FAITHFUL IN EVERY SITUATION
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture:
“Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.” Proverbs 31:11, NLT
Theme: Consistent faithfulness, in any individual, yields trust and benefit to those closest to them, including their families and friends.
SHATTERED
In one of my very first Life Groups, before I was smart enough to stop the public conversation or realize what was going on, we had a family explosion. Truly, I cannot remember the lesson topic. It was certainly not a marriage study. Yet a woman began to talk about how she couldn’t go anywhere or do anything without checking in with her husband. (This was before “Life 360” and “Find My” apps could easily pinpoint her location--if she had allowed it.) She kept getting more and more animated: “He calls me at work! He talks to me on the phone all the way home! He doesn’t trust me at all! I can’t do a thing without his permission!”
As the husband tried to explain himself, I was not buying it. I did stop the tirade, but I certainly didn’t side with him. He later walked up to me and said, “Call my counselor.” I knew his counselor, so I did. His wife had made a habit of infidelity. This had not been her first indiscretion...and he was understandably distrustful. His faith in her and in their relationship was non-existent. Actually, it was irreparably shattered, and they divorced soon afterwards.
INCOMPREHENSIBLE
Now, I’m not naïve or stupid. Neither is my husband. But there is so much faith and trust between us that if you showed me an incriminating picture, I would assume it was a spoof or “Candid Camera” joke. He would do the same. Each of us would think the best of our spouse. It would take hard facts to convince either of us of the other’s infidelity. Though we are married, we are also partners. We are in an agreement that is also witnessed by our children and grandchildren. To break that trust would tarnish the shared years and memories we have and would result in harm to our family. Beyond that, add the loss of our reputations and testimonies before our friends, extended family, coworkers, and church family. It is not worth it!
THE BENEFITS
When I go on a sister trip, or Mike goes on a mission trip, sure, there is accountability. But my main confidence comes in the deep, long-lasting faithfulness he has exhibited in the past. And he feels the same. The benefit of completely trusting that he would never harm me (and vice versa) brings peace and confidence. As the proverb says, a faithful wife (husband) greatly enriches not only the marriage, but also the shared years of life.
And this extends to other aspects of life. As Joseph stated, when propositioned by Potiphar’s wife, “Behold, because of me my master has no concern about anything in the house, and he has put everything that he has in my charge. He is not greater in this house than I am, nor has he kept back anything from me except you, because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” (Genesis39:8b-9, ESV). Integrity has value all its own. Though Joseph was still accused and imprisoned, he did not break faith with Potiphar or with God. And he was promoted to the highest levels of government because of his complete faithfulness to his God and his values.
Make It Personal: In what area are you just a little bit willing to shade the truth? Do you keep some of your shopping expenses from your spouse? Are you hiding your internet viewing or an office flirtation? I have found that even hiding my fears and worries creates distance. Share your financial concerns, loneliness, even insecurities so they can be addressed, and the burden carried by both parties.
Pray: Lord, thank You for Your wisdom and Your statues. They are for my good and to give me a blessed life, a life of faithfulness, peace, and contentment. You are so kind to make us for companionship. Help me to be faithful in all my relationships as You are faithful to me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Read: Proverbs 31:10-11, 20:6-7; Genesis 39
Weekly Memory Verse:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10, NIV