No Grapes on the Vines

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-19

Depression and oppression are one of the enemy's favorite tricks. He loves it when we start doubting that we have heard from God with regard to our marriages and families. He has circumstances come against us that tell us it is impossible. But we serve the God of the impossible and nothing is too big for Him. 

There is comfort in the name of Jesus. Sometimes that's the only word we can get out but it's the only name we need. Repeat it over and over if you have to and let His comfort wash over your soul. It will work!  Go to sleep speaking His name. Do not spend time talking about all of the negative.  Speak His Name.  Things happen when His Name is spoken.  Demons tremble when His Name is spoken.  Knees bow at His name.  Speak His Name.  Over and over and over.

Memorize this verse: 

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name." Psalm 147:304 

This God who is so great that He numbers the stars and calls them each by name is the same God who wants to heal your broken heart and bind up your wounds. 

We would even recommend that you keep a bunch of note cards with verses that mean something to you in regards to your marriage.  Serena still has hers.  Sometimes circumstances have us bowed down in defeat and ready to quit; doubting that this is God's will for us. You found this website, not because you stumbled across it but because God lead you here.  You decided to take up this stand because God placed it upon your heart. Do not give up now! Many people are depending on you - your children, your family, your friends and most of all, your spouse. They need your prayers now more than ever. Don't let the enemy tell you otherwise. The enemy didn't put this on your heart, which means that he is the one going to try and convince you to give up. 

Sometimes the circumstances get to us and we just want to stop hurting. In order to do that, we have to stop caring. But apathy, like many other hurting emotions, is a tool of the enemy. He wants us to stop caring; he wants us to stop praying; he wants us to give up. Don't let the enemy's fiery darts dictate your stand. Getting depressed and giving up will destroy you. 

Ask God today--ask Him to renew and refresh your commitment. Ask Him to make your footing for your stance sure and stable.  Ask Him to place His peace in Your heart and make His Word real to you. Remember the promises He has made.

"As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return to it without watering the earth and making it bud and flourish, so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands. Instead of the thorn bush will grow the pine tree, and instead of briers the myrtle will grow. This will be for the LORD's renown, for an everlasting sign, which will not be destroyed." Isaiah 55:10-13

We must continue to stand and continue to pray so that God may be glorified.

The enemy is always ready to use whatever weapon he feels will defeat us completely. Apathy is one of his favorite.  It isn't a direct attack that is easy to speak against. Instead, he sneaks in the back door with his apathy and whispers, "If you quit caring, you won't hurt anymore."  It may sound like he is telling you the truth.  But the truth is if you quit caring you will hurt worse and for longer.  

Don't be a quitter. As difficult as this is, especially when a stand has been long, it is something we are called to do. Our stories may be a different time frame, but I assure you the pain is real no matter the time.  

Remember that God is on your side, especially when circumstances want to drown you and the enemy wants to deceive you. Let Him refresh you with His Holy Spirit and restore you with His Word. Hold tight to His hand and don't let complacency rob you of the joy that He promises. The best is yet to come.

May God refresh and renew your spirit today. May He give you new insight into the circumstances you face. May He shine His light in your dark places and help you to shine like the child of God that you are.

"The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call." Acts 2:39 

Josh and Serena