverance ministry and Bible teaching for men’s groups with a strong healing anointing, besides. What a win for God, His purposes, the family, and this precious man. And, happily, his wife got better, too!
All the glory belongs to God! What patience He has with His children. What love for us when we are the prodigal or the cranky, self-righteous older brother (or wife!) (Luke 15:11-32)
If we would simply hear and humbly obey (or maybe the word “surrender” is more accurate), He could reveal how much He truly loves us and we would fall in love with Him.
After long battles we girls have learned that, if we settle down, trust Him and follow His lead, we can rest in the truth that “He’s got this!” Love to Him!
One Final Thought …
PS. Know that this man was not being judged by God, as some might believe. At this time we are still in a merciful dispensation of grace, but that will end soon. This husband was and is, like all of us saved folk, being restored by the Holy Spirit. He was owned by God all along – bought with the price of Jesus’ Covenantal Blood. (1Corinthians 6:20)
Here is an analogy: When you are rehabbing and restoring the broken-down foundations and structure of an edifice, it can get pretty messy on site, until all the rot and corrupted areas are gone. Ever do a kitchen remodel?
But the Master Builder owns that property. It got rundown and damaged through the manager’s (us) neglect or abuse. But the true Owner then takes over when the manager has failed. The Owner is obligate to, by His own character and covenant.
Let us agree that when we mess up our lives, which we were given to manage, the Holy Spirit will come in and restore one way or the other. How difficult or late in our lives that may be depends on our cooperation with His process – as this husband and wife discovered. Best to just surrender and enjoy the ride!
Not that we are changing the subject but what about America, God’s covenantal nation? Do you think we are being judged? We believe that America is being rehabbed and restored because the Lord, the Owner, loves her. She has always belonged to Him.
Keep watching and rejoicing!
Love from ...
