“God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell; He leads the prisoners out to prosperity; but the rebellious dwell in a parched land” (Ps 68:6, AMP)

All sins are bad. But some are worse than others. Rebellion is the top of that list. It was pride that led Lucifer to rebel against God. We are born with the tendency to be proud, stubborn and rebellious. There is no other way to change the heart except by the power of the Holy Spirit. Rebellion is defined as open, armed and usually unsuccessful defiance or resistance against the established authority. It is not easy to spot a rebellious person. This is a heavily guarded secret sin. For many years it hides behind words and gestures of false religious humility. But it cannot be hidden for too long. One day, the demon of rebellion will be tired to be ‘humble’ and it will manifest. Its tongue is like that of the cobra. Its venom will be spat in the eyes of the victim or injected in his veins. Death comes and nothing but a miracle will save such a man.

In marriage, the demon of rebellion is most successful. It influences the husband and his wife to reject the authority of the Bible. The Word of God is simple:
‘Wives, submit to your husbands, as unto the Lord…Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves the church” (Eph 5)
When rebellion comes, both commands are disobeyed. The wife insists to be the leader of the home. She feels that she knows best. She chooses what to buy, what not to buy. She sees her husband just as a roommate. She is not able to honor him as the head of the home. She alone decides how to take care of the children.
The husband, for the sake of ‘love’, submits to her manipulations. He has to accept her moods and tempers. He is afraid that others will hear and he tries to cover up his wife. He knows that this is manipulation but is powerless to react. When he reacts, he loses his temper and later has to apologies to the wife. Adultery may not be committed physically. But the home is a war zone and all are victims of the evil one who was once ‘the darling’ of heaven. Many married people suffer in silence, thinking that there is no way of escape. For them, a happy marriage does not exist; it is only in the movies. They may go to church, intercede for the nations and do other great projects. But their marriage is only a shadow. Their prayers for the home are feeble, lost in the desert of sadness from ‘a parched land’.

Please listen! This is the truth: God wants you to enjoy Him and your marriage partner! Loving God and loving your spouse are twin actions. Do not separate them. Thru the Word of God and also by experience, I have learned that God loves marriages. He invented them! As a wife, I had to pray hard over the years for the understanding of God’s purpose for us as a couple. To my surprise, God’s vision for us was much better and bigger than what I had in my mind the day I said ‘I do’ to my husband. I underestimated the need for godly wisdom, the practical skill of living successfully, in a dangerous and difficult world. I also underestimated the power of peace and the profit of godliness. For many years I prayed for the courage to obey God’s Word. I prayed that I may be able to joyfully submit to my husband and not feel inferior or foolish. This is not an easy path. The devil fought like mad. There are so many distractions, dangers and enemies along that road of obedience and faith. Often, it felt that it was much easier to divorce and live alone. That was the snare of easy success in life.
The greatest breakthrough was when I discovered that it was indeed God’s will for us to marry. I needed that assurance for when we got married, forty years ago, there was no prayer said and no God invited. We got married based on emotions. But God was working behind the scenes, even when we did not know that He exists. Once that mighty precious, assurance ‘landed’ in my heart, I became bold as a lion. I saw my marriage certificate signed with the Blood of Jesus! This time I was ready to obey all God’s commands for the sake of Christ. I started praying for our marriage with the confidence of a heaven-approved-Blood-bought- Spirit- sealed wife. I joyfully anticipated the day when our union will become an overflowing transparent ministry, giving all glory to God and encouragement to many. This letter is a drop of a drop from that deep holy well that never runs dry. I desire to encourage you all married people, and you who desire to marry… that you may know God’s purpose for your lives… that you may desire to host Jesus in your home, always…For His yoke is easy and His burden light…
May the water become wine, in Jesus name!

In Christ I declare:
My marriage is heaven approved and earthly useful!
My marriage is fruitful!
My marriage is blessed!
To the glory of God!
In Jesus name
Amen!