“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever,” – Hebrews 13:8. The Almighty God is the God of the mountain, hills, and plains. He is God of the good times and bad times, and God of the past, present, and future. He is the ONLY God!
Several marriages are going through their valley (struggles and trials) season. Things are upside down, chaotic, and discouragement, bitterness, unforgiveness, lack of communication and kindness abound, among the plethora of other things. However, we can’t be moved by what we see; it’s imperative that we keep on believing God, make a decree by faith. Take a lesson from the ant—“the Ants think summer in winter, and winter in summer.” Trust that God uses your trails in the valley to develop you into a pearl.
What is a PEARL? One of the most valuable gems; it’s a rare jewel. Pearls are the only gemstones in the world that come from a living creature. There are several varieties of pearls, which determine their value; don’t forget that there are always imitations of the real thing. Pearls are formed inside the shell of certain Mollusks (such as oysters, mussels) as a defense mechanism against the parasite that enters inside their shell. The irritation of the parasite causes the oyster to create a pearl sac to seal off the irritation. Pearls are the immune response that causes the production and release of Nacre. The timeline for pearls is undefined, typically up to 20 years, depending on the pearl. The key takeaway is that not all Mollusks produce pearls, only those Mollusks that overcome the irritation of the parasites. A Pearl is basically a healed wound; if you take the time to nurture “your wound,” it will lead you to your hidden treasure. In the book of Matthew 13:45 – 46, Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a “pearl of great price.”
You can’t have a testimony without a test. God specializes in turning things around. He will use the mess in your marriage to generate your message to the world. I stand to let you know that God is still in the business of saving marriages now. Your valley may be full of fear, anxiety, brokenness, oppression, depression, and mental illness; still, don’t let the arrows of the enemy stop or get you discouraged. God is shaping your PEARLS (Pure in heart, Equipped with His word, Anointed with the Holy Spirit, Rejoice in affliction, Love the Lord, Strength to endure trials).
When you go through your valleys, they are dark and troubling times. God has equipped you with all that you need to overcome the situations you face in your marriage. You have the strength to turn your trials (Parasites) into triumphs (Pearls). Remember, your pearls are the fruits of your victory; they are the most valuable gems. Pearls are reserved for those selected marriages that can endure the trials. First, couples must understand the true enemy of their marriage is not their spouse. Take a lesson from an oyster; it traps and stops the enemy (parasite) immediately and layers it with Nacre (secretion). We cannot be ignorant of the enemy’s devices (sin, lies, bitterness, unforgiveness, etc.) used against our marriages. The enemy is changing footholds into strongholds. Sin (parasite) always creates problems; we have to learn how to layer our problems with the word of God to stop sin in its track. Taking every thought captive and bringing it under subjection to the word of God. In 2 Corinthians 10:5, it states, “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” Pearls are God’s treasure on display for the world to see. While you are going through your valley (trials), keep God’s vision and promises for your marriage in the front view. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord” – Proverbs 18:22. Your marriage is highly favored by the Lord God Almighty, the creator of everything. He speaks things into existence; use your word to speak life over your marriage. I am a PEARL, in Jesus’ Name!
Share your thoughts:
- Are you turning your trials into triumphs?
- How will you going to apply the “PEARLS” principle to your marriage?
Reading recommendation:
- Renewing your mind: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.” ~ Romans 12: 2 ~
- Think on things that are Right: “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable if anything is excellent or praiseworthy think about such things.” ~ Philippians 4: 8 ~
- God is able: “But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” ~ Matthew 19:26 ~
