#3 ~ The Power of THREE

If you were raised to be independent or if you love to plan out your entire day, week, month and life, you are not alone. I am the same exact way and I often have to speak to my flesh and tell it to get in alignment with GOD's plan and TRUST it! I often wonder what's next, when the manifestation of the promise will come, and when I'll achieve certain goals, dreams and aspirations. Yet, it's amazing how the Holy Spirit will say to me in a quiet, still voice, "Trust...my...plan." Then I reflect on GOD's word and think to myself, "He created the entire world and makes sure that every living creature has their needs met, so surely he can take care of me."

When women get married, the often misconception that many have is that their spouse will take care of them. Now, although I believe that a husband should be the provider for his family, I do NOT believe that you should depend 100% on your husband to supply your needs. Only GOD can do that! The Bible says in Philippians 4:19 ~ "And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus." No man can do what only GOD can. Every good thing comes from GOD. James 1:17 ~ Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. Therefore, all praise, glory and honor belongs to HIM.

In marriage, you will quickly find out that the three-strand cord spoken of in Ecclesiastes 4:12 is more than true that you probably ever have realized. When you get married, it's you + your spouse but the concept of a three-stranded, not-easily-broken cord will not exist unless there is 1 more component added to the equation. You need JESUS! He must be your third strand because he provides peace, joy, strength and comfort- all things that no man or woman can do alone. 

The Holy Trinity represents the Father (GOD), the Son (JESUS) and the Holy Spirit who is always with us to give us guidance, direction, wisdom and comfort in our life journey. The powerful thing is that they are all ONE and none of them operate without the other. Jesus said in John 19:11 ~ "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above. Furthermore, he said in John 14:6 ~ "... No one comes to the Father except through me."These verses show you the power of the Trinity. Jesus was essentially saying that he is nothing apart from the Father and that no one can come to the Father except coming through him FIRST. As you read in the Bible about Jesus' departure from Earth, he comforts his disciples by saying in John 14:16-17 ~ "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another helper who will be with you forever. That helper is the Spirit of Truth. The world cannot accept him, because it doesn't see or know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you." WOW!!! What a LOVING God we serve!! He knew that we would need comfort throughout our life journey and left us with the Hoy Spirit as our helper.

In marriage, it is essential to utilize all 3 components of who GOD is. You must understand the sovereignty of GOD to truly submit to his will and trust his plan.  You must also understand that he's a loving father who has plans only to prosper you, and not to harm you (Jeremiah 29: 11).Next, you must be able to fathom the power of what JESUS did when he died on the cross for your sins and yet rose on the third day with all power. Knowing that this power now lives inside of you should give you the confidence to trample the enemy and stand victorious. Luke 10:19 says, "I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you." You have the victory in your marriage as long as you understand the power in you comes from what JESUS did for you. The conclusive piece of understanding must come from knowing and appreciating the power of the Holy Spirit. When you and your spouse are confused about where to go or what to do, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit. There have been so many nights and days that my husband and I couldn't make an immediate decision because we wanted to feel the peace of the Holy Spirit before moving forward. We also wanted the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth.

When you need things that money can't buy and there's no friend or family member that can give you what you need at the time, you will then be lead to rely on GOD- the true source of EVERYTHING you need. If you and your spouse are both submitted to GOD the Father, you will understand his love, his discipline and his purpose revealed through tests and trials. However, you must understand the power of the THREE all working together! We are blessed that we don't have to endure life alone. Likewise, you and your spouse should never feel like you're embarking on the journey of marriage alone. You have the Holy Trinity advocating for you, for your marriage and for GOD's glory to be revealed in your life. 

Nuggets to remember:

1) Your spouse is not the supplier of your needs. Only GOD can supply ALL of your needs.

2) The three-strand-cord is not easily broken in marriage because of the third strand- GOD!

3) Understand the power of three- you have GOD as your Father, JESUS as your Savior and the Holy Spirit as your comforter.
 

4) When you face hard times, remember the power of three and tap in to all of your sources of strength! 

God Bless!

~ CW