A few days ago, my husband and I were driving to see our family after a long and hot day of serving alongside a local church. Naturally, we were tired and a bit cranky after a grueling day outside. A few minutes into our drive, an argument erupted, and feelings were instantly hurt.
(What were we fighting about? …I have no idea!)
Although I started noticing a pattern of how the enemy started turning my husband and me against each other at other times we had served together as a couple, he had the advantage of our exhaustion to his benefit on this particular day. I wanted nothing more than to show my husband how wrong he was. My hurt turned into anger. I was precisely where the enemy wanted me.
At that moment, something happened. I felt a gentle nudge in my heart to “take my thoughts captive” and pause. I didn’t want to pause. I wanted to prove my point. All I could feel was hurt. Then another nudge, “place your faith in me over your feelings.” This was hard. My feelings felt so much more tangible at that moment than faith.
As I sat there quietly, God continued to nudge me and remind me of His word for the next few moments. The Holy Spirit reminded me of the importance of obedience, especially during periods of difficulty when every part of you wants to appease your fleshly instinct. The steps that followed became more manageable when I took the first step of obedience to take my thoughts captive and rebuke them. I started praying for my husband. I started asking God to help me see my husband as His child first. I asked God to help me extend grace and mercy by reminding me how desperately I require it myself.
We drove past a local park as I sat there praying all of these things. Internally, I wished I could stop and go for a walk. To my surprise, my husband turned the car around without any words exchanged and stopped right in front of the park. He asked me to come on a walk with him. God was showing me the fruit of obedience by answering my prayers at that moment and speaking to my husband at the same time.
Once I laid the burden of my feelings in front of God, took little steps of obedience, and denied my selfish instincts, the overwhelming anger I felt a few moments earlier was replaced with compassion and understanding. As we continued to walk through the park, my husband put on worship music. As he did, the sound of worship filled the air, replacing the noise of our quarrels.
At that moment, I was reminded of Proverbs 3:5 (ESV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Once we placed our trust in God despite our feelings and understanding and choose to obey, we made way for the Holy Spirit to move within us. We lovingly came to a resolution.
I hold this tiny little testimony dear to my heart as a reminder that our obedience matters the most during the mundane moments that make up the majority of our lives. Our obedience matters the most when tempted to appease our desires and defend ourselves. I pray that this testimony will serve as a reminder and an encouragement for you to trust God and choose obedience when you least feel like it in the mundane moments of your everyday life.
Isha Zaitz
Promotions Director, STAR 99.1
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That was awesome. I loved that you listened to God.
Thank you, Christine! It’s so hard to deny yourself at the moment but His Spirit totally helps once we allow Him to. 🙂
Thank you so much I really needed to hear this!! And GOD knew it!! I was in a similiar situation tonight with my husband and your testimony popped up. Thank you for sharing.
Amen! I love when God uses our experiences to sharpen and encourage each other. This is why vulnerability is so important! <3
Thank you for this post. It’s just what I needed to help me get through a family situation. God is faithful when we do things his way. Trust and obedience are the keys to unlocking the faithfulness of God. God bless you!
Thank you Lisa! ♥️ Praising God for using this to encourage you.
This is so true to a couples of believers. This happened a lot to us without realizing the enemy that always had to interfere. (John 10:10). Proverbs 3:5-7 is a blessing and a great reminders for us to remember. The Bible also teach us to be vigilant and pray and watch, cause the devil is like a roaring lion looking to whom he may devour. I am so happy for you and your husband serving the Lord God Almighty. May you continue to grow in His love and faithfulness.
Those are great verses to remember Vilma! Thank you so much for sharing and the encouragement. 🙂
Just what I needed to hear. I’ve been having an awful morning due to an explosive situation at home last night and I got up late and didn’t have time to just pray. This reading has me settled down and let God’s presence come over me. Thank you
Thank you for sharing this. I’m so encouraged to hear that. Praying for you ♥️
Thank you for your transparency in testimony. A truly beautiful message and reminder!
Amen! Thank you for the encouragement, Annie. 🙂
Thank you, Annie! Your words are so kind and encouraging.
Very nice and encouraging
Thank you Esaleta! Praying that God continues to encourage you. 🙂
This was inspiring. Wonderfully written and truly a testimony and reminder about listening and obeying when listening and obeying is at its hardest. Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement Kevin! 🙂
Thank you for your “tiny little testimony” which is not tiny at all – it is HUGE! I have realized in my own relationships that I need to remember that the other person is God’s beloved, just as I am.
I need mercy and grace and He extends that to me and I need to be stilled to allow me to extend to others. Thank you again.
Amen Deb! It’s so true. Praying God reminds us of that truth daily.