Thursday, January 26, 2012

On Finding the Suitable Fit

God was very clear on His observation between being single and being married as stated in Genesis 2:18, “Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." (ESV) It was His desire for every man and woman to find a “helper fit for one another.” This is a good proposition from the One that knows best. How can anyone disagree with it? As a Pastor, I have been a witness to many weddings that I myself have personally conducted and I would say that God has His way of creating the miracle of union from two to become one.

Having such a clear directive of God’s interest in our love life is such a comfort for all those that are becoming frustrated and despaired about their future. Marriage is such a wonderful adventure for anyone that dares to be in it. Although there is no magic formula for attaining success in marriage it can sure be found from God as the author of marriage. Remember that it was God Himself that officiated the first wedding in the Garden of Eden between the first man-Adam and the first woman-Eve.

Here’s a funny illustration to show a bit of restlessness that many women feels in finding the best husband in a fictitious “Husband Store”: A store that sells husbands has just opened in New York City, where a woman may go to choose a husband. Among the instructions at the entrance is a description of how the store operates. You may visit the store ONLY ONCE! There are six floors and the attributes of the men increase as the shopper ascends the flights. There is, however, a catch. ... You may choose any man from a particular floor, or you may choose to go up a floor, but you cannot go back down except to exit the building! So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband. On the first floor the sign on the door reads: Floor 1 - These men have jobs and love the Lord. The second floor sign reads: Floor 2 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, and love kids. The third floor sign reads: Floor 3 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, and are extremely good looking. " Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going. She goes to the fourth floor and sign reads: Floor 4 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead good looking and help with the housework. "Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!" Still, she goes to the fifth floor and sign reads: Floor 5 - These men have jobs, love the Lord, love kids, are drop- dead gorgeous, help with the housework, and have a strong romantic streak. She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the sixth floor and the sign reads: Floor 6 - You are visitor 4,363,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store. Watch your step as you exit the building, and have a nice day!

While it seems funny but there is a truth that stands out in this illustration: that finding a perfect husband or wife is mission impossible! Somebody said, “Marriage is a journey toward an unknown destination -- the discovery that people must share not only what they don't know about each other, but what they don't know about themselves.” Being married is a lifetime of discovery. Once I had the opportunity of praying for a wedding anniversary of 65 years of marriage. I asked their secret and the wife told me that she knows when to speak and to be silent. I think that that’s a great idea. When two people speak at the same time, misunderstanding usually arises out of it because no one listened to what the other was talking about. There are many things that can be written here but one thing is certain: if you are married now, live as if it was the day of your wedding. Why? Because if there was a time that both of you were truly in love, it was that day. It was one of the pillars of your married life. It was what made you “fit” for one another. And if you are still waiting for your turn to get married, wait patiently for God is preparing the one that will “fit” you. Remember that he or she is just out there waiting for you, too!

Let’s talk again!

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Between Happiness and Joy

What makes you happy? How do we experience true joy? Contrary to secular thought, "joy" and "happiness" stand in stark contrast. Perhaps no one realized this more than nineteenth-century Chicago lawyer Horacio Spafford. Spafford took a fierce financial blow when his real estate holdings were mostly destroyed in the Chicago fire of 1871. Just a short time earlier, he had suffered the loss of his only son. Desperately needing a rest, Spafford and his family planned a vacation to Europe. Detained by business, Spafford sent his wife and four daughters ahead of him. During their voyage, however, their ship crashed and sank into the ocean depths. Upon safely reaching shore, Mrs. Spafford wired the somber news, "Saved alone." The Spafford's four daughters, like their son, were now lost. En route to joining his grieving wife, Spafford's ship crossed over the exact patch of water where his children had been lost. There, Spafford penned the words to a soulful hymn that has since become an enduring source of comfort, "It is Well with My Soul". At this time, Spafford was certainly not happy. He was suffering as a grieving father. However, his hardship did not overshadow his faith in God and joy in Christ Jesus. Happiness is determined by circumstances, but true joy is a gift from God at all times. If you are reeling from life's pain, bring your suffering to the Cross. There, God will turn your sorrow into dancing (Psalm 30:11).

Let me add that happiness is externally based while true joy is indeed a wonderful gift that God desires for everyone to experience. Whether we like it or not, life will always be filled with many undesirable events that leads to many sorrows. But to know that God provides a true joy even in the midst of all these things is what we have desired all along. If happiness is dependent on external things of life, then happiness will be relative to each person’s financial standing. It will mean that if you are affluent, more happiness??? Or less affluent equals no happiness??? I believe that this is not the case but genuine happiness is truly attained with Jesus and His promise of joy. You don’t have to look for it but to experience it by having a personal relationship with Jesus. Try it and see the difference it makes on one’s life.

C'mon and discover it....