Overcoming Storms in Marriage

In the journey of marriage we come through several struggles, here’s a conversation between Pastor Priji and Pastor Lincy that will help you overcome your struggles in marriage and rely on God through it all.

Transcript:

Greetings in Jesus Name!
Let us be encouraged and learn from the conversation between Pr Priji and an anointed woman of God, Pr Lincy who is a pastor at Gideonites Revival House, Mumbai.

Pr Priji: In this conversation, we’d be talking about many aspects. But, initially, we would like to know where did your marriage begin? In terms of how you met your spouse and how it was carried forward?

Pr Lincy: We were opposite to each other. During that time, it had only been a year of intimate faith with Jesus and my spouse was travelling the globe spreading the gospel and was a passionate lover of Christ. Our marriage was initially spoken by our parents but we received many prophetical voices and confirmations from the Lord. It was never easy for us to reach at this point with different perspectives and levels of faith but God was our only foundation which helped us grow in marriage.

Pr Priji: Amen! That is something we must learn from, as at times we tend to focus on the goodness of the spouse and their abilities which tends to fail us. As said in the scriptures, it is significant for us to trust in the Lord and not men. In your perspective, how do you perceive your spouse?

Pr Lincy: As Paul speaks of how he does not perceive people in terms of flesh but through Christ. We tend to apply this on fellowship but it is necessary to understand your spouse in the way Christ sees us. When we see our spouse with our perspective and expectations, we tend to fail because it is human nature to evolve and change. But when we understand God’s calling and purpose in their lives, we perceive them differently. Concerning my husband, He knew and understood my place, purpose and calling in the kingdom of God. He let me lead many things and saw God’s purpose and vision in me. I was never exposed to a strong woman leader in the church in my upbringing, but my husband helped me which changed my vision and brought me closer to God.

Pr Priji: That is so powerful! We must pray for that marriage that pushes each other close to God. In the growing years of marriage, we tend to see the person, ourselves and the people around us differently. There is internal struggles of marriage and also external struggles. Could you explain examples between both?

Pr Lincy: As we have two different categories of struggles, there are two different solutions. Concerning external struggles, it can only be dealt with together. And internal struggles must be dealt with individually. It is easy for us to grow with someone and be familiar and miss out on honouring them. In accordance with the Bible, marriage is a covenant. Covenant is intentionally pursuing despite circumstances which are forever. I would like to share an experience, I and my husband are from different cultures and upbringings. My perception of marriage was different which was not biblical but from movies, people, books, workplace, etc. You tend to compare your marriage with the exposure you have encountered. It makes you feel that your marriage is imperfect. An effort by your spouse will be disappointing because you expect it differently based on the comparisons which cause conflicts. It was fundamentally about my character and my faith in Jesus and how I fail to understand that a godly marriage is ordained. When we begin to compare is when we need a character transformation. In terms of external struggles, it needs to be ‘us’ and not individually. Marriage is about the oneness in the spirit which does not let you fall apart despite external struggles. During the phase of fall in my husband’s health, I was let to take the decisions which showed the oneness in our marriage. The oneness in spirit is the most essential factor in every marriage that sustains you through this journey of togetherness

Pr Priji: Amen! As we know that when storms tend to come in our lives, we least expect it. How do we prepare for it? How to create a foundation for these seasons?

Pr Lincy: In the book of Revelation, they talk about the foundation of Heavenly City. There are 12 layers with precious stones. There are many layers and steps of foundation and preparation. Firstly, we cannot undermine the power of couple’s praying together because prayer is a communication to God. The more we communicate with God, the more we are in sync as a couple. We have to intentionally train ourselves for the offseason. Secondly, communication is between people. As familiarity grew, we tend to spend less time with each other. It is necessary to talk, pour and minister to each other. Thirdly, it is important to submit to spiritual authority. It is essential to receive a prophetic voice which helps us to grow within ourselves. These three things combined make you more like Jesus. Perspective and character builds you.

Pr Priji: Thank you so much for this insight, Pr Lincy. In conclusion, many couples want to give up on their marriage. What would you like to share to them?

Pr Lincy: It is never two people in a marriage but there is God. Even before your marriage was created on earth, it was made in heaven. God planned to unite you both and Lord will never leave you halfway and He is faithful. No matter how bad the situation is, you are in safe hands. It is not over, till God says it is. Pour your heart to the Lord. He has bound this marriage. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Pr Priji: Thank you so much for being here, Pr Lincy. Greetings to Pr. Santosh and the family at Gideonites Revival Center