I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or afraid.
Jesus
This past month has brought its share of storms into our lives. By storms, I mean an actual tropical storm – Hurricane Florence. Those of us living on the east coast – residents of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, even Georgia & more – were hit by what was once a Category 4 hurricane. My family is safe, but many are not.
Ratings aside, this storm caused major flooding, complete devastation, and sadly the loss of life. The landscape of beloved cities like Wilmington and New Bern now flooded and in need of repair.
It’s hard to find a silver lining in the midst of the pain and suffering that is currently in our world. As an immigrant with parents that watch foreign news 24/7, I am also aware of the earthquakes all throughout Asia happening as we speak. The world is actually far bigger and more dangerous than we can ever imagine.
I grateful to be alive today. I see good people reaching out to each other in creative ways. I am inspired by Convoy of Hope, Operation Airdrop, and local organizations like Crossing ALL Borders Ministries.
Yet in the privacy of my own home, when I sit down beside my wife and I look into her eyes (as my kids climb all over me), I get the sense from God that the landscape of our hearts are far greater and much more dangerous than the world we live in!
While the natural disasters are caused by storms we can not control, the battles within our hearts and minds are calculated and meant for a reason.
Marriage is a stunning picture of what God offers his people. Scripture tells us it is a living metaphor, a walking parable, a Rembrandt painting of the gospel. The Enemy knows this, and he hates it with every ounce of his malicious heart. He has no intention of just letting that beautiful portrait be lived out before the world with such deep appeal that no one can resist God’s offer. –Eldredge, Wild At Heart
The enemy means for storms in life to tear us apart. But we are meant to build stronger relationships because of them. What is meant for evil, God means for our good.
At this moment in time, our current generation suffers from storms of massive spiritual proportions. At its core, marriage and family are under attack.
- Marriage is portrayed as a disease to catch. (bless your heart)
- Husband and wives treat each other like a ball & chain.
- The words “trapped” & “alone” are commonly used to describe married life.
- Children are spiritually orphaned in homes where adults build walls rather than break down barriers to intimacy.
- Unity in Christ & the Church are separated from the spine of a man & woman.
- Submission is a dirty word because supernatural peace is not present.
No politician or any kingdom of this world has done the damage that our true enemy has dealt in the storm he created. Demonic forces are dead set against our marriage.
Ironically, our enemy cannot see purpose and vision are formed in the storms of life. A marriage united is a force to be reckoned with. It is a kingdom built on solid rock set against the forces of evil.
Our weapons are not of this world and neither are our children. Like arrows in the hands of a mighty warrior, we go to war when peace is threatened in our kingdom.
Supernatural peace is a manifestation of spiritual unity. Unity happens when the mind of Christ meets the heart of the Church. This legacy belongs to my children and their generations.
So I will pull my family close. We will set a new course of action in our home. We will take heart and fight for real authentic relationships in every storm!
Questions worth asking together:
- By embracing His peace, we embrace His kingdom purpose. What is the purpose of your marriage?
- Can you see your family legacy being built or torn down by spiritual storms? How will you fight back in unity?
- The family unit is the most basic battle formation. How will you equip yours?
- What does your heart say?
Unveiling Intimacy 