First principle

When You Can No Longer Stand

When you feel love has cost everything and walking away looks easier — ease is not the deciding factor. The covenant is.

This hour

Under fire

The next right hold — walk this hour.

  • Ease is not the deciding factor. The covenant is.
  • Keep praying. Keep hoping for change. Refuse bitterness.
  • Guard your spirit. Do not deal treacherously. Submit to Him.

Prayer

When you do not have the words.

  • Father, I feel like love has cost me everything. I refuse the easy exit. Keep me in the covenant. Form patience. Help me stand firm. Amen.

Truth

When you can read deeper — Scripture-rooted steel.

You can no longer stand in your own strength. You feel like love has cost everything. Walking away looks easier. Ease is not the deciding factor. The covenant is. Stand under God — He forms patience in the trial.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Love as Christ loved — even when they are hard to love. Feelings come and go. The covenant still holds.

“For I hate divorce,” says the Lord, the God of Israel… So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not be faithless. Guard your spirit. Do not deal treacherously. Exit is not wisdom when God still calls you to stay faithful.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.

But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.