Proverbs 11:17 The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.29 He that troubleth his own house shall inherit the wind: and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart.

Introductory Thoughts

Even the best of homes experience times when trouble arises. Unfortunately, few homes seem to possess the willingness to endure those difficulties which arise. Though divorce is often viewed as a solution to resolve marital and family problems, it generally further complicates an already unstable situation. It is the Devil and not God who convinces couples that divorce could solve the problems created by sin or life’s inherent difficulties. Every home faces troublous times, but those homes built upon a love for the Lord seek to work through the trouble with their ultimate objective of glorifying the Lord. Rarely today do couples determine to endure the difficulties presented in the early years of marriage in order to find the joys of growing old together. These relationships lack the character to patiently wait as beauties of old age arise from the battles of youth.

Devotional Thoughts

• (For children): Every marriage will experience troubles (1 Corinthians 7:28c); however, there is no trouble that cannot be worked out (Ephesians 4:32). God wants a husband and wife to stay together so that they may rejoice in old age (Proverbs 5:18b; Ecclesiastes 9:9a).

• (For everyone): Are you married? If so, how long have you been married? Is your marriage stronger today than it was at the beginning? What are some blessings you would not have experienced had you decided to divorce rather than work through your troubles?

• What are some troubles you presently deal with in your home? Does the Devil try to convince you that divorce is the solution?

Prayer Thoughts

• Ask the Lord to protect your home from divorce.

• Ask God to give you the character to endure troubles.

 

SONG: GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN