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Do You Promise Not to Tell? - Part 5: Protecting Your Marriage's Sacred Space · Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel

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  Hey everyone, welcome back to the Couples Journey blog series podcast.
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  We're on the final part of the series, Do You Promise Not to Tell?
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  As we wrap up this series, we want to clarify a few important points about handling
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  secrets and private matters in marriage.
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  When we talk about these topics, we're referring to issues that directly impact
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  and concern the couple and not gossip about others.
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  Over the course of this series, Rey and Annie have shared how to navigate these
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  moments with God's guidance.
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  And today, they'll share some practical lessons they've learned as they've walked
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  through private matters together. Here's the final part of this week's series.
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  Before we wrap up this week, let's clarify a few things.
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  When we talk about secrets or private matters, we're referring to issues that
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  have a direct impact on and concern the couple.
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  If it's just a story about other people's lives, then it's likely gossip.
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  There may be instances where a private matter involves others.
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  But the approach to handling it can vary.
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  For this series, we'll focus on those matters where the couple,
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  where their unity, are the primary ones affected.
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  Instead of falling into Satan's temptation to judge your partner based on the
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  initial perception of a situation.
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  Remember that what we're really talking about is creating space for vulnerability
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  and understanding space for your partner.
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  As we mentioned on day two, understanding is crucial in these matters.
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  Now, as we close this series, we want to share some of the lessons we've learned
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  over the years from going through private matters together as a couple.
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  Here's how to handle private conversations anchored in God. 1.
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  Pray. Once you've established a foundation of understanding,
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  immediately invite God's guidance and wisdom.
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  It's powerful for both of you
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  to come together in prayer, submitting your situation to His authority.
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  Ask for His help to avoid temptations to seek solutions outside his will, ways, or purpose.
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  But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously
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  and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
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  James 1 verse 5-2 Together, dive into God's Word.
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  We've talked before about how we start each day individually with God,
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  then meet during the day to share what we've learned.
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  When it comes to important or critical issues, our approach to God's Word becomes
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  more intentional. Over the years, as we've consistently devoted ourselves and
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  our marriage to God, we've gained testimonies that have built confidence in His guidance.
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  His Word truly is the ultimate source of direction in life.
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  Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.
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  Psalms 119 verse 105-3 Consult trusted friends or small group.
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  While small groups can be a safe space for many, let's remember that our most
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  important partnership on earth is our marriage.
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  This may not apply in every difficult season, but in most cases,
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  our marriage should be our top trusted relationship.
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  Even if your spouse isn't yet a believer or follower of Christ,
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  use it as an opportunity for your partner to witness a journey of obeying God,
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  particularly in critical matters.
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  When consulting friends or fellow believers, ensure that both of you are involved
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  in the conversation. Without consultation, plans are frustrated,
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  but with many counselors they succeed.
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  Proverbs 15 verse 22.4. Act in unity.
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  After you've fashioned a plan based on God's guidance and possibly some input
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  from trusted friends, make sure both of you agree on the actions to take.
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  If there's any lingering hesitation or unclear concerns, take more time for discussion.
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  Tasks should be clear for both partners. It's not always easy to feel fully
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  confident in acting on these private matters.
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  Our goal is to obey God and His ways, but sometimes our human side feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
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  When that happens, acknowledge the hesitation, pause, and pray together.
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  Carry each other's burdens, stay accountable, and remain united.
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  Do two men walk together unless they have made an appointment? Amos 3 verse 3 verse 5.
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  Surrender the results to God. Some situations may feel beyond our control.
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  Before anxiety takes over, remember that surrendering your life and marriage
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  to God helps develop your faith and full trust in Him.
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  It's not always an easy transition, and it takes time.
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  But every step into the unknown is an opportunity to grow in faith and deepen your trust in God.
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  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.
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  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.
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  Proverbs 3 verses 5 to 6 if your goal is to truly anchor your marriage in God.
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  These applications become very difficult without Jesus Christ.
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  Only through a genuine acceptance of Him can the Holy Spirit work powerfully
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  in both of you and in your marriage.
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  We pray these practical steps encourage you and your spouse.
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  You need Jesus and His constant guidance to truly walk this out.
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  Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
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  Journey blog series podcast.
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  By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your
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  family and friends, you're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
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  Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
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  Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.
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  Here's the final part of today's episode.
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  Thank you for joining us in this series and for allowing us to share from our hearts.
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  The journey of handling private matters in a way that honors God isn't always
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  easy, but it's always worth it.
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  Remember, the key is to seek God first through prayer, His word,
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  wise counsel, unity, all with the surrender of the results into His capable hands.
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  It's only through Jesus Christ that we can truly anchor our marriages in His love and guidance.
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  So, as you move forward, may these practical steps inspire you to trust God
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  increasingly and to walk in obedience together.
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  And may His Spirit strengthen you to navigate even the most challenging situations.
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  Knowing that with Him, your marriage can grow stronger and more resilient.
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  Until next time, God bless you and your spouse as you continue to seek Him wholeheartedly.
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  Join us again next week for another impactful series as we continue learning
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  how to build marriages anchored in Christ. God bless.