Stand Up
In our work, we come across many marriages and families in distress, suffering from infidelity, arguments, pornography addiction, etc. But we know a God that can take a mess and turn it into a message, as in our own story. What has really struck me during this year, as well as when I look back to our own mess, is that I see so many fallen men. We have lost the edge to fight for our marriage, our children, our family and our friends. When I was lost and fallen, my spirit was weak. Unfortunately, I had no allies that could fight for me or inspire me to fight for my marriage and my family. The comments I got from those around me was, “Ahh, I am sorry for you – you will find a better one,” – and this was even from my Christian friends. I have seen this many times in couples we have coached or prayed for; men have lost their fighting spirit and they have no outside support. It is time for us men to get back into that fighting spirit.
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
When we fight, we don’t fight alone. When you fight for your marriage and your family – you are never alone, God is always with you. But sometimes we need reinforcements. When we lack faith, we need a brother that can fill our faith again, a brother who will stand beside us and fight with us, in prayer and in encouragement, to help us not give up.
One of the most famous speeches was given by Winston Churchill during the Second World War. He stood up and said only these words: “Never, never, never, never give in,” – and they didn’t. They defeated Hitler and won the war.
So I just want to encourage you to awaken your fighting spirit, and fight for your marriage, your children and your wife. Find a brother that can stand beside you, that can come with reinforcements when you are running low on faith or when you are ready to give up. Reach out to a brother that you know is fighting for his marriage and family; reach out to him and offer him your prayers, your hope, your faith and tell him, “Never, never, never give up.”
I thank God that He sorted out my mess so I could start to fight for my marriage. I did this with God on my side – but I know my strength would have been more powerful if I would have had some reinforcement to call in when I needed it the most. I have faith and hope for you, I have been praying over your life, marriage and family. I have faith in a God that will give you a life in abundance.
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:1
Blessing Johan Odén
Family & Friends International
