Happy Thursday! Often times, we are asked on a survey or connection card what is our marital status. We are given at least four options: married, single, widowed or divorced to choose from. Do you ever think about the reason why they ask that question? Do you just skip over the answer? Do you check a box that you wish your status was? Well, sisters and brothers don’t worry God knows your status and he loves you. Join me as we continue in 1 Corinthians chapter seven. Have a wonderful day.

“²⁵ Now regarding your question about the young women who are not yet married. I do not have a command from the Lord for them. But the Lord in his mercy has given me wisdom that can be trusted, and I will share it with you. ²⁶ Because of the present crisis, ^[i] I think it is best to remain as you are.  ²⁷ If you have a wife, do not seek to end the marriage. If you do not have a wife, do not seek to get married.  ²⁸ But if you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.” – 1 Corinthians 7:25-28 NLT

Paul continued to address the church on matters of marital status. In these verses, he states there is a present crisis (also translated as pressures of life) that may create a hindrance for people who are single or married. As a result, Paul emphasized his desire for single people to remain single and married people to remain married.

However, Paul knew being single is difficult so he also informed the church that if a single person marries, it would not be a sin.

I like how Paul addressed this issue, while he gave instructions he made sure the church didn’t take his words out of context to forbid marriage. In verse 28, he stated twice “marriage is not a sin”. But he finished with “however, those who get married at this time will have troubles.” Paul doesn’t mention what those troubles are, but he did forewarn them that marriage would not be easy.

Sisters and brothers, as we read these verses and we reflect on the troubles of this present time, we know for certain marriage is not easy. The enemy of the world despises marriage and will attempt to do anything in his power to destroy a marriage. As a result, the enemy has been effective in temporally destroying lives and homes. However, he doesn’t deserve any victory over these things. God in his mighty power can over through the vicious attacks against the enemy. He can restore brokenness that comes from broken marriages and homes. God is healer, redeemer and restorer and is capable of making all things knew.

If you are married, pray over your marriage and your spouse daily. Pray for the Lord to continue to work in your life and transform you into the wife or husband that he has called you to be. Pray for renewed love and joy within your marriage. Finally, don’t be a hindrance to the work that God wants to do in you, your spouse and in your marriage.

Sisters and brothers if you are single, divorced or widowed God has not forgotten about you. You are always on His mind. He loves you unconditionally and desires to fulfill his purpose in you. No matter the reason for your season of singleness the Lord will be with you. Allow the Lord to use you in the place that you are. Seek his wisdom and discernment to make decisions that are in your best interest and that will be pleasing to God. If the Lord brings a man or woman into your life, pray and test the spirit to ensure God sent that person into your life (many will come dressed for the part, but should not get an interview or the job). As you wait on the Lord, allow him to continue to work in you, your heart and your mind. Allow him to heal any broken/painful memories that are harbored in your heart, so that you can move forward in your life in his glorious power and might.

Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for restoration in marriages and healing for the broken. Lord, you created marriage and you made all things good. Lord, we pray for married couples around the world and ask that even in the midst of the troubles in this world that you make and keep marriages good. Lord, transform husbands and wives. Lord, remove temptations and silo thinking. Lord, we pray for women and men who have been forced into marriages and for those who are in abusive situations that they feel they cannot escape. Lord, we ask for your covering over them. Lord, you know exactly what they are going through today. Lord, do whatever you need to do to ensure they no longer suffer at the hands of abusive people. Lord, we pray for the singles, widows and divorcees around the world. Lord, you know their status and the reason for their season in life. Lord, we ask that you help them on lonely days and night. Lord, give them your peace as you continue to work in them. Lord, your promises and words never fail. So Lord, we trust our prayers, our lives and our current marital status with you. Use us where we are and continue to transform us into who you have called us to be. In Jesus name, amen.

Keep praying! Keep Trusting! Keep believing!

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