Spiritual Resilience: Finding Hope and Strength in the Midst of Marital Crisis by Dr. Treal RavenelSample

Day 1: The Truth about Spiritual Resilience

Philippians 4:13 "I am able to do all things through him who strengthens me."

When you hear the word "resilience," you may think that it implies never wavering in the face of challenges, never succumbing to pressure, or never losing faith in the promises shared with you through God's word. However, resilience has often been misunderstood as an indication of being invincible or immune to difficult times. On the contrary, true resilience lies in the ability to withstand adversity and quickly recover from it. According to the Oxford Dictionary, resilience is defined as the capacity to stand firm or bounce back swiftly from hardships. It involves successfully adapting to stress and maintaining psychological well-being in the midst of adversity. A resilient individual is someone who can bounce back from difficult situations or trauma.

When considering spiritual resilience, particularly in the context of marriage and for women experiencing spiritual warfare in their marital relationships, it is crucial to lean on faith and seek guidance from God. To do so, it is crucial to employ four power tools that can be used as support for spiritual residence during warfare.

1. Power Tool of Prayer: Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) “Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” Exploring the transforming power of prayer can be a ray of hope and strength while your marriage is going through a period of spiritual warfare. Through prayer, you can experience a deeper connection to God and receive comfort, direction, and peace even while your marriage is going through difficult times. Regular prayer is a powerful practice that may transform your marriage and yourself; it's not just a formality. By identifying and being aware of your worries, uncertainties, and hardships to God via prayer, you can find peace in the knowledge that you are not alone. By pouring out your heart in prayer, you make room for heavenly guidance, knowledge, and direction that will help you overcome obstacles. Your heart can be calmed, your mind can be at ease, and your spirit can be rejuvenated through prayer. In the face of difficulty, prayer provides a feeling that is beyond comprehension, bolstering your resolve and your faith. By including prayer in your daily routine, you invite God into your marriage, inviting His grace and direction to light your path and heal and restore your marriage.

2. Power Tool of Walking in Forgiveness: Colossians 3:13 (CSB) “Bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.” Forgiveness is a long, hard, and complex journey. There are layers to forgiveness that require patience and understanding. By applying the powerful tool of walking in forgiveness, you can begin to unravel these layers. Through this process, you have the opportunity to deeply reflect on the significance of forgiveness within the context of healing your marriage. As you embrace the act of extending forgiveness, you will gradually witness the transformative power it holds. Forgiveness has the ability to release the burdens of the past, paving the way for freedom and restoration in your marriage relationship. It is through this act of grace and mercy that true healing and reconciliation can take place, fostering a renewed sense of connection and harmony between you and your spouse.

3. Power Tool of Cultivating Gratitude: 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (CSB) “Give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus”. It is crucial, in fact, to use appreciation as a tool to change your perspective during this difficult time of spiritual warfare. Developing an attitude of gratitude during marital difficulties can be a potent remedy for hopelessness and pessimism. You must learn how to cultivate gratitude even in the face of challenges you are experiencing. Gratitude possesses the amazing power to transform your perspective on life. Even in the smallest of things, when we consciously choose to notice and appreciate the benefits in our lives, we can feel a sense of strength and excitement that surpasses our circumstances.

Gratitude gives us the ability to see the good in the midst of suffering, hope in the midst of despair, and strength in the midst of weakness by changing our attention from what is lacking to what is present. Encouragement to write in a gratitude notebook, practice thankfulness every day, or just take some time to think about what you are grateful for can have a big impact on your outlook and general well-being. You can start to see the light beaming through the darkness and find new courage to face the issues in your marriage with faith and resiliency through this deliberate practice of appreciation.

4. Power Tool of Surrendering Control: Proverbs 3:5-6 (CSB) “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding; in all your ways know him.” During this challenging time, it is crucial that you do not internalize the negativity or standards imposed by the world, yourself, or others. It can be tempting to seek quick fixes or rely on worldly promises to alleviate emotional pain during spiritual warfare in your marriage. However, true strength lies in resisting these impulses and instead turning to God for guidance and peace. Embracing the practice of surrendering to God is a profound act of faith and trust. It involves relinquishing your own control and letting go of what you believe is right or what you desire in favor of placing your complete reliance on God. By surrendering your will to His divine wisdom, you open yourself up to His perfect plan for your life and marriage. Releasing your desires and plans to God is an act of humility and trust. It signifies a willingness to let go of your own agenda and allow God to lead you to a deeper place of understanding and faith. By entrusting Him with your hopes, fears, and aspirations, you can find peace in knowing that His plans for you are far greater than you could ever imagine. Surrendering to God in the midst of spiritual warfare in your marriage enables you to cultivate a profound sense of trust in His unfailing love and guidance, paving the way for healing, restoration, and spiritual growth in your relationship.

Devotional Reflection: Before continuing to the remaining days of this devotional plan, how will knowing the truth about resilience as it pertains to spiritual warfare help shift your perspective in the midst of what you are currently facing in your marriage?