God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.
Ephesians 2: 19-22 MSG
Comment
God promises that he is building us all into a holy temple. He is building us into his church and he’s doing it brick by brick.
A married couple is the smallest church and God is building us, and our marriages, brick by brick.
I don’t always see what he’s up to unless I stop to look.
Right now I’m challenged to look back over thirty years of marriage and I can see some of what God has done. He has changed me and our relationship in so many ways. Since God has been at the heart of our marriage we have become more loving and unselfish towards one another. I know my husband is FOR me. When the niggles and arguments come, which they do, we resolve them quickly, forgive and move on. We also have joy in good times and bad and there are deep foundations of trust.
There are still many bricks to lay. BUT, there’s much to give thanks for in our marriage.
What about yours? In what ways has God built your marriage? What can you give thanks for as you look back?
Share your thoughts to encourage one another.
Prayer (as a couple)
Dear Lord, we thank you for the good things you have done in our lives and our marriage, specifically for… We thank you that you use ALL things for the good, even when we do not see results quickly or are struggling in tough times and we are grateful for the hope that gives us. Thank you that Christ is our cornerstone and that you, Heavenly Father, are a Master Builder. We pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Dear Lord, we pray for… and …. We thank you for the way you have worked and are working in their marriage. We ask you to encourage and support them. We pray that Jesus would become their cornerstone whether they know you or don’t know you yet and we pray in Jesus name. Amen.
Final Quote:
One way you can invest in your marriage through God’s Word and Spirit is using FamilyLife’s Together resource for couples. It’s also a great way of discipling other couples and helping them build solid foundations. For more information CLICK HERE.
