"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced." (James Baldwin)
Admitting the problem is the first step towards change" may sound corny, but it is often true. We can't do better until we admit that we're not doing well.
We're all pretty good at trying to hide or ignore a problem for as long as possible. Maybe it's just a temporary thing, we think. Maybe it's not that bad, and no one else has noticed. Maybe it's not a problem at all. When we argue with ourselves or our spouse that a problem isn't really a problem, the chances are, it really is a problem.
We'll try to be honest with ourselves about our own problems and shortcomings We may not be able to change all of them, but we can't change any of them until we admit they exist and face them.
Philippians 4:6,7 - Don't be anxious, but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God. Christians should do this for all our problems, but specifically for our marriage problems. If we have proper faith in God's power, then we will pray diligently about our marriage problems.
1 John 5:14 - Be confident that, if we ask according to His will, He hears us. [Matt. 6:13; 1 Peter 5:7]
When we have marriage problems, especially serious ones, we need to believe that God will answer prayer. If both the husband and wife are faithful Christians then they should spend much time together and individually praying for God's help with their problems.
Remember, however, that God answers according to His will. If your companion is not a Christian or is not faithful, then God will not force them to do right. He may, however, give them an opportunity to learn His will for their lives.
When your family faces serious problems, how much do you pray to God together and trust His power to answer your prayers?
When you have an issue that isn't solved through communication alone, go through the Ten steps to navigate a turbulent flight. For minor issues, you can move through the steps fairly quickly. However, for emotionally-charged, difficult issues, you should move through the steps slowly and deliberately. The Ten steps to navigate a turbulent flight can be found in the book The Marriage Journey: A Flight Plan to Your Healthy Marriage available in the book store. The book dedicates an entire chapter to conflict resolution.
We're all pretty good at trying to hide or ignore a problem for as long as possible. Maybe it's just a temporary thing, we think. Maybe it's not that bad, and no one else has noticed. Maybe it's not a problem at all. When we argue with ourselves or our spouse that a problem isn't really a problem, the chances are, it really is a problem.
We'll try to be honest with ourselves about our own problems and shortcomings We may not be able to change all of them, but we can't change any of them until we admit they exist and face them.
Philippians 4:6,7 - Don't be anxious, but by prayer and supplication make your requests known to God. Christians should do this for all our problems, but specifically for our marriage problems. If we have proper faith in God's power, then we will pray diligently about our marriage problems.
1 John 5:14 - Be confident that, if we ask according to His will, He hears us. [Matt. 6:13; 1 Peter 5:7]
When we have marriage problems, especially serious ones, we need to believe that God will answer prayer. If both the husband and wife are faithful Christians then they should spend much time together and individually praying for God's help with their problems.
Remember, however, that God answers according to His will. If your companion is not a Christian or is not faithful, then God will not force them to do right. He may, however, give them an opportunity to learn His will for their lives.
When your family faces serious problems, how much do you pray to God together and trust His power to answer your prayers?
When you have an issue that isn't solved through communication alone, go through the Ten steps to navigate a turbulent flight. For minor issues, you can move through the steps fairly quickly. However, for emotionally-charged, difficult issues, you should move through the steps slowly and deliberately. The Ten steps to navigate a turbulent flight can be found in the book The Marriage Journey: A Flight Plan to Your Healthy Marriage available in the book store. The book dedicates an entire chapter to conflict resolution.
What has Jesus done for you? Let us know!
Dear Jesus, help us to keep our eyes on You. whether we face difficulty in life or death. Let me find security and peace in You.
Dear Jesus, help us to keep our eyes on You. whether we face difficulty in life or death. Let me find security and peace in You.