DAY 2: PLANNING AND TRUSTING

Many conflicts in marriage are born from differences in the way that a husband and wife prefer to plan for their daily and future lives. One may thrive when every detail has been planned well in advance, while the other is perfectly comfortable to simply trust that everything will work out fine.

Planning and trusting are both characteristics that reflect the image of God. He plans and designs every minute of our lives. “The Lord directs the steps of the godly, He delights in every detail of their lives” (Psalms 37:23, NLT). And at the same time, God entrusts the preservation and spreading of his Word to people. “First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the whole revelation of God” (Romans 3:2, NLT). “For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News” (1 Thessalonians 2:4, NLT).

During Jesus’ life on earth, there were many occasions of planning as well as trusting. Jesus planned the event of his last Passover meal in great detail (Luke 22). He made sure that there was a big enough table, wine, and bread for the special moment. But at another time Jesus made no provisions for food, but simply trusted his Father. When five thousand people ended up without supper after a long day of church, He just glanced at his Father and knew it would be okay. “Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers” (Luke 9:16-17, NLT).

In marriage, it is often difficult for spouses to agree on whether to make plans or simply trust God in any specific situation. And there are enough verses in Scripture to support both parties. (Proverbs 3:5; Proverbs 6:6-10). But the important part to remember is that both the planning and the trusting spouse is reflecting God’s image.

Do you struggle with your spouse’s inability to plan or trust God in the same way as you? Do you think that God may be using your spouse to remind you of his own nature? How can you allow God to reveal Himself to you through your spouse?

Let us consider God’s example of planning our lives while trusting us with his Good News for humankind. Let us recognize God’s image in our spouse when we plan our lives while trusting God. “If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone” (James 1:5-6, NLT).

Scripture readings:

Psalms 37:23

Romans 3:1-4

1 Thessalonians 2:4

Luke 22:7-20

Luke 9:10-17

James 1:5-6