We often think of resolve as solving a problem; meaning that we
resolve a conflict, but there is another way to look at this word - it also
means that we are determined to do something. This is much
more than a desire or making a decision to do something - it means that we are
going to see it through no matter what. Generations past worked
through the problems they faced because they were resolved to
remain together and face whatever challenges came their way. There was a firm
determination that they were together for life. Too often that resolve
does not exist in marriages today. Adversity comes and one or both spouses walk
away from the marriage. That is not God’s plan for marriage -
it is not upholding the vows one made on their wedding day.
Consider Daniel in the Old
Testament; he resolved not to defile himself with the royal
food and wine - he had a firm determination that he would focus on God and live
on water and vegetables. Daniel’s resolve led to his sentence to death, but God
saved him and turned things around on his accusers. Do we have such a resolve
to serve God? Would we be so firm in our determination if we faced a sentence
of death for our commitment to the Lord? Do we have the resolve to live out our
wedding vows as we promised on our wedding day? My friend Pastor Diego did that
- at his funeral, his wife announced; “today, Diego has fulfilled his wedding
vows.” He took care of his wife, loved her, and was faithful until death
separated them. Are we resolved to be that kind faithful
spouse?
1 Corinthians 16:13 tells us to “Be
on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” We must do
these things in our walk with the Lord and in our marriage. It requires resolve -
a firm determination to not let pride or the flesh or the cares of the world
shatter our marriage. The Lord will help us, but we must firmly make up our
mind that we are going to do what it takes to walk with our
spouse through all the troubles we will face in life. Jonathan
Edwards, the great preacher in the early 1700s made a list of 70 resolutions
that would guide his life. He did this when he was a teenager! Take a look at
his list and incorporate some of those resolutions into your life; or make up
your own list. What are some things you resolve to do in your
life? A couple of suggestions could be: resolve that you will
work through conflict in healthy ways; resolve that you seek
to connect with your spouse daily; resolve that you will
remain faithful and true to your spouse in every area; resolve that
you will demonstrate love to your spouse every day - the list could go on; it
is important that you resolve - that you make a firm
determination that you will do what it takes to build a strong
marriage.
