Safegaurding Our Marriages

Safeguarding Our Marriages

Read Genesis 39:1-20

Recently I read a story about a marriage gone wrong by Wayne Brouwer and it reminded me a lot of lessons we still need to reinforce in our own busy marriages today.  In the story, a pastor and his wife thought infidelity was a problem for others, not them.  They were devoted to each other, and had two lovely daughters.  They helped other couples prepare for marriage.  They counseled those having marital problems on how to get back together.  

But then she had an affair with the chairman of the the church board.  While her husband was out making calls on people in distress, she was at home in bed with his closest friend.  It didn’t make sense!  But maybe it did.  Think of Potiphar’s wife, a vibrant woman left home too often by an important husband.  She got the leftovers of his energy after he had given his best to those who paid his salary.  Feeling unsatisfied, she was attracted to someone new, young, and good looking- someone who reminded her that something was missing in her own life.  

In the story Mr. Brouwer talks about ways in which a couple can deal with temptations.  First, develop a healthy self awareness and a clear sense of moral boundaries.  Second, have an exit strategy for situations that seem overpowering.  Third, don’t deny your vulnerability.  Talk to your spouse when problems such as overwork, loneliness, lack of attention, or time with others before they become an excuse for temptation.  

Preparing to engage Thursday evening @ 7pm 

As we start to think about ways to safeguard our own marriages, consider the following questions: 

1. When do we ourselves feel vulnerable, and how do we communicate that to our spouse?
2. Other than each other, who are our closest friends?  How do these people help or potentially hurt our marriage?
3. How can we build inner strength to deal with those times when our emotions beg us to seek comfort in others?  How can we direct our spouses to give us more of what we need from them to combat temptations? 

Logistics for bible study Thursday evening @ 7 pm 

1. We will start on time and end on time (right @ 8) and will all be virtual:  So either log into the community call line or log on via skype at 6:50 and Samuel will add you to our group skype. 

Phone Number: (724) 444-7444

Call ID: 98967