Revival Results in Reconciliation

There are many wonderful joys in ministry (and some not so joyous); but tonight was one the highlights. Tonight, I had the privilege of performing a re-marriage, and this is only the third time in 25 years that I've had the opportunity to do this. Approximately four years ago, unfaithfulness crept into a beautiful home and ripped it apart, as was shared by this dear lady during her recent baptism. BUT, she reminded our church of how loving, forgiving, and full of grace God really is. This dear family has been involved in our church for nearly a year and they have seen (and now experienced) God doing some wonderful things. The husband's card read as follows, "I wanted to say thank you for everything! You and Emmanuel played an important piece in putting my family back together." One of the greatest joys came as I watched this couple's two daughters beaming with smiles that stretched from ear to ear. They were getting the wish of every child whose parents divorce. It was like watching the movie "Parent Trap" played out before our very eyes. We all got to see the story of Hosea acted out in real life. We were all reminded of Christ's unfailing love for his Church!

My heart goes out to divorced couples, but the truth is that every divorce has "selfishness" at the root. One spouse or both put his or her own desires above their spouse's. Someone chose their own path, instead of following God's. Selfishness leads to infidelity, irreconcilable differences, wanting something different, dissatisfaction, etc. BUT, when we put God first, He can help us put the interests of others before our own (Phil. 2:3-5) and understand true humility.

This marriage (and family) being restored is just another example of the results that come from personal revival. As we draw closer to God, we draw closer to each other. When our vertical relationship is right, our horizontal relationships are right. On the flip-side, you CANNOT be right with God, when you are not right with other believers. So, put God first, obey His commands, and begin experiencing the abundant life that Jesus described. So many of us miss the joys of life and choose to live with the heartaches; simply because we choose our sin over the Savior. We would rather hold grudges, fail to forgive, harbor bitterness, carry malice, prove our point, inflict pain on those who hurt us, and live as a slaves to sin; instead of following God and extending forgiveness. Revival is the desire to lay aside everything that would hinder our relationship with God. I'm not sure that any more hurtful offense could be committed than infidelity within a marriage. So, if this couple could forgive and restore their marriage, what's your excuse for not forgiving those who have hurt you? Truth is... if you are carrying grudges, harboring bitterness and failing to forgive... YOU NEED REVIVAL!