Marriage and the Wizard

In the story The Wizard of Oz, Dorothy sets out to find the Wizard so she can find her way home.  Along the way Dorothy meets three characters, the Lion, who need to find his courage; the Tin Man, who needs to find his heart;  and a Scarecrow, who needs to find his brain. In the story she befriends each and they travel the yellow brick road side by side until they find the wizard, who reveals to them that they already had what they sought.

Dorothy walks with each of them encouraging them along the way. She never judges them as stupid, cowardly, or heartless.  In fact, she often finds the very characteristics they were searching for as she traveled with them on their quest.

This is an interesting picture of marriage and of a spouse.  A friend that comes along side you when you are at your best, sticks with you at your worst, and encourages you to become what God has planned for you all along.  They do not nag, brow-beat, discourage or disrespect you.  They know that God has a plan for you and that you have what it takes to be the person  God is calling you to be. They have the strength to do this not because they have unlimited faith in you, but because they have faith in God.  They have faith in the one who will ultimately form you into the masterpiece he has created you to be from the beginning of time.

Spouses underestimate the power they have in a marriage.  Power to encourage and lift a mate to the greater heights that God has planned for them.  Power to destroy a mate with a sharp tongue or critical and biting comments.  Remember, we are commanded to encourage one another and there is no place where this is more important than in a marriage.

Scripture:  1 Thessalonians 5: 11 - Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are now doing.

Prayer - Father, help me speak words of encouragement instead of criticism; help me build my mate up instead of tearing them down.  Create in me the desire to encourage my spouse.