In recent months I have had the chance to see the movie “Lincoln.” Aside from tremendous acting on the part of the star-studded cast, I was moved by the character of a man such as Lincoln. It is easy to make a statement such as that based upon the resistance he encountered as he worked to free the slaves. But I want to look this morning at the relationship in the back story.
If you have seen the move, you may recall some tense exchanges between President Lincoln and his wife Mary. Mary was known for many things: intense impulses, an unbridled temper, and sometimes out of control spending sprees. And yet, even with these difficulties, Lincoln was a principled man who held together a nation that was coming apart at the seams.
I have heard many man and woman talk about difficult and challenging qualities they find in their spouses. You may fit into that category – living with a spouse who is a control freak, an alcoholic, or is constantly demeaning. You may feel that God could do great things in your life and through you if you just weren’t limited by this unbearable and impossible spouse. Yet, the reality is that God may be using your spouse (as hard as this may be to accept) to mold and shape you spiritually in a manner that prepares you for exactly what He wants you to do. You may be about to experience a season of incredible spiritual growth.
Lincoln’s marriage did not prevent him from achieving greatness. As a matter of fact, the difficulties in his marriage, and the demonstration of his character to not give up, may have been the exact quality that was needed to keep this fragile nation together and set it on a course of restoration.
I encourage you to consider this week – as you ponder the relationship with your spouse, what are you learning and how is this causing you to grow? If you will listen closely, you just may find that God is growing you for great things.