Bruno and Ivy: Navigating Conflict Through Soft Responses
In the heart of the vast African savanna, nestled between the golden grasslands and the serene blue sky, lay the village of Umoja. Known for its unity and peace, the village was home to Bruno and Ivy, a couple whose household was often filled with the sound of quarrels.
Bruno, a woman of fierce spirit, had words as sharp as the thorn bushes lining the village paths. Ivy, her husband, was a man of pride, his ego as tall and unyielding as the mighty baobab tree. Though their love for each other was undeniable, their arguments were like thunderstorms, loud and tumultuous, shaking the foundations of their home.
Bruno’s Sharp Tongue
One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the village, Ivy returned home from the fields, weary and aching from a long day’s work. All he wanted was a moment of peace and a simple meal. However, he was greeted by a scene of chaos. Their children were arguing loudly, and Bruno was nowhere to be seen.
“Ivy, where have you been?” Bruno’s voice cut through the noise as she emerged from their sleeping quarters, her face a mask of frustration. “I’ve been dealing with the children all day! You think just because you work in the fields, you have the right to come home and rest while I handle everything here?”
Ivy, already exhausted, felt his temper rise. “Bruno, I’ve been working under the scorching sun all day. The least you could do is manage the children without yelling at me the moment I walk in.”
Bruno’s eyes flashed with anger. “Manage? You call what I do all day ‘managing’? You have no idea what it’s like to keep this household together while you’re off in the fields. Maybe if you helped out more, you’d understand!”
The Village Elder’s Wisdom
One day, as their arguments reached a peak, they received an invitation from the village elder, requesting their presence at an urgent gathering under the ancient baobab tree.
The sun was setting as they made their way to the tree, casting long shadows that danced ominously across the savanna. The air was thick with anticipation and unease.
The elder began to speak, his voice calm and soothing, a stark contrast to the tension that often hung in Bruno and Ivy’s home. “Today, by the guidance of the Holy Spirit,” the elder began, “I wish to share a lesson that will help eliminate quarrels and strife, malice, hurts, and offenses in our marriages. This lesson is about the power of a soft answer.”
“It may seem simple, but the things that lead to great success in life often are. Yet, simplicity does not make it easy. If it were, our homes would not be troubled by conflict. It is our pride, ego, human tendencies, selfishness, and lack of patience that make it difficult.”
Understanding the Power of Responses
“What I am talking about is our responses,” the elder began, his voice resonating under the shade of the ancient baobab tree. “How we communicate with our spouse is crucial. Our response gives direction to what happens next. The initial words spoken are not as important as our responses.”
He paused, letting his words sink in, before continuing with a quote from the ancient scriptures, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
“As couples,” the elder continued, “we must pay extra attention to how we respond. Bruno, as a wife, never allow your response to be out of anger. Learn what a soft answer means. Ivy, as a husband, it is better to turn away wrath in your marriage than to prove your point. Even when your spouse speaks harshly, respond with a soft answer.”
Applying the Lesson
It was a scorching afternoon in Umoja. Ivy trudged wearily back from the fields, his throat parched and sweat-soaked clothes clinging uncomfortably to his body. His thoughts were fixed on the cool drink that awaited him at home, a small comfort after hours spent under the relentless African sun.
As he approached their modest hut, Ivy’s anticipation turned to frustration when he noticed the absence of his usual refreshment. He pushed open the door with a sigh, expecting to find Bruno bustling about their small kitchen. Instead, the hut was unusually quiet, save for the faint sound of their youngest child’s whimpering.
“Bruno, where is my drink?” Ivy’s voice echoed through the walls, his irritation palpable. “Have you forgotten your duties as my wife?”
Startled by Ivy’s sharp tone, Bruno emerged from the shadows of their sleeping quarters, her face etched with concern and weariness. The sight of her husband, disheveled and clearly agitated, sparked a defensive response within her. Normally, she would have met his outburst with equal force, defending her actions and asserting her own needs.
The Power of a Soft Answer
But today was different. Today, Bruno felt the weight of exhaustion and concern for their sick child pressing down on her. Remembering the elder’s words about the power of a soft answer, she took a deliberate breath, trying to steady her emotions.
“My love,” Bruno spoke softly, her voice barely above a whisper yet carrying the weight of sincerity. “Our child fell ill suddenly. I’ve been with him, trying to ease his discomfort. I apologize for not having your drink ready. Let me fetch it for you now.”
Ivy, caught off guard by Bruno’s unexpected response, felt the tension in his shoulders begin to ease. He had been so focused on his own discomfort and expectations that he had failed to consider what Bruno might be dealing with.
“I understand,” Ivy replied, his voice softer now, filled with a mixture of guilt and relief. “I’m sorry for snapping at you, Bruno. Thank you for taking care of our child. I’ll fetch the drink myself.”
Transformation Through Practice
Their voices, once raised in frustration like crashing waves against the shore, now softened into a gentle cadence that mirrored the breeze weaving through the baobab leaves outside their window. Each word they exchanged carried the weight of their shared journey—the highs and lows of their day, the challenges that tested their resolve, and the deep wellspring of love that bound them together beyond the moments of discord.
Lessons Learned
1. Power of Soft Responses
Soft answers prevent conflicts and foster understanding, which is essential for maintaining harmony in marriages.
2. Simplicity vs. Challenge
While simple in concept, implementing soft responses requires overcoming human tendencies like pride and impatience.
3. Impactful Responses
Our responses shape interactions; gentle responses diffuse anger while harsh words escalate conflicts (Proverbs 15:1).
4. Guidance for Couples
Both spouses benefit from understanding and practicing soft responses, avoiding anger-driven reactions.
5. Challenges and Commitment
Mastering soft responses requires deliberate effort, decision-making, and persistence despite temptations to respond harshly.
6. Final Advice
Couples are advised to consistently choose gentleness and empathy, prioritizing harmony over the need to prove themselves right.
What To Do When He Wants You To Compromise: NYSC Camp Love
Chinwe and Emeka met during their National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) orientation at a camp in Nigeria. From the moment their eyes locked across the crowded auditorium, a spark ignited between them. Chinwe, a bright-eyed and ambitious young woman from Enugu, was immediately drawn to Emeka’s charismatic charm and confident demeanor. Emeka, a handsome and ambitious man from Lagos, was equally captivated by Chinwe’s intelligence and inner strength.
As they navigated through the rigorous NYSC training together, their bond deepened. They found themselves spending every free moment together, sharing dreams of their futures and discussing their faith. Chinwe, raised in a devout Christian family, had made a vow to remain celibate until marriage, a decision rooted deeply in her faith and personal convictions. Emeka, while initially respectful of Chinwe’s decision, soon began to test her resolve.
As they lounged beneath the star-studded sky just beyond the camp dorms, Emeka drew closer to Chinwe, his voice a tender murmur in the cool night air. His hand grazed hers delicately, a gesture filled with unspoken longing.
“Chinwe, you mean so much to me,” he began, his eyes reflecting the flickering light of distant constellations. “I believe we have something truly special, something genuine that’s worth exploring further. I want us to take our relationship to the next level.”
Chinwe’s heart fluttered with a tumultuous blend of affection and uncertainty. She cherished Emeka deeply; his warmth and unwavering attention were like a comforting embrace under the serene canopy of stars. Yet, a solemn resolve anchored her emotions.
“Emeka,” she replied softly, her words laced with a hint of apprehension. “You know my heart. I want to honor God with every part of my being, including my body. That’s something I can’t compromise on.”
Their conversation lingered in the tranquil night, the air filled with the weight of unspoken desires and steadfast convictions, under the watchful gaze of the heavens above.
Emeka let out a sigh, his frustration palpable in the furrow of his brow and the earnestness in his eyes. “Chinwe, I respect your beliefs, but can’t you see how deeply I love you? I want to demonstrate just how much you mean to me.” With a gentle motion, he produced a small box from his pocket, unveiling a delicate necklace adorned with a shimmering pendant. “I bought this for you,” he murmured softly, his voice thick with emotion. “Please, Chinwe, reconsider.”
Chinwe’s heart skipped a beat as she beheld the necklace, its beauty a testament to Emeka’s affection and care. For a moment, she felt herself sway under the weight of his love, tempted by the tangible symbol of their bond. Yet, beneath the surface of her emotions, a steadfast resolve stirred within her spirit. A quiet voice reminded her of the promises she had made—to herself and to God. She recalled the wise counsel of her pastor, whose words resonated in her mind, urging her not to exchange eternal values for fleeting pleasures.
Silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken emotions and the weight of their differing desires. Emeka’s eyes pleaded with her, searching for a sign of acquiescence, while Chinwe wrestled with her inner convictions, grappling with the tension between love and faithfulness to her beliefs.
In the days that followed, Chinwe found herself caught in a tumult of emotions, torn between her deep affection for Emeka and her unwavering commitment not to compromise her faith. Emeka persisted in his displays of affection, showering her with thoughtful gifts and sweet gestures that tugged at her heartstrings. Each present seemed to carry with it a piece of his earnest longing and desire to express his love.
Yet, despite the allure of Emeka’s affection and the temptation of his tokens, Chinwe encountered a persistent inner struggle. Each time she felt herself teetering on the brink of surrender, a gentle yet insistent nudge from within would remind her of the promises she had made—to herself, to God, and to uphold her values. It was as if the words of Scripture, which she had read countless times before, now took on a newfound clarity and urgency, speaking directly to the conflict raging in her heart.
Amidst the swirl of conflicting emotions and the external pressures of Emeka’s unwavering pursuit, Chinwe sought solace in prayer and reflection. She turned to her Bible, finding comfort and guidance in its passages, which seemed to illuminate her path forward with every turn of the page. Each verse she read provided strength to resist the allure of temporary pleasures and reaffirmed her resolve to honor God in every decision she made.
As the days turned into weeks, Chinwe’s internal struggle continued unabated, her heart pulled between love’s enticing promises and the steadfast principles that anchored her faith. She knew that whatever decision she made would shape not only her relationship with Emeka but also her spiritual journey and her relationship with God.
One evening, as Chinwe sat alone in her dormitory room, her Bible open in her lap, she came across a passage in 1 Corinthians 6:18-20: “Flee from sexual immorality. All other sins a person commits are outside the body, but whoever sins sexually, sins against their own body. Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”
The words resonated deeply within Chinwe’s soul. She closed her eyes, silently praying for strength and guidance. She knew that her body was a temple of the Holy Spirit, and she was determined to honor God with her choices and not to compromise, no matter how difficult it may be.
As days turned into weeks, Emeka’s impatience simmered and eventually boiled over. He found it increasingly difficult to comprehend Chinwe’s steadfast dedication to her beliefs, feeling a sense of rejection and mounting frustration with her unwavering stance. Her refusal to compromise on her principles gnawed at him, leaving him unsettled and questioning the depth of her love for him.
One night, consumed by a tumultuous mix of frustration, desire, and hurt pride, Emeka made a rash and regrettable decision. In a moment of weakness, he yielded to the allure of another girl he had met at the camp. Ignoring the warnings flashing in his mind and disregarding the potential consequences, he gave in to temptation.
The encounter, fleeting and hollow, offered him a brief respite from the turmoil of his emotions. Yet, as the night wore on and the initial thrill faded, Emeka was left with a profound sense of guilt and remorse. He knew he had betrayed not only Chinwe’s trust but also his own values and integrity. The weight of his actions bore heavily on his conscience, casting a shadow over his once-clear perception of right and wrong.
In the aftermath of his reckless act, Emeka grappled with the consequences of his betrayal. He wrestled with feelings of shame and self-disgust, haunted by the image of Chinwe’s disappointment and the irreparable damage he had inflicted on their relationship. As he faced the stark reality of his actions, Emeka began to recognize the depth of his love for Chinwe and the magnitude of his mistake.
Weeks later, Chinwe heard through the camp gossip that Emeka had been hospitalized with a serious illness. Shocked and worried, she reached out to him, setting aside her own hurt and disappointment to check on his well-being. When she visited him in the hospital, Emeka was visibly weakened and remorseful. He confessed to Chinwe about his compromise and the consequences he now faced.
“I’m so sorry, Chinwe,” Emeka whispered, his voice filled with regret. “I let you down, and I let myself down. I was wrong, and now I’m paying the price.”
Chinwe listened quietly, her heart heavy with compassion. She had never wished harm upon Emeka, despite their differences and the pain he had caused her. She knew that forgiveness was a core principle of her faith, and she prayed silently for Emeka’s recovery and restoration.
As Emeka grappled with the aftermath of his choices, Chinwe immersed herself in her NYSC service, determined to heal and grow from the emotional turmoil she had endured. Surrounded by supportive friends who admired her unwavering strength and steadfast convictions, she found solace in their encouragement and companionship.
During one of the routine church services held on camp, Chinwe’s heart was lifted as she listened to the sermon and sang hymns of praise. It was there that she first met Daniel, a fellow corps member hailing from Kaduna. Daniel’s presence exuded a calm sincerity and a deep respect for Chinwe’s values that immediately struck a chord within her.
Unlike Emeka, whose impatience and disregard for her beliefs had caused heartache, Daniel approached Chinwe with genuine admiration and a shared commitment to honor God in their relationship without compromise. His thoughtful gestures and respectful demeanor spoke volumes, offering Chinwe a renewed sense of hope and possibility.
As they spent more time together, Daniel proved to be a source of encouragement and stability for Chinwe. He listened attentively to her aspirations and dreams, supporting her ambitions during their NYSC service. Their conversations were filled with mutual respect and understanding, fostering a connection built on shared faith and values.
With Daniel by her side, Chinwe began to heal from the wounds of her past relationship. His presence was a reminder that love could be patient and kind, respectful of boundaries and deeply rooted in faith. Together, they navigated the challenges of NYSC life with a sense of purpose and unity, their bond growing stronger each day as they walked hand in hand on their journey of faith and personal growth.
Over time, Chinwe and Daniel grew closer, their friendship blossoming into a deep and meaningful connection. Daniel’s patience and understanding renewed Chinwe’s hope, reminding her that God’s plans were always greater than her own fears and doubts. Together, they navigated the challenges of NYSC life, leaning on their faith and each other for support.
As the NYSC program drew to a close, Chinwe found herself reflecting on the lessons she had learned. She realized that her experience with Emeka had strengthened her faith and taught her valuable lessons about trust, forgiveness, and the importance of staying true to her beliefs. She thanked God for guiding her through the storm and for bringing Daniel into her life, a man who cherished and respected her for who she was.
In the end, Chinwe understood that God’s love was unconditional and that His plans for her future were filled with hope and purpose. She had faced temptation and heartache but emerged stronger and more grounded in her faith. With Daniel by her side, she looked forward to the future with confidence, knowing that God had indeed turned her pain into a testimony of His faithfulness.
Lessons Learned:
1. Faith and Conviction:
Chinwe’s story illustrates the importance of holding firm to one’s beliefs and convictions, even in the face of pressure or opposition.
2. Consequences of Choices:
Emeka’s decision to prioritize his desires over Chinwe’s beliefs led to unintended consequences, highlighting the repercussions of compromising values.
3. God’s Faithfulness:
Through Chinwe’s journey, we see how God honors those who trust in His plan, guiding them toward relationships and situations that align with His will.
4. Forgiveness and Redemption:
Chinwe’s unwavering faith and Emeka’s eventual consequences showcase God’s offer of forgiveness and redemption, emphasizing the opportunity for growth and change through genuine repentance.
5. Trusting God’s Timing:
Chinwe’s eventual meeting with Chike demonstrates that God’s timing is perfect. Despite moments of doubt, trusting in His plan led her to a relationship built on mutual respect and shared values.
Chinwe’s story serves as a reminder that faithfulness to God’s principles leads to blessings and fulfillment, even when the journey is fraught with challenges and uncertainties.
Top 56 Valuable Lessons from the 56-Year Marriage of Joyce and Dave Meyer
Joyce and Dave Meyer have been married for over 56 years. In their Video, Talk It Out, they share candidly about the highs and lows of their journey together. Joyce notes early on in their 5-date courtship, they didn’t truly know each other. Yet through divine intervention, they found themselves bonded for life.
Based on this conversation with celebrated life coach and bestselling author Joyce Meyer and her husband Dave, here are some invaluable insights on how to build a strong, God-honoring marriage.
1. Joyce and Dave Meyer discuss the ups and downs of their early marriage and how their thinking has changed over the years.
2. Dave knew marriage was forever so he never thought about changing Joyce or leaving if things didn’t improve.
3. They had to learn about each other through experiences and God helped Dave deal with difficult situations. Over decades, Joyce and Dave Meyer learned to accept each other fully as God designed.
4. Dave applies relevant scriptures like Ephesians 5:28 to situations rather than dwelling on problems.
5. Joyce explains she came from a difficult childhood which manifested in erratic, emotionally volatile behaviors in their first years of marriage. She recalls giving Dave the silent treatment for weeks at a time when upset.
6. Dave remained steadfast, understanding where Joyce’s hurt originated while navigating ups and downs to learn about her. He displayed remarkable strength and commitment to their vows.
Common Mistakes in Marriage.
7. Trying to change your spouse instead of letting them be who they are. Realizing their unique qualities complement one another affirms God’s plan for oneness in marriage.
8. Joyce acknowledges trying to change Dave was misguided since transformation must come from within.
9. From the start, Dave viewed marriage as permanent, avoiding the “threat” mindset some have of changing or divorcing a spouse.
10. Focusing on what’s wrong with your spouse instead of what’s right is a common mistake.
11. Thinking you have to be happy for your spouse to be happy instead of each being responsible for their own happiness.
Handling Differences of Opinion.
12. It’s normal to have different opinions and likes in a marriage.
13. Compromise by allowing each person to decorate their own space.
14. It’s okay to disagree as long as you don’t think your spouse is wrong for having a different view.
15. Joyce recommends couples make a side-by-side list of each other’s positive and negative traits. For her and Dave, the good vastly outweighed the bad. By shifting mental focus to a spouse’s virtues, small flaws seem insignificant.
Dealing with Financial Disagreements.
16. Joyce and Dave Meyer advised that you talk through finances and goals before marriage to avoid surprises.
17. Needs can change over time so revisit financial agreements.
18. Understand each other’s perspectives and fears around money.
Dave’s Experience with Saving Money as a Youth.
19. Dave shares how he learned the value of saving money from a young age. He explains how at 16 years old, he saved one thousand dollars cutting grass and selling items to buy his first car.
20. Dave emphasizes the importance of prioritizing spending money on important goals.
Accepting Each Other as God Made Us.
21. Joyce and Dave Meyer are different. Dave is more logical while Joyce processes things verbally.
22. One frequent source of disagreement between spouses is having differing communication styles.
23. Joyce mentioned how she likes to verbally process situations by talking through all the angles, while Dave prefers a more direct, logical approach. It’s not that either way is wrong, but recognizing these distinctions is important. They’ve realized God made them this way and focusing on each other’s strengths has helped.
24. When Joyce was unhappy, Dave modeled finding joy regardless through stable faith.
25. As Christians, we are not to let others dictate our moods but lead by example. Joyce was inspired to mirror Dave’s contentment.
26. Misunderstandings often arise when partners don’t understand each other’s methods of thinking and reasoning through problems.
27. Surrender fully to God’s design for oneness. Appreciate differences as completing each other.
28. Apply biblical solutions in tough times, not human reasoning. Prioritize your spouse’s well-being through humility, patience, and consistent prayer.
We will continue with Part 2 of Top 56 Valuable Lessons from the 56-Year Marriage of Joyce and Dave Meyer tomorrow.
Top 10 Secrets Of Rising To The Top In Marriage with Dr. Becky Enenche
Introduction
If you want a successful marriage that stands the test of time, this article is for you. Many marriages struggle or fail because the vital roles of God, the husband, and the wife’s submission are not properly understood. In this piece, I will explain the secrets to rising to the top in marriage by exploring the God factor, the husband’s role, and what submission from the wife truly means.
The God Factor
It is no secret that God must be at the center of any marriage that hopes to thrive. God is the one who gives dignity and blessing to a marital relationship. He is the one who gives color and meaning to what marriage represents. Rising To The Top In Marriage Is possible with God.
The Bible tells us that “favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.” This shows us that the greatest quality a wife can have is the fear of God, and the same applies to the husband. When both partners put God first in their marriage, it lays the foundation for success. Here are Top 10 Secrets Of Rising To The Top In Marriage
1. God must be at the center.
The very first secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage is realization that God instituted the marriage institution, so He must be at the center for it to fulfill His purpose.
Why must we put God at the center?
a. Putting God at the center eliminates distrust that comes from defiled relationships. Premarital sex erodes love, trust, respect and leads to affairs.
b. God gives direction for the roles of the man and woman, so obeying His word on these roles helps the marriage.
c. A God-centered marriage receives blessings, dignity, and favor from above.
For Rising To The Top In Marriage to be realized, every husband and wife must ensure God is the number one priority in their home. Their relationship with Him must come before anything or anyone else.
Dr. Becky Enenche highlights that the man’s singular assignment as far as a successful marriage is concerned is to love his wife. This is rooted in Ephesians 5 verse 25 which instructs husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church. What a tall order that is! There are 5 key ways for a man to love his wife.
2. Be Patient:
Patience is another top secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage. As the weaker vessel, a wife needs patience, understanding, and accommodation from her husband. Rushing her or having unrealistic expectations will breed resentment.
3. Be Kind:
This means taking care of her needs, being considerate of her feelings, opening doors, and generally making her feel cherished through actions.
4. Do Not Insist on Your Own Rights:
A loving husband will be willing to yield his rights or ways sometimes for the good of his wife and family unity.
5. Do Not Be Rude or Arrogant:
Speaking to one’s wife, especially in public, in a demeaning way destroys her dignity and the respect a husband is meant to command. Rising To The Top In Marriage cannot be realized if either spouse is rude and arrogant.
6. Praise Your Wife:
Loving words, compliments, and affirmations are like water for a wife’s soul. They help her to respect and cheerfully submit to her husband.
When a man fully embraces these 5 points, he sets himself and his wife up for success in marriage. But it is a two-way street – the wife also has a role to play.
A wife’s singular assignment in marriage is submission to her husband. This is rooted in Ephesians 5 verse 22 which instructs wives to submit to their husbands as to the Lord. Submission is often misunderstood in today’s society but is vital for a thriving marriage. Here are 4 key aspects of a wife’s biblical submission.
7. Depend on Your Husband:
Look to him for provision, protection, and leadership. This allows him to fulfill his role joyfully. That way, Rising To The Top In Marriage will not be far-fetched.
8. Adapt Yourself to Your Husband:
Be flexible in your ways and accommodate his preferences sometimes to keep peace in the home.
9. Respect Your Husband:
Honor, admire, and hold him in high regard as the head of the home. Respect strengthens a man’s leadership. Respect is a secret of Rising To The Top In Marriage.
10. Praise Your Husband:
As with the husband praising his wife, a wife who makes her man feel valued through words of affirmation and encouragement empowers him.
When a wife embraces these 4 principles of submission, it creates an environment where her husband can love her as Christ loved the church. In turn, this releases blessings in the home. A submissive wife is a barometer for a successful, happy marriage.
Conclusion
In summary, the secrets to rising to the top in marriage are ensuring God is at the center, the husband loves his wife as Christ loved the church, and the wife submits to her husband’s leadership as unto the Lord. When both partners understand and fulfill their God-ordained roles, it creates an ideal environment for a thriving marriage full of joy, peace, and blessings from above.
Some may object that submission seems like oppression. However, as outlined, biblical submission is not about control but about each partner serving the other. It allows both to fulfill their full potential.
When submission is embraced with a pure heart, it leads to a marriage where both partners truly become one flesh.
For those struggling in their marriage, I strongly recommend focusing on the God factor, having the husband study what it means to love like Christ, and the wife learning about joyful biblical submission. Make these secrets a daily reality and watch as your marriage is transformed and rises to new heights.
In closing, if you want your marriage to stand the test of time, put God first, love your spouse sacrificially, and learn to submit to one another through service. Apply these secrets and you will reap an abundant, blessed marriage that will be the envy of those around you.
Blueprints for a Successful Marriage and Home by Bishop Oyedepo.
Before we dive into today’s devotional, I want to wish you a happy new month! God bless you massively! This month, God has given us a word! You will SING a NEW SONG! I’m expecting your testimonies!
The enemy has targeted the family as his number one priority to attack and prevent a Successful Marriage and Home. Bishop Oyedepo shares in his YouTube video titled “How To Build A Successful Home” how to protect your home through the power of God’s Word and have it overflowing with miracles instead of darkness.
1. The Enemy’s Target: The Family.
As we learn from Genesis, Satan was personally introduced as soon as the first family was established by God. His very first activity on earth was directed towards destroying this family unit. Satan appeared immediately after God had concluded the first marriage between Adam and Eve.
Satan knew that the family was central to God’s plan and purpose. By attacking the home, he could undermine what God was establishing. Even today, the home remains one of Satan’s top priorities to infiltrate and dismantle. Whether it is causing strife between husbands and wives or turning children away from their parents, Satan will do anything to wreck God’s design for families.
2. Jesus’ Counter: Establishing Joy at a Wedding.
In direct contrast, the first miracle Jesus performed was at a wedding in Cana to save the celebration. Jesus appeared where Satan had sought to destroy, in the context of marriage and family.
By turning water into wine, Jesus brought joy to the newlywed couple on what should have been a happy occasion. He established that his mandate was to give life abundantly. Just as Satan came to steal, kill, and destroy, Jesus came so that we may have life more plentifully.
This miracle sets the stage for Jesus to undo all of Satan’s works. It showed his heart was for restoring families and taking away any shame that the enemy tried to bring. Wherever Satan brought sorrow, Jesus promises joy instead. Jesus showed His support for a Successful Marriage and Home.
3. Do Whatever God Tells You To Do.
Bishop Oyedepo highlights the servants’ obedience as the key to Jesus performing miracles. When he told them to fill the water pots, they did so fully without question. This is one of the blueprints of a Successful Marriage and Home.
If we want to see miracles in our homes, we must do whatever God says – not half-heartedly, but to the fullest extent. When His Word calls us to honor our spouse, forgive easily, or put our kids first – we must obey without limit. Full obedience unlocks God’s power.
4. Fill the “Water Pots” with the Word.
The servants were filling the pots with water, but the passage likens the water to God’s Word. When we fill our minds and homes with scripture, speaking it over our situations, we position ourselves for miracles.
God’s Word has the power to transform every area, just as the water became wine. Make time each day to read the Bible and pray its truths over your family and you will enjoy a Successful Marriage and Home.
5. Miracles Will Be the Result.
When the servants obeyed Jesus fully by filling the pots to the brim with water, the scripture says he then told them to draw some out and take it to the governor of the feast. And when the ruler tasted it, he declared it the best wine of all – even though it had just been turned from water moments before.
In the same way, when we obey God’s Word completely for our families and homes, miracles will be the inevitable result. Where there was lack, abundance will come. Trouble will turn to triumph. And what the enemy meant for evil, God will use for good beyond what we could ask or think.
Through obedience, our families can be transformed from average to excellent – far surpassing what people expect. So make the choice today to do all that God instructs for your home. Miracles will follow!
6. Avoid Strife.
Bishop Oyedepo noted that Satan works by spreading unauthorized information to cause strife. But God’s people have a distinct advantage – we are called to walk in the light of His Word. To have a Successful Marriage and Home you have to avoid strafe!
7. Walk in the Word and Hear God, Not Men.
When gossip, rumors, or doubts come our way, the Bible instructs us to test everything and hold fast to what is good. We must determine if a message lines up with Scripture or comes from an ungodly source meant to deceive. By hearing God’s voice above all others, no weapon formed against our home can prosper (Isaiah 54:17). His truth protects us from the enemy’s schemes. We will stop here today and continue tomorrow.
