The Marriage Expedition - Captives to ConquerorsSampel

Marriage in the Wilderness - Wanderers

How oft did they provoke him in the wilderness, and grieve him in the desert! Psalm 78:40

The Israelites were supposed to reach the land flowing with milk and honey in a short time (Deuteronomy 1: 2). But they ended up wandering in the wilderness for 40 years because of their unbelief and rebellion. The entire generation that left Egypt perished. It was a new generation that possessed the land.

In 1 Corinthians 10:6, we read: “Now these things took place as examples for us so that we would not crave evil things as they did.” Israelites committed sins and provoked God’s anger – idol worship, sexual immorality, testing God (Numbers 21:5,6), and grumbling due to discontentment.

Marriage in the wilderness: How is our life’s journey now? Are we leading a purposeless married life? Does it seem like wandering in the wilderness? Are we indulging ourselves in the same sins that the Israelites did? How is our marriage relationship? Is there frustration? Are there disappointments and unfulfilled expectations? Let’s examine ourselves (not our spouse) and our marriage.

Is there Idolatry?: Anything that takes most of my time, money, and concentration and hinders me from spending time with God and family is an idol. For some of us the positions we hold, the jobs we have, and the things we possess turn out to be an idol. For some, it’s our children. Let’s set our priorities right and escape the wilderness. We are created and designed to be true worshippers of God (John 4:23, 24).

Is there Sexual immorality: Sexual immorality is a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5) Keep yourselves from flirting, adultery, addiction to porn, masturbation etc. This sin is more contagious than any virus – it will destroy generations. We are called to be HOLY – Set apart for God (Leviticus 20: 7)) Let’s repent of all our sins and escape the wilderness.

Are we Testing God?: Some of us indulge in testing God by saying – Why should I go through all these difficulties – the unbelievers seem to be better off. Why is God not answering my prayers? Why did God give me a spouse who is so difficult?- In fact, I prayed and sought His will. To test God is to test His sovereignty and His goodness in our lives. Let’s trust the goodness of God in everything and escape the wilderness. TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD (Psalm 34: 8).

Are we Grumbling?: The Israelites grumbled for lack of food and water. What are we grumbling about? My husband doesn’t provide enough or love me enough…We are always borrowing money… Children are so disobedient… We have never been happy … and much more. Grumbling or complaining against our spouse means we are murmuring against God. An attitude of gratitude will change our entire perspective of our lives. Count your blessings and give thanks to God in all situations and escape the wilderness. IN EVERYTHING GIVE THANKS FOR THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Prayer: Dear Father, I believe that our married life is like wandering in the wilderness. I agree this is because of our sins and disobedience. I repent of all my sins. I rededicate my life and our marriage to Your will and Your way. Holy Spirit of God give me a heart of obedience and a deep desire to please You in everything I do and say. Help us to produce a GODLY GENERATION. In Jesus’ name. Amen.