Resolve: A firm determination to do something

      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.