In a similar way, you husbands must live with your wives in an understanding manner, as with a most delicate partner. Honor them as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing may interfere with your prayers.
I Peter 3:7 ISV
When a cat moved in with Mallory and Bella, life changed. They had to adjust their natural instinct to chase cats to inviting Kestrel into their pack. Bella puts up with her but Mallory loves her. She lets the cat attack her tail and keeps it wagging for Kestrel’s entertainment. Mallory physically blocks Seneca from getting to the cat when she is visiting.
We have always had to block the doorway from the dogs getting out but now it is a whole new dynamic. As you block the door from the dogs, the cat sneaks out between your feet. As you go for the cat, the dogs push past and soon everyone and everything is loose. You must constantly be on the alert.
As with the animals, we can also block progress in our marriages. Peter tells husbands to be understanding of their wives. One of the consequences of not doing so is that their prayers may be blocked. In I Peter 3:1, he tells us, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives.” Marriage is a two-way street.
I Timothy 3 gives instructions to church leaders to manage their family and to be above reproach in all areas of life. In verse 11, Paul instructs, “In the same way, the women are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers but temperate and trustworthy in everything.” The bible has a lot to say on our personal conduct and our walk with the Lord. Now, the focus is on husbands, wives and their families.
Family life and marriages in particular, have challenges. You have heard the saying, “If momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy?” The scripture today is saying if there is discord in the marriage, there could be a blockage. Our prayers might be a little bit slow getting through until we deal with any hurts, anger, and bitterness in our family life.
As a couple, you have become one. When something comes between you, your relationship feels off kilter. A blockage has occurred that needs to be unclogged. Forgiveness needs to be offered and accepted. Grudges must be forgotten. If the blockage is not dealt with, it will be filled with more and more debris till nothing is functional.
Search your heart. Are all your relationships functioning properly? Is everything flowing freely in your family? If not, clean out any blockages so that no leftover debris clogs your relationship with Jesus.
Just Another Dog Devotion 