A few years ago, Shannon made pizza for dinner. As soon as I tasted the pizza, I knew something was wrong. But I didn’t want to disappoint her after all the hard work that went into making pizza, so I ate it with a smile on my face.
After dinner, Shannon said, “What did you think of the pizza?” I told her it was wonderful. That’s when she said, “I knew you’d like it. It had a cauliflower crust.”
In response to this brutal betrayal and the extreme hurt that I felt, I immediately called my attorney to start the paperwork to divorce.
Luckily, my attorney warned me that Texas is a community property state and since Shannon and I owned everything equally, we’d have to split everything fifty-fifty. He told that meant I’d have to take half the horses with me.
Since I’m not a big fan of horses and because Shannon had made cauliflower crust pizza for my health, I decided to forgive her horrific behavior and move on.
The point to this rambling story is that often, instead of a couple remembering the vows they took at their wedding were promises, instead, they interpret them as, “I’ll try to.” And whenever someone says they will try to, more than likely it is doomed to failure.
It is only by sticking it out and working through the difficult issues does a marriage become truly blessed. But it takes effort and will power, which is something many couples are unwilling to do. The same can be said about our walk with God.
Every relationship takes effort. This includes our relationship with the Almighty.
There are times when everything fits and makes all the sense in the world. There are also times when the circumstances of life bring on our insecurities, doubts, and frustrations. But our wonderful God has promised that no matter what we face, we will never do it without the help of the One who is the author of life, peace, and salvation. That’s God’s promise.
God says: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” (Isaiah 43:1b-3)
God never says, “I’ll try.” God says, “I will.” That’s a promise that will not be broken.
Prayer: Dear Gracious Heavenly God, help me to always rely upon you. Forgive my moments of weakness. Help me to draw closer to you each day. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
God will never give up on us. He expects us to do the same.
Also, just for the record, I am now a fan of cauliflower pizza. That truly means the angel was right when he told Mary, “All things are possible for the Lord.”
I pray your day is filled with joy and laughter.
Tom Robbins
Daily Devotionals by Dr. Tom Robbins 