SWHW Two Year Bible Reading Plan: March, Year 2Sample

Top Takeaway from Caroline Foster:

Corinth was an important city on a narrow piece of land in the southern part of Greece. It was the capital of the region, Achaia, and was a busy centre for trade because of its harbours. The city was full of prostitutes, and the saying even became known that to “live like a Corinthian” meant to become a drunk and visit with prostitutes. 

This may seem like weird things to mention, but I believe knowing some context helps us better understand 1 Corinthians 7 and Paul’s challenge to the people of Corinth when it came to marriage.

There’s a lot going on in this chapter, and Paul is answering very specific questions that were asked of him.  So what are some of the principles we can take away from this chapter? 

Here’s the main thing I want you to remember: How you handle your relationships impacts the world’s view of God. 

As a follower of Christ, the world is watching you to see if you’re different--so your relationships should reflect God’s holiness. Just as Paul said in 1 Corinthians 6:20, “You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.”  We are called to honor God with our entire lives- so our relationships are a huge part of that.

But what do we do if it is too late? What if you’ve already fallen short of what God commands in Scripture? Let me encourage you, sister- it’s never too late to start over! You can hit the reset button. 

How do you do that? First, if you haven’t done so, admit your failure. That’s exactly what King David did. King David, a man that God called “a man after His own heart” committed adultery and then committed murder to try to cover it up. But God continued to use him in incredible ways because he confessed his sin and he turned from it. 

Don’t lose heart. Don’t lose hope. Don’t give up. 

1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confess your sin and then forsake it – turn away from it, and get back on the road of obedience to God. 

Don’t let Satan convince you of the lie that God can’t or won’t use you anymore. God invented recycling. He specializes in taking messed up lives and using them for His glory, and He would love to do just that with your life.

Lastly, what do you do if your marriage is a mess and you feel like there’s no hope? If this is you, please listen – you must dig deep and put your faith in the fact that with God all things are possible. 

There is no relationship that God can’t redeem. But you must pray, believe, and act according to God’s instructions in Scripture which tell us to be humble and to forgive and to bless even our enemies. 

Get some warrior women in your life to help you push through on the hard days. Women that point you to the Word of God. Seek Godly counsel. Every situation is very different.

Lord, I pray over the women reading this devotional today. If they are single, I pray that they would lean in and see how You are using them for Your glory. Help us not to be so focused on the future that we miss the opportunities You have given us now. I pray for the women reading who are married. I pray that You would bind their marriages up and keep them focused on You. I pray that they would be stronger together and truly sharpen one another for Your glory, Lord! Use us as vessels for You. Amen.