A Change of Season
Imagine you are on a diving expedition searching for sunken treasure and you happen upon a chest wrapped in old chains and locks. You bring it to the surface, carefully clean it up, and your anticipation of finding the hidden riches contained in the chest is building by the second. Upon opening the chest, you find an ancient scroll that you believe is a long hidden map to where the real treasure is. However, upon opening the scroll and deciphering the ancient words, the following Words of Wisdom appear: “The secret to a lasting relationship is to make God the center of your marriage.”
On the way home from a recent vacation trip, our family stopped overnight in a place called Lodi, California. I woke fairly early and went to get a cup of coffee in the lobby of the hotel. Shortly after arriving, many elderly people began coming in for the complementary continental breakfast. Being the talker I am, I struck up a conversation with several of the people regarding why they were there and most were friends that had gathered for a wedding the night before. But one couple stated that they had come back home to Lodi to celebrate their 49th anniversary. “Wow,” I thought; 49 years and they looked as happy as the day they were married. Working my way further into the conversation, I asked the gentleman, “So, what is the secret to making a marriage last so long?” Well apparently, he had been overhearing a previous conversation I was having with another couple about how God had been working in my life and he made the following statement, “As you alluded to, the secret to a lasting relationship is to make God the center of your marriage.”
What a treasure I had found in those words! And this came at a time that only God could have set up. You see, only a few days before that, I received a called from a fellow brother who had spent the following night in tears due to a bomb that had been dropped on him from his wife … a full on nuclear attack from the enemy. And amazingly, my family was due to spend time with them within the next few days. In his words, he stated, “It’s like God knew this was going to happen and had you plan during your vacation to come see us.” Needless to say, we were able to spend time ministering to them but the real work is just beginning.
So how does this affect the Valiant Man Nuggets? Since the class, it’s been in my heart to encourage and continue with the accountability portion though the Nuggets and many of you have been blessed and been held accountable through this medium. However, as Dr. Meyer pointed out, we need to get together, face to face, and talk about what’s happening in our lives. This fellow brother I spoke about was at such a meeting with his home church the morning that we met and he couldn’t believe how many of the men were having troubles with their marriages. As I was listening, God was ministering to me about what He had in store for my wife and I; and once again it was about ministering to marriages and also how to approach the Valiant Man Nuggets.
Many years ago, it was prophesized that my wife and I would be leading a powerful marriage ministry and here we are, once again, ministering to a marriage that could very well have been destroyed, on our vacation no less. When God equips any of us with a gift or a calling, we need to be ready at any time, day or night to use it. So to this end, though the Valiant Man Nugget web site will remain intact, I believe God wants us (my wife and I) to begin down the path he had in store for us several years ago. As the Lord ministers to me regarding Valiant Men, you’ll be the first to hear.
Valiant Men of God, the season is changing and this ministry shall change with it. We have spent much time together delving into Dr. Meyer’s work and I truly hope that those who have gone through the course will keep it close to your heart. For those who haven’t, may I suggest you get with your home church’s men’s ministry and begin the journey. I can guarantee you will come out more equipped than you went into the class.
As for the couple mentioned earlier, they are on their way to a successful healing. They are committed to making their marriage work, placing God as the center of their marriage, and changing some fundamental things in their lives that have distracted them from the love they always had for each other. As for this Marriage Ministry, with Jesus at the helm, full steam ahead.
Until next time, keep your eyes on Jesus !