Dear Friend,

One of the many team challenges used on the highly popular TV show Survivor is called “Follow the Leader.” In this scenario, people are broken up into teams of two, with one partner blindfolded and stuck inside a treacherous maze. The other partner is placed on a perch nearby where they call out very specific instructions to their partner, telling them to take so many steps forward, then turn left, pick up the beanbag, move backward three steps, etc. It’s fun to watch how each team struggles as the blindfolded person resists following the instructions of their perched partner, even though they can’t see and their partner can.

Married couples have a leader to follow, as well. Certainly there are divine roles assigned to both husband and wife in regard to leadership, but both husband and wife need to submit to the voice of their shepherd, Jesus Christ. I don’t think it’s an accident that the first recorded miracle of Jesus takes place at a wedding. Part way through a wedding party, the unthinkable happens: they run out of wine! Jesus responds to his mother’s request, who obviously knows who He is and what He is capable of, and proceeds to turn water into wine.

But what happens in the middle of this famous story is of interest. Knowing that her son is about to perform a miracle, Mary says to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Then, Jesus gave specific instructions to the servants: 1. Fill the waterpots with water. 2. Draw some out. 3. Take it to the headwaiter. The servants followed their instructions, the headwaiter approved, and the party came back to life.

Married life may come with its own unexpected surprises. After the first year of marriage, you and your new spouse receive a hefty tax bill instead of a refund. Your in-laws move in weeks after the wedding. A young child who was happy growing up suddenly reaches adolescence and challenges everything you say. It’s at times like these I would remind you of mother Mary’s wise words: “Whatever He says to you, do it.” Following Jesus is not a part-time endeavor. Staying tuned to the sound of His voice and obedient to His call makes all the difference between marital bliss and marital disaster.

More than ever, I want you to succeed in marriage, realizing the abundant joy promised by God for those couples who submit their relationship completely to Him. I recommend you take advantage of this month’s offer, Marriage Matters, Volume 1 CD series, which I will send to you for your gift of any amount to this ministry. May the Lord richly bless your marriage!

For the King and His kingdom,

Testimony Time

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