You can be the sweetest Christian ever, you’re still going to have enemies. People will not like you just because, and that’s the truth of it. Sometimes they’re the people you’d least expect. I read a story the other day about a Christian couple who have recently gotten engaged. They are happily planning their wedding while others in their intimate circle are presenting obstacles for them. People they would have never suspected are taking issue with certain details of their impending nuptials. Hurt feelings, resentment, and harsh opinions are rampant. This couple isn’t perfect. Their relationship already had its fair share of issues, as many relationships do, but despite everything, this couple is trusting God and overcoming whatever comes their way.
When two Christians who truly love the Lord endeavor to come together, it’s no question that they will face some troubling waters. It takes true soldiers to stand amid all the incoming darts, and be confident in victory. You find this out very quickly when your plan is to unite together as one in the name of Jesus Christ.
2 Timothy 2:4(ESV) tells us, “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him.” This verse of scripture comes from the letter that Paul, the Apostle, wrote to his beloved brother in Christ, Timothy. He instructed him not to get caught up in the unnecessary pursuits that may come his way, but to only focus on pleasing God. This is incredible wisdom for any Christian, but it is particularly important for a couple. It is very easy to become so distracted by the details of planning a wedding, that you forget the reason for your union.
Jesus Christ said in Matthew 18:20(NLT), “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” There’s something extraordinarily pleasing to the Father when two people come together to worship and praise Him. Imagine how this is multiplied in marriage. It’s an oath of unity pledged between a man and woman who are committed to honor Christ.
In the preceding verses, in Matthew 18:18-19, Jesus said, “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven. Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven.” The power of the Holy Spirit flows mightily through these scriptures, and it is not hard to see why the devil tries his best to stop two people from coming together. He doesn’t want to see them activated in the power of Christ.
Whenever we decide to live for God, we are going to come under some form of attack by the enemy. It’s just a part of our journey. God rewards us for being able to stand strong in the midst of adversity. He tells us in 2Timothy 2:12 that if we endure, we will reign with Him. If we hold on and don’t give up or give in to the distractions that the enemy throws our way, Heavenly Father assures us that we will see the victory.
It is refreshing to hear a couple share the truth of their conviction to stay the course. Every unmarried Christian who desires to wed someday should be mindful that coming together in the unity of marriage has it challenges. If we use our time wisely as single people and prepare spiritually in Christ, we will not be swayed or rocked by obstacles. Instead, we’ll be poised to stand back to back with our future spouse, armed with the Spirit’s sword, and ready to fight the good fight of faith in the name of Jesus Christ.■
English Standard Version (ESV), The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Soldiers Are Always Prepared for the Fight”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2018. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.