God’s Design for a Successful Family Life! (4) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: God’s Design for a Successful Family Life! (4)

Dear Reader,

Since this month began, we have been examining God’s design for success in marriage and family life. This week, I shall be teaching on what perhaps is one of the most important secret to a successful family life. It is the undisputable foundation upon which every home must be built, and for any lasting, and meaningful impact to be experienced. Most families are thirsty for life, yet they do not know what to do to be satisfied.

Are You Thirsty At Home? The Lord can quench any thirst you may be experiencing in your family. This is because He said: If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink … He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow RIVERS OF LIVING WATER (John 7:38).

Just as God planted the Garden of Eden, placed in it a river to water, and caused everything in it to remain fresh (Genesis 2:8), He also instituted marriage and family life in the same manner (Genesis 2:18, 2 1-25), desiring that with His living water, you will experience pleasure and delight.

Rivers are of tremendous help to humanity. It provides water for several uses: quenching thirst, bathing, refreshing and for cleansing. God’s intention for you is for every thirst you are experiencing in your marriage and family life, to be quenched by the ‘river of living water’, which the Lord Jesus gives.

Thirst will make a family man or woman go after someone else other than his or her spouse, and refuse to return home. It is thirst in the family that makes children prefer to seek dangerous adventure outside the home. It also makes a married man stay back in the office, even when he does not have anything doing. Such homes lack fulfilment.

Thirst makes some women to compare their husbands with other men, and to give excuses rather than fulfill conjugal rights. They lack the refreshing needed for a cool atmosphere at home. This is far from God’s plan for the family. So, return to the Lord Jesus because He said: If any man thirst let him come to me and drink (John 7:37). He will quench your thirst and place a river of refreshing in your home.

What are the characteristics of a River in your family?

Firstly, the presence of a river, among other things, is for cleansing.  Jesus in your home, therefore, should produce a cleansing, which helps the Christian live a life of righteousness and cleanliness, both inside and outside the home. When besieged by all types of unclean habits, immorality, etc., whether introduced by friends, in-laws or relatives, with the Word of God, you will have heaven’s backing and equipment to deal with it.

God’s Word says: “…Out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38). Bringing your home and family life to Jesus guarantees that the “rivers of living water” are made available to you and your family members.

Secondly, a river gives water, and water is a principal component in the growth of a plant. The Lord Jesus, the provider of the ‘river of living water’, is a principal party in the growth of a healthy and homely family. Rivers can generate electrical light supply to various homes. The ‘rivers of living water’ that Jesus brings also generates spiritual light and heat to create a warm atmosphere in your home.

Thirdly, just as physical rivers have mineral deposits, precious stones and treasures in them, there are diverse treasures in this ‘river of living water’ that Jesus brings into your home. Some of them are laughter, inner peace, rest of mind, satisfaction, joy and love; instead of fears, insecurity and instability.

That means instead of depression, Jesus brings comfort, hope and a future. Instead of shame, He brings honour, respect, dignity and quiet. These are all treasures money cannot buy; but the presence of Jesus and His Word in your home, can bring such “treasurable” experiences, cheaply. So, make sure that you have or better still, invite Him into your life and home today.

Jesus is the only one Who can quench your thirst, but you must be ready to obey every of His Word (the Bible). Invite Him into your home today, and ask Him takeover every aspect of your life. Then, watch as you will begin to experience changes from that moment on, as you obey His instructions.

If you are ready to invite Him into your life and family, please pray this simple prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).