Surveys & Opinions

Hi standers! It's Monday once again. Here's another devotional written by David from Washington. Read on and stay encouraged!

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"But when God, who set me apart from birthand called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not consult any man, nor did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus."  Galatians 1:15-17 (NKJV)

When I was called to "stand," like most, I had no clue as to the path the Lord was taking me down. At first waiting for my wife to come to her senses and come home seemed reasonable. As the circumstances kept getting worse, it began to look hopeless. Then there was that day. The day that most of us have. The day the Lord speaks to us in an undeniable way. He reveals His will for our lives and our wayward spouse. He calls us to "stand" in the gap for our spouse and marriage.

You, like me, have had people give their opinion. Whether you asked for it or not. Some of these people will even attempt to use some Christian principal. Telling you that you are released. Some of us take surveys.

Like Paul we should not confer with flesh and blood immediately. No one can tell us what our call is. Only the Holy Spirit can reveal the Lord's perfect will for each of us. We don't need anyone to verify the path the Lord has given us. Paul didn't even go see the apostles. He went off and did as the Lord told him. He went and preached to the Gentiles.

For so many of us, this truly is a solo run. We don't have a cheering section. Our family and friends think we are crazy or disillusioned. Even our churches abandon us as the seasons pass or circumstances change. Your children may even abandon you.

The Lord is calling each of us to trust Him. To listen only to His voice. In this season we truly get to live by faith, not by sight.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Be mindful that some of the advice we hear to move on comes from people who love us. They truly want us to be happy.  But they don't understand our call. People really do think it's a choice we have made. That we can simply opt out or move on. We know that it's not that easy. Especially if you're like me and you have tried to move on. The Lord will bring you back.....just like he is bringing back your spouse.