Monday's Marriage Moment -- Buried Treasure

“Thus says the Lord to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held—to subdue nations before him and loose the armor of kings, to open before him the double doors, so that the gates will not be shut: ‘I will go before you and make the crooked places straight; I will break in pieces the gates of bronze and cut the bars of iron. I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, Who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel.
Isaiah 45:1 - 3

I have had my share of dark times. I am sure that you have too. It is hard to see beauty and purpose in those times when your biggest questions are "how" and "why". I have felt like those seasons have lasted too long and been too intense, but I can tell you that God knows how to work all of those things together for good.  You must remain hopeful that God is on your side.

I am noticing that lots of people are losing hope. They are giving up on dreams, plans, and their marriage. They feel as if there is no hope of change so there is no need to try. That, my friends, is a lie. There is always hope. God is always at work, and He shines light on even the darkest of situations. Notice in Isaiah 45:3 that God doesn't say that He is going to light up the darkness (that would certainly be my preference). He says He will give you treasures of darkness. What kind of treasures are there in darkness? I am glad you asked. Let me tell you the treasures that He showed me during the dark times in my marriage:

• strength
• wisdom
• peace
• His perfect love
• patience
• forgiveness
• His presence
• Hosts of people who love and support me

These are just a few of the treasures born from times of adversity. Today, I have the treasure of a husband who ministers with me -- who allows me to be who God called me to be. I have the treasure of a clearer vision of who I am. 

There are treasures in those dark times, but you have to look for them. God is giving you hidden riches of secret places. You may have to dig a little bit, but I assure you that they are there!