Handling Family Challenges- Part 2
Dear Readers,
You are most welcome to another interesting edition of these series of teachings. Previously, I started a teaching on the topic: Handling Family Challenges. I also defined some terms and gave example of the challenge of un-forgiveness and how to properly handle it in the family, simply through unconditional forgiveness. This week, I shall be showing you another challenge and how to handle it for a successful family life.
There are hurting millions that are ignorant of God’s plan for the family. Some are undergoing untold heartaches, breakdown, and physical combat yet seeking for peace, joy and fulfillment but are at the same time groping in darkness. Some end up breaking up the family only to experience hurts and wounds, while others stay married because of the children but go through shameful and hurtful experiences.
God’s utmost desire for married couples and the family unit is peace, joy, fulfillment, expansion and increases. It is no hidden thing that families these last days are under attack (I Timothy 4:1-3). However, God is not caught unawares, but has an escape route prepared for all who are willing to assume responsibility. Since He is the sole manufacturer of the union, whatever He says, if followed, produces the best result. The Word of God says: Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. (Proverbs 16:18) Pride and destruction are twins; they go hand-in-hand. Wherever you see pride, know that its companion, destruction, is also close by. The devastating effect of pride can be seen in the life of Lucifer. He was the son of the morning, the anointed cherub that covereth. He was beautiful, made of all manner of precious stones, a commander of a third of God’s angels, but the moment God spotted pride in him, He cast him down to hell (Isaiah 14:12-15).
Pride abases. It leads to a fall. It brings destruction. Anytime you give room to pride, you are indirectly inviting destruction. It sets God against a man, because God resists a man of pride, and if God resists a man, who can help him? God’s Word says: Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5 says). Pride is very devastating. It begins from the heart and has destroyed many homes. My husband often says, if you’re proud, you know it; you don’t need a prophet to tell you. Jesus, the pattern Son, never spoke proudly of Himself, He never boasted. Everything He said and did point to God the Father. The Bible says: The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do (John 5:19). Jesus had cause to brag about His works, humility and kindness, but His eyes were focused on God and on the ones, He had come to save.
It is pride that makes a man treat his wife as a slave, because he sees her as nobody but sees himself as the lord of all, and the lion of the tribe of his home. Every member of his family is scared of his presence. Some husbands also tend to get carried away with the things they provide in the house and are misled to think, “I am the breadwinner in this house, I do so and so, I give and give and give!” However, when you realise that you have, only because He (God) provided, your language will change. This is one great secret I have learnt from my husband. As we both acknowledge God as the doer and not we ourselves, and keep walking in humility, God keeps supplying all our needs. That can become your own testimony too. It is pride that makes a woman despise her husband, because she is better educated or paid. In fact, some ladies are not married yet, not because no man has interest in marrying them, but because pride makes them see the men that come to ask them for marriage as not being up to their standard. She looks at them arrogantly, and concludes that they cannot cater for her. She wants a man with a big car, a high-paying job, a house, etc. She is so full of herself and thinks she is too much for every man, and, therefore, looks down on them. But The Word of God says: For who hath despised the day of small things? (Zechariah 4:10). Pride will make such a lady a spinster for life. Walk in humility, and God will visit you. Some parents are stumbling blocks to their children. They size up their daughter’s suitors and conclude that she cannot marry him, perhaps because of his “low” social or academic status. Beware, because pride is a major hindrance to a glorious home.
Remedy:
God’s Word says: The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way (Psalms 25:9). God has nothing to do with the proud and arrogant. The cheapest way to having a sweet home is to make yourself of no reputation. Take on a meek spirit, not minding what name people will call you. You have a lot to gain by being meek. God will not only guide you, He will also teach you His ways.
For God to guide you and teach you His ways, you have to accept Jesus as your Lord and personal Saviour by being born again. To be born again, say this simple prayer in faith.
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and Satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.
Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are now born again and a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed a glorious future in Jesus’ Name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through oyedepofaitha@gmail.com, 08141320204 OR 07026385437. For more insight, these book authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstore: Making your life count, Single with a Difference.
