Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / What Are You Saying?- Part 4: When Miscommunication Strikes, Responding with Grace and the Holy Spirit

Transcript

What Are You Saying?- Part 4: When Miscommunication Strikes, Responding with Grace and the Holy Spirit · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

• 0:00
  Hi, welcome back to Couples Journey blog series podcast.
• 0:03
  We are still in our series entitled, What Are You Saying?
• 0:07
  Today, Annie reflects on the reality that miscommunication is unavoidable,
• 0:12
  even in the most intentional households.
• 0:14
  But what truly matters is how we respond when the enemy tries to disrupt what God is doing.
• 0:20
  Stay with us as Annie shares how the Holy Spirit empowers us to navigate these
• 0:25
  daily battles. Here's Annie.
• 0:29
  Even with our conscious and intentional effort to have regular conversations
• 0:33
  within our household, the chances of miscommunication will always be there.
• 0:38
  It's not to say that circumstances are solely due to carelessness,
• 0:43
  but let's not forget that we live in a broken world where anything can happen
• 0:47
  and trigger misunderstandings.
• 0:50
  Sometimes the enemy quickly passes by, especially when something good is about to happen.
• 0:56
  Either way, we can find ourselves caught up in it. What truly matters is our response.
• 1:02
  Recently, I had to initiate a conversation with my husband Rey and the kids.
• 1:07
  It was something I felt was very important to be reminded of,
• 1:11
  not just for myself or Rey alone, but because our whole family is committed
• 1:15
  to serving God so the kids were part of the conversation.
• 1:20
  My husband has a habit of raising his hand, not in surrender but as a form of communication.
• 1:26
  I brought up this concern to him before and we both know it's an area that needs improvement.
• 1:33
  He knows that he's supposed to get rid of that habit.
• 1:36
  I used to not make a big deal of it. I pray for him instead,
• 1:41
  knowing it would take some time to break that pattern.
• 1:44
  But this weekend, during our conversation, he raised his hand again,
• 1:48
  and it triggered a reaction in me.
• 1:51
  I immediately felt the Holy Spirit prompting my response and how the conversation was shifting.
• 1:57
  After Rey apologized for the hand gesture, I also immediately asked forgiveness,
• 2:03
  especially in front of the kids, witnessing my reaction.
• 2:06
  The enemy is quick, but the Holy Spirit is quicker and more powerful.
• 2:11
  Before, I wasn't very sensitive to the Spirit's leading.
• 2:14
  Now, I realize that my growth in this area is only by God's grace,
• 2:18
  mercy, and love. Every morning, I go to my knees asking for guidance because
• 2:23
  I know I'm in a daily battle to fulfill what God has for me.
• 2:27
  I need His help constantly.
• 2:30
  Our connection with the Holy Spirit doesn't start unless we have an active relationship
• 2:35
  with God through Jesus Christ.
• 2:37
  And it's not natural for us to be sensitive to the spiritual realm,
• 2:41
  especially since we've become accustomed to materialism and seeking tangible evidence.
• 2:47
  But when we humble ourselves before God, He reveals Himself to us through the
• 2:52
  power of the Holy Spirit.
• 2:54
  The key is obedience. Without it, we won't grow in this spiritual sensitivity.
• 3:00
  I've been studying the book of Jeremiah recently, and some verses in chapter
• 3:04
  22 strongly reminded me.
• 3:06
  I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said I will not listen.
• 3:11
  This has been your practice from your youth that you have not obeyed my voice.
• 3:17
  The wind will sweep away, all your shepherds and your lovers will go into captivity.
• 3:24
  Then you will be ashamed and humiliated because of all your wickedness.
• 3:29
  Jeremiah 22 verses 21 to 22 When everything's going well around us,
• 3:35
  we tend to ignore God and His word.
• 3:38
  We stop listening. That shepherd, the Holy Spirit who constantly reminds us
• 3:43
  of God's presence and His words, is often neglected.
• 3:48
  If we don't listen, we risk losing sensitivity, which damages our connection with God.
• 3:54
  Sadly, we usually only realize how dangerous this is when our wickedness is
• 3:59
  exposed and brings shame and humiliation.
• 4:01
  In moments like this, let's hold on to the message of the gospel.
• 4:06
  The act of Jesus Christ dying on the cross and being resurrected so we may have living hope.
• 4:13
  He is our Good Shepherd, full of sacrificial love, care, and protection.
• 4:18
  When we fall into shame and humiliation, His grace is sufficient for us,
• 4:24
  as noted in 1 John 1 verse 9.
• 4:27
  So we learn, rise again, and move forward.
• 4:31
  The Lord God mentioned this also in Jeremiah 23 verses 5 to 6,
• 4:36
  that through Jesus Christ, furthermore the Holy Spirit, in His name,
• 4:41
  to help and guide us in living according to God's truth and commands.
• 4:45
  May we all desire to grow closer to and more influenced by the Holy Spirit,
• 4:51
  paying attention to those small,
• 4:53
  everyday details that often trigger miscommunication and poor listening.
• 4:57
  That's where true growth begins.
• 5:01
  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
• 5:06
  Journey blog series podcast.
• 5:08
  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
• 5:13
  You're helping us in our mission to to transform marriages today.
• 5:17
  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
• 5:22
  Learn more about this movement on the website www.couplesjourney.org.
• 5:27
  Thank you for being part of this journey, together, we can make a difference.
• 5:32
  Here's the final part of today's episode.
• 5:36
  Thank you for joining us for part 4 of this series. Any story reminds us that
• 5:41
  true growth begins when we pay attention to the small, everyday moments and
• 5:46
  respond in obedience to the Holy Spirit.
• 5:49
  Be sure to tune in tomorrow for the final part of this series,
• 5:52
  where we'll discuss practical steps to deepen your walk with God and strengthen your marriage.
• 5:57
  Until then, stay rooted in His grace and keep listening to His voice.