“Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.” — Matthew 1:24 - 25 NKJV
I’m not yet married, but I’ve encountered some females in relationships who complain to me that their men don’t always follow the principles of God. As for me, I don’t encourage break-ups. However, when things are not well, I give them the best advice I can according to my knowledge of scripture and also tell them to pray because only God can change people, not our efforts. Let’s look at a part of the history of the birth of Jesus.
When Mary got pregnant by the Holy Spirit, Joseph wanted to divorce her quietly because he didn’t want to marry a questionable woman (Matthew 1:19). For he was faithful to the laws of Israel. But there are unique cases.
For Jesus, Mary didn’t do anything wrong to deserve a divorce. There’s nowhere in scripture that explains what she did when Joseph found out she was pregnant. But when Joseph slept and woke up, he took her home as his wife (Matthew 1:24)
Aside from God working to fulfil all prophecies about Jesus, I firmly believe that Mary also went to pray not to lose Joseph. It happens these days too.
Many godly women in relationships sometimes show destructive behaviour, so much so that they put their men off and trigger break-ups in their minds. Sometimes, it’s demonic; other times intentional. But if you don’t have a godly man who has a sharp discernment to know what’s wrong with you and help you to overcome it, he might start thinking of leaving you. And some men do it. That’s why you must pray for your relationships and marriage, even before you meet a partner.
Men don’t always talk before thinking. If they want a break-up, they think deeply about it before executing it. It was Joseph that decided to divorce Mary quietly. He didn’t have any conversation about this initiative with Mary. But God knew what his thoughts were.
Woman, you can’t read your partner’s mind. God can step in for you to protect your relationship or marriage when you misbehave. But you must pray for God to lead your man.
The Bible teaches that the head of the woman is the man, and the head of the man is Christ (1 Corinthians 11:3). That means if you don’t have a man who’s submissive unto God, you’re disadvantaged as a woman because nobody will regulate him when he’s misbehaving. And I must say that this is one of the major causes of problems in many marriages today. So be wise about who you say “Yes” to.
Don’t watch the enemy steal your man from you. It’s not just about meeting a godly partner but keeping him, both before and after marriage.
When a man hears from God to do something, he might not say it immediately. Joseph didn’t explain why he still took Mary home as his wife, even though God told him to do it. So dear lady, pray for your man because when he’s under Elohim’s leadership, you also will be safe and enjoy each other.
You’re a blessing.
Prayer (specifically for women)
Father, I come before you as your child. I know only you can change people, and if I have done, or keep doing anything wrong that puts off my beloved, cause him to forgive me. Assist me to accept corrections in godly submission. Lord, lead him to be faithful to me wherever he is and goes. In Jesus’ name. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD // 2022 – 358