Edification Is Sometimes Silent
edification - Edification Is Sometimes Silent
[Be] slow to speak. James 1:19
“Don’t forget to clean up the bathroom before you leave.” The more Teresa reminded me to pick up after myself, the less I did it. I know that’s not the most mature way to act in a marriage, but it was true. We’d had this conflict for almost twelve years, and we’d made no progress toward resolution.
Then one Monday morning, a miracle occurred. The reminding stopped. I left my side of the bathroom a total mess and went to work, almost proud that I had outlasted Teresa. I returned that evening to my messy countertop and to a second miracle: Teresa was in a good mood and warm with affection—and she never even mentioned the mess.
Heavenly Father, if this thing that irritates me is important to You, I’ll trust You to bring the changes. I know You can do a much better job of changing my spouse than I can.
She told me later that she had been focusing on my behavior instead of just accepting me. She prayed about her attitude, and God led her to ask, “Will this issue matter ten years from now? Will it matter in eternity?” The answer was a resounding “No!” Teresa also realized that God could be trusted to bring changes He thought necessary.
A few days later, a third miracle took place. I began to want to put away my mess in the bathroom. Teresa’s loving silence had helped me hear God’s prompting, which brought edification. The war was over, and our marriage had won.
What conflicts in your marriage is God prompting you today to give up to Him so that He can make the necessary changes?
From the book
