This week in our blog series we discussed the “Wheat & Weeds” parable. I wanted to apply this logic of marriage and relationships.
It is up to us to recognize the schemes of the enemy. We need to remove anything that stands in the way of our marriage, or hinders our spiritual growth. As we are focused on the topic of “harvest” this month, we need to be able to discern the things (or people) that can hinder our “crop”.
My prayer is that God will help us to wisely handle our friendships. To discern which ones offer encouragement, and which ones are tearing us down. Surround us with friends who want the best for our marriage, and are willing to stand with us in prayer. The type of friends that are there to help us, and not hinder us. May our friendships reflect Christ in the same way or marriages ought to.
Ephesians 6:10-12 states “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms”.
Our battle is not against one another. It is against Satan who is the ruler of darkness. He sends out “weeds” to destroy our “wheat” and harvest in different ways. It may come in the form of poor communication, lack of self-confidence, jealousy, lack of integrity, lies and deceit.
We need to weed through the messages that we’re constantly faced with– unhealthy relationships and ideas we see on TV, media headlines, the conversations we hear at work or amongst “friends”, or the ideas that flood social media. We need the wisdom to take what is good and to reject what is bad. This comes from knowing the Word. The moment something does not align to the word of God, that is your filter.
My prayer is that God will plant a hunger within us to not only rea the Word, but to live it out. May He give us the strength to turn away from opinions that aren’t in line with His will. I pray He grants us the strength to overcome negative thoughts that discourage us or set us against one another – in our marriage, relationships or friendships. My we remain humble and hungry.
To my followers who are single: Ask God to begin to reveal to you what can become a “weed” in your harvest. It might be pride, negative influence or poor communication. Learn from every circumstance that is presented in your life. Understand that the same way God has a plan, the enemy has one also. Be mindful of what is going on around you, and judge it against the word of God.
To my followers who are married: Pay attention to your surroundings. As you are planting seeds to reap a great harvest in your marriage, understand that the enemy has a plan against your marriage. He doesn’t like to see marriages succeed. Ask God to give you the Spirit of discernment. Read the Bible so you are able to judge actions against His Word.
My prayer is that God will reveal Himself in a different way this season and that our harvest is bountiful.
For His glory only,
XOXO
Danielle J.
