{"id":9870,"date":"2024-02-28T03:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-02-28T08:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.honestreflections.net\/?p=9870"},"modified":"2024-02-11T07:19:09","modified_gmt":"2024-02-11T12:19:09","slug":"9870","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.honestreflections.net\/index.php\/2024\/02\/28\/9870\/","title":{"rendered":"Designated Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Two-minute read.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo not deprive each other except perhaps by mutual consent and for a time so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

1 Cor. 7:5<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Designated time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paul\u2019s letter to the Corinthians addressed marriage and singleness. Today\u2019s verse refers to a husband and wife who choose to separate themselves from each other, practicing celibacy for a period to pray. Clarifying that the practice doesn\u2019t come from the Lord but rather a decision the couple makes together and agrees to do. The apostle wants people to understand that God supports marriage and uses it in His creation plan, but not everyone should marry. In Paul\u2019s estimation, singleness allows one to serve the Lord fully, without the distraction of marriage but concedes that God gives different desires to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having lived single for most of my life, I understand Paul\u2019s comments. During my single years, I only thought of myself and didn\u2019t have to consider anyone else\u2019s feelings when making decisions, which meant I had more time to serve the Lord. Now married, I must consider my husband before making any decisions, including Ron. Gratefully, he doesn\u2019t hinder me from volunteering and serving God but supports me on the journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When making major decisions, Ron and I take time apart to pray and seek God, then come back together and discuss how we feel the Lord leading us. By working together, we make better decisions that consider more perspectives. Alone, I made decisions based on limited knowledge, but with Ron, I consider a broader perspective, making wiser choices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\u201cAnd though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him\u2014a threefold cord is not quickly broken.\u201d Ecclesiastes 4:2<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prayer and fasting in marriage strengthen the bond between man, wife, and God. Making the Lord the center of our marriage gives Ron and me a threefold cord. We believe in the objective truth of God\u2019s reality, committing our lives to live for Him and obey His commands. Therefore, when we have any decision to make, we do so through scripture. Taking time apart to seek the Lord individually helps us maintain the trifecta, keeping the cord intact. Often, when we come back together and discuss the topic, we find ourselves already in agreement because God\u2019s word stands the test of time and gives us a solid foundation on which to build our faith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Set a designated time to fast and pray, seeking God\u2019s guidance. Wait expectantly for an answer. Let a short separation develop a more robust connection in marriage. Make the Lord the third cord in all your relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Journal Questions:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n