To Whom It Has Been Given
(Note from Linda: The following testimony was shared on the private site yesterday, and since it’s a pretty interesting message, I asked for permission to share it here. I had previously thought the same thing about the verses mentioned here, but it probably doesn’t occur to most that Jesus meant what MNO (member name omitted) got after reading the verses again recently. It’s so awesome when we read verses we’re so familiar with again one day and the Lord shows us a totally new meaning. So I hope that everyone reading this will realize that we are called by God to the ministry of standing for marriage restoration and be blessed and encouraged!)
I have been reading through the book of Matthew again for my daily devotions recently, and I’m so thankful and Praise God that each day He manages to show me something…a lesson, a promise, a hope, His love; something each and every day. It really has been a blessing!
A few days ago, right before SNO (spouse name omitted) told me about going overseas again, God spoke to me in Matthew 19:11-12. I’ve read this passage about divorce several times, as I’m sure many of us have. However, the really cool thing is that this time, as I read those two verses, God showed me something different. It was something new and just what I needed to hear then and to write on my heart and lean on in the next several days.
In this passage, Jesus answered the disciples’ question; they thought it would just be better not to marry at all to avoid all the “issues” marriage entails. The other times I read this passage, I felt as though Jesus was telling them that we should marry, but that there are those who do not marry for God’s purpose; that it isn’t an easy road to take, but that it is for God’s purpose that some do. Previously, I always felt that applied to some of those in ministry who never marry. But as I read this passage that time, I saw it in a totally different light. I felt as though this time God was telling me through Jesus’ wonderful words that He wasn’t just talking about those who don’t marry, but also about those who do marry. I felt that He was saying that the road of marriage would not be easy and that in the very difficult times, not everyone would stand for their marriage and give it to God for His glory…not just in the easy times but more importantly, in the hard times. I feel that He was preparing me for one of those hard times that was fast approaching, because He was about to squeeze me to reveal if my faith was just talk to those at FAMM and to Him, or also to those unbelievers who soon would be looking to me and the steadfast faith I really do have in God!
As people find out that SNO is returning overseas, I have heard different remarks from those who think I should just give up. They don’t ask for the details (not that I would give them anyway), but they openly criticize me for continuing to stand by SNO, our marriage and our family. These are loved ones and “friends” that knew about the initial situation we faced when SNO returned the last time and announced that he was leaving our family and marriage and that it involved an NCP (non covenant person) overseas. In the past two years, I have kept the details of my stand and our restoration pretty much to myself, even though a couple of close friends know more of the details and support my stand.
But for the most part, I have only shared the wonderful blessings and Praises for God when He would bless us openly. There was no need to share circumstances that didn’t matter. I knew our testimony would speak for itself. I knew God was still working and that eventually, God would bring forth the time that SNO and I would both stand in front of many and share our complete marriage restoration testimony for God’s glory.
He is in control and will share it all in His most divine time!! All I have to do is keep my eyes steadfast on Him and just believe!!!
So as this weekend passed, God reminded me of the passage in Matthew where He gave me new encouragement about marriage and standing for it, and how He said it wouldn’t be easy and was only something “to whom it has been given”…and I am one of those to whom it has been given; we all are! We didn’t give up as the world does so many times, and we are the ones to whom God has given a specific calling to bring forth His glory in the restoration of God’s covenant of marriage; to share each of our unique restoration testimonies and show the world what God’s gift of marriage is truly meant to be. Marriage was not meant to be disposed of and just one CAN make the difference! It only takes two, and in the tri-fold covenant made when we said our vows…the two are God and us! Woohoo!!! And God’s glory WILL shine brightly in all of our fully restored marriages and families.
It was and is such an encouragement to know that God knows right where I am now and what I needed to help me cement my feet in my stand for His glory! In The Message translation, the passage ends with “…if you’re capable of growing into the largeness of marriage, do it.” Well, through God’s grace and love, I am capable of growing in the largeness of marriage! So I plan on standing firmly and using this time to learn and grow in God! I know He has great and awesome things in store for all of us! So I am just going to “do it” and BELIEVE!!!