Talked to an old friend today. He gave me the same devil-infested lies that another friend gave me a little over a year ago.
"We're different people now."
"We haven't been happy for a while."
"We went to counseling. We gave it a shot."
"It was difficult with the kids, a lot of stress."
"To stay married when you're not happy, that's not fair to either one of us."
"This is best for all of us."
"It's over."
God, Damn sin to hell! Just please don't take my friends with it. Please cover over their sin with the blood of your Son, Jesus Christ. Please lead them out of this self-degrading and destructive behavior which ravages families, tears down godly confidence, and teaches the Devil's lies to the next generation. God, please save us from ourselves. Forgive me for my own less-visible sins. All sin destroys your good creation. Please purify my heart. Do not let me give the Devil even a foothold on my heart or mind. When I am tempted to put my own perceived happiness above the responsibilities you have placed in my life, please shake me and point me to the truth in your Word. Even "responsibilities" are blessings from your gracious hand that the Devil has painted with the facade of "hard work", "no fun", and "have to do it". And the joy that your children experience on the other side of trust and obedience is the very thing that the godless seek in their pursuit of happiness and avoidance of responsibilities. You are just in your judgments. Please also be merciful to us. We all have sinned and fall short of your standard. Show us our error, and lead us to change through the power of your unfailing love.
God never said, "Be happy, because I the Lord your God am happy."
He did say, "Be holy, because I the Lord your God am holy."
God never said, "My grace doesn't cover that sin."
He did say, "My grace is sufficient for you."
God never said, "People will never change."
He did say, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever."
and "Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails."
God never said, "Whatever you do, give it a good shot."
He did say, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart."
God never said, "Love others only when they love you."
He did say, "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you."
God never said, "Some marriages just don't work out."
He did say, "The man who does not love his wife but divorces her, does violence to the one he should protect. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful."
