02 Are You Willing

Every one whose heart was roused, whose spirit was freely responsive, bringing offerings to God for building the Tent of Meeting, furnishing it for worship and making the holy vestments. They came, both men and women, all the willing spirits among them, offering brooches, earrings, rings, necklaces—anything made of gold—offering up their gold jewelry to God. Excerpt from Exodus 35:20-26

For restoration to occur, both partners must be willing to work at saving the marriage. Willingness comes by the Spirit of God. It’s something that must come freely from the heart. Both hearts must be willing to give up worldly goods for the higher good of exalting God.

Often, we lose focus on “the ways of God” and get desperate. We try to manipulate a spouse to become willing. We might beg, try to evoke guilt, or even demand willingness. However, if the willingness doesn’t come from the heart of each individual, our attempts will likely just drive the unwilling spouse further from the marriage.

Jesus, help me remain in Your peace and behave in ways that glorify You. Keep me from acting in ways that just drive the wedge deeper. I am willing to put my worldly pursuits and demands aside and simply love as You love so that I might open the way to willingness in my spouse.