A VISION FOR YOUR MARRIAGE

Three Sunday’s ago Bishop Mosa Sono visited our church and preached such a powerful message on the 6 phases of vision. I’m a huge fan of his style of preaching, always practical, grace based ,never diluted with the law and always done with a huge dosage of humour. Oh and that hoarse, and at times high-pitched squeaky voice is my absolute favourite. The main text was derived from the book of Proverbs chapter 22 vs 2 and it reads as follows: The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.

Such a profound passage of scripture! I thought it was such an interesting way to begin a message on vision. Although he was not focused on marriage, I thought it could definitely be directly applied to a marriage context. The exegesis of the above scripture was that it is God who made people, but some become rich and others remain poor, depending on what they see (vision).

His main point was that the outcome of our lives is then dependent on what we see ( vision). So today I just wanted to point out how important it is that we have a vision for our marriages. The Word of God says that where there is no vision the people perish ( Proverbs 29:18 a). This proves how vital it is to have a vision. It’s quite common to set goals for our personal lives and future endeavors. I’d like for it to be more common  to have a vision for our marriages, it helps to ensure that both husband and wife are working towards one goal.

Defining vision

Vision can be defined as “the faculty or state of being able to see / the ability to think about or plan the future with imagination or wisdom.” Bishop Mosa Sono defined vision as a picture of a preferable future. Man I loved his definition. I’m sure some of us reading this could do with a more preferable future for our marriages. So if that’s you, please read on.

Below I will share the 6 phases that he believes every vision will go through.

1. A dream. Every vision begins with a God-given dream. It is so important that you recognize what it is that you and your spouse have envisioned for your marriage. Most importantly though, it is more important that you do not look down on that dream/ goal ( vision), because every great accomplishment begins with a dream. I have no idea what you and your spouse are believing God for, it may be to be debt free, complete restoration of your marriage, to purchase a home, etc. But whatever it is that God has laid in your hearts, begin to stir that up, in actual fact dream bigger, because the Word of God says: Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us( Ephesians 3:20). Note that it says that above all that WE  ASK. So do not limit God in your asking, be bold, stretch yourselves and begin to see Him as the God of His Word.

2. A Decision. A dream will remain just that, a dream, if a decision is not collectively made to make it a reality. Deciding to do something about your vision is a step that many couples don’t take. Instead they spend more time discussing it or even admiring other couples that are where they envision themselves. So I encourage you today to make up your minds and be single-minded about your vision. A double minded person will receive nothing from the Lord, that scripture is paraphrased from the book James. The truth is that you and your spouse need to be sold out to the vision, this then defines what you are willing to say yes to and no to.
3. A Delay. He shared that there would always be a time-lapse before a dream is realized. And unfortunately he said that this stage is where most dreams die. I found this to be so true in my own life. The Word of God says that “ For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” ( Habakkuk 2:3). How reassuring is God’s Word: Your vision shall speak! Your vision will surely come! I love how mindful God is of us, He knows that we will grow weary at some point in the process. If you find yourselves at this stage, be mindful of the fact that a delay is not a denial with God. A delay is part of life’s cycle,it teaches us patience, perseverance and ultimately gratitude.  If God handed everything to  us prematurely, it would have the potential to destroy us, and ultimately turn a blessing into a curse. The process of trusting God’s timing is not easy, but at the end it will be worth.

4. A Difficulty. Not only will there be a delay, but problems will slowly surface. Unfortunately, even though we are children of God, we are not exempt from the storm’s and trials of life. It’s amazing because, you would think when God calls you into marriage nothing harsh will happen to the both of you. As I’m typing this the Holy Spirit is reminding me of the story of the disciples and Jesus in the boat. If the storm did not respect the Son of God, then how much more us. The Word says that the storm beat into the boat, this describes how violent the storm was. We will have stormy times in our marriages, moments were we forget that we have the authority to rebuke the storm and even more moments where we forget that the KING of KINGS is always with us. It is also important to remember that it is not God that sends the storms, but it is Him that will take us through. Find comfort in this scripture: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” ( 1 Peter 1:6-7)

5. A Dead end. This gives way for God to do only what He can do. A dead-end is the tipping point to a miracle, it creates the atmosphere for God to show off His glory. ( 2 Corinthians 1:8-11) “For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does[a] deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. God revives, God restores,  God is true to His Word, God keeps His promises and God will never fail your marriage.

6. A Deliverance. miraculously things fall into place. I’m reminded of the first miracle that Jesus performed the transformation of water into wine at the wedding at Cana. In the Gospel account, Jesus, his mother and his disciples are invited to a wedding, and when the wine runs out, Jesus delivers a sign of his glory by turning water into wine. So shall it be with your vision! God’s heart is always for marriage, your vision matters to Him, because” Your marriage is a testimony to the relationship between Christ and His bride the church. Your marriage will either tell the truth about that relationship or it will tell a lie.” Let your vision speak the truth!

 

So I urge you today to take time and sit  down with your spouse  speak about the vision for your marriage. Habakkuk 2:2 says “ And the Lord answered me: Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” If you both lean more towards the creative side don’t be afraid to express yourselves in that manner. Draw your vision, scrap-book it, cut out magazines images and words, paint, but make it plain. Make sure it is visible so that it serves as a reminder to both you and your spouse. Be committed to the vision and be prepared to work towards it. Let the vision serve as the guide to the yes’s and no’s of your marriage.

“If you thought that you came into marriage to rest, you will be greatly disappointed, those who have the mindset to work at their marriage on the daily, will be greatly rewarded.” Ps Xola Nzo

 

xx