GOD AT THE CENTER
Kimberly Portillo
Today’s Scripture: “And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 (ESV)
Theme: God is the necessary third cord that strengthens a relationship—especially an intimate one.
MARRIAGE WITH GOD AT THE CENTER
In Ephesians 4:2–3, Paul encourages believers to live with humility, gentleness, and patience, “bearing with one another in love” and making every effort to stay united. He wasn’t specifically talking about marriage…he was addressing the whole church. Yet we see how this can apply to marriage. Because unity doesn’t just happen. It takes intention. It means choosing love on hard days, showing patience in frustrating moments, and extending grace when it’s not easy.
That’s what keeps marriage strong. That’s what keeps the cord from breaking.
WHO YOU MARRY MATTERS
Marriage is one of my favorite things to talk about because God has blessed me with a beautiful one.
Even when I was young, I prayed for my future marriage. It might sound surprising, but I truly felt God impress on my heart what He had for me. I also had an incredible example to observe while growing up. My parents have been together for over 40 years, serving in ministry side-by-side. I knew that was the kind of life I desired.
So, I prayed for a godly husband. And no, that’s not a silly thing to pray for. I had seen too many marriages fall apart—and many of them shared something in common: they became careless about their relationship with God. While most of us understand how important it is to seek God’s guidance in something so significant, we don’t always prioritize it in practice.
Carelessness in prioritizing our relationship with God starts small: “We’ll skip church this Sunday… maybe next week too.” But over time, something deeper fades. You stop praying together. You stop worshiping together. You stop talking about God together. Through every high and low, my husband and I have chosen to stay connected, not just to each other, but to Him. We’ve prayed together, leaned on Him, and trusted Him to carry us through seasons we couldn’t handle on our own. And that’s the difference. Because when God is at the center, the cord truly is not easily broken.
ASK GOD FOR A MENTOR
For five years, I met weekly with a mentor who poured into me—teaching me about being a wife, building a healthy marriage, and ministry. That consistent guidance reminded me that strong relationships aren’t formed in isolation; they are cultivated with wisdom, accountability, and God at the center. I trust her because of her wisdom and experience—over 40 years in ministry and a long, faithful marriage alongside her husband, who served as a pastor for most of their life together. I’m truly thankful for the lessons and deeply meaningful friendship we share. God is the third cord in this mentoring relationship also. Whether or not you are married, a mentor can be a valuable source of wisdom and encouragement with God at the center.
Make It Personal: Is God truly the center of your relationships, or are you trying to hold things together on your own?
Pray: Lord, be the third cord in every relationship I value. Strengthen what feels weak, guide me with Your wisdom, and surround me with Godly counsel that points me back to You. Amen.
Read: Matthew 18:20, Proverbs 27:17, Colossians 3:14, Proverbs 3:5-6
Weekly Memory Verse: “Then the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him.’” Genesis 2:18, ESV