Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.
Matthew 7:24-27 NLT
Comment
We’ve heard a lot about storms recently. Some of us experienced the gale-force winds and rain earlier this month. In our area there were fallen trees as well as floods.
We’ve also experienced stormy times in our marriage: illness, redundancy, prolonged sleepless nights and the death of family members to name a few.
Early in our marriage those storms or tough times often caused stress and tensions between us. In more recent times we have drawn on God’s peace and power to help us through. We have found that facing the storms together with Jesus has strengthened our faith AND strengthened our marriage.
Have you faced storms as a couple? Or do you know someone who is living through stormy times at the moment? This week take time to talk about how these things affect you and pray together.
Prayer (as a couple)
Heavenly Father, we thank you that you love and care for us in the good times and as we face storms in our lives. Help us to build our lives on your foundations. Please give us strength and peace as we face tough times and use them to make our marriage stronger. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Prayer (for others)
Heavenly Father, we pray for … and … as they face … (a storm) in their lives. We ask that you fill them with your peace and strength. We also pray that you would use this tough time to draw them to you as the foundation for their lives and to make their marriage stronger. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Final Quote
The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. Psalm 34:17-18
