Romans Seven

I was once married to another. Our marriage was dreadfully impossible, though, for he expected perfection of me. The more he asked of me, the more my rebellious heart did the opposite. I was deceived by the sin in my heart, thinking that I would find satisfaction and pleasure apart from his rules. His instruction showed me how far I was from meeting his standards, and completely incapable. It was not that he was bad, rather he was holy and righteous, but because of my sinful heart he brought out the worst in me. He could not give me the strength I needed to live in obedience. I was powerless to live up to his standards, and stood defeated before him.

Then Another came. He saw me struggling in my marriage, utterly failing to live in righteousness, and He came to rescue me. He held His hand out and invited me to die with Him, promising a new life with Him. I took His hand. My previous marriage covenant was broken through my death, and I was raised to new life in Him. I was freed from my marriage of bondage, and welcomed in to a new, glorious marriage. My Husband is full of might and power, filling me with His strength. What a glorious marriage it is!

Despite this beautiful marriage, I sometimes resort back to the ways of my previous marriage. I try to do what is right, but without the strength of my Husband I so desperately need. I struggle and become frustrated. Then my husband tenderly takes me by the hand, and I am reminded of His strength.

How did I ever leave the strong grasp of Your hand? May we never part again, my Love! You are my Husband and I am Your bride. I was created to be made complete in You, never to walk alone.

(My previous marriage was to the Law. I was bound to the Law and incapable of living by its standards. The Law made me realize my desperate need for a Savior. Christ came and rescued me from this bondage - and I became His bride. As Paul expresses in Romans 7:15-25, although we are married to Christ, we often resort back to living in our own strength, and epically fail. It is not an excuse to sin, but rather a call to draw near to our Savior, walking hand in hand, in His power.)