Walking Through the Wilderness
By Gayla Grace
I’ll never forget the phone call that changed our family forever. “She just passed away,” my husband said. “The kids were with her.”
My mind wandered to my 14-year-old stepson and 19-year-old stepdaughter. How unfair for them to now face life without their beloved mom.
After nine years of marriage, our stepfamily relationships were in a better place. Relationships were finally coming together, and I was looking forward to the years ahead. What I didn’t know then was the wilderness season our marriage would endure after that devastating loss.
Emotions ran high, and we didn’t easily agree on answers to our struggles. The needs of our marriage sidelined as we agonized over how to navigate the road ahead. When we realized our marriage needed attention, it wasn’t a quick fix.
Your wilderness may look different than ours. Maybe it involves a prodigal child, a broken marital vow, a stepchild who doesn’t want to be part of the family. Regardless, you don’t have to stay stuck wandering in the wilderness.
We watch Peter take a risk as he steps out of the boat and tries to walk on water (Matthew 14:30-31). He takes His eyes off Jesus and fear takes over. “Lord, save me!” he yells as he begins to sink. Jesus immediately stretches out His hand to catch him.
Ask God for courage. You’re not alone … But you have to make a move.
- Ask for forgiveness.
- Get help resolving conflict in your marriage.
- Take a hard look at your role in an unhealthy cycle.
- Tame your tongue and commit to offer grace more freely.
Wilderness seasons are likely for any marriage. But a resurrected marriage is possible. Ask for God’s power and grace to move you toward reconciliation.
Not every marriage or family has the same dynamics. So how do you embrace the differences?
The Good Stuff: Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31)
Action Points: Lately, have you felt like you’re walking in the wilderness alone? Look at the bullet points in today’s devotion. What steps do you need to take to start walking alongside your spouse and face the challenges of life together?
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