Schedules of the Incredible Family
Schedule for Partnering

Scripture Reading:  Genesis 2:15-22

Key Verse: Genesis 2:18

The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”

Like parents who fail to parent, there are people who are married but fail to be spouses, at least spouses that follow God’s intent.  Our scripture for today describes God’s original intent and it all surrounds two words: suitable helper.  The Hebrew word translated “suitable” is “neged,” literally meaning, “what is conspicuous, what is substantive.”  God meant for marriage to be two people who worked together to do life.  This working together would be “conspicuous and substantive.”

            I’m pretty sure that this is missing in far too many relationships.  In relation to the 168 hours we have a week, getting married takes little time in our schedules; being a suitable helper in the marriage takes much more time.  The Hebrew term used for suitable would probably be better understood for today’s life if it would have been translated “partnering.”  I am convinced that this is the essence of God’s intent for biblical marriages.  Couples, when married, form lifelong partnerships.  They attack problems and tasks in their homes and life from the perspective of business partners!

            Doing life as partners takes time in your schedule.  We must schedule partner meetings and planning sessions.  Partnering happens by intentional action!

Father, bless my marriage and make it a true partnership.  Help me do my part in making it a biblical model of unity!  In Jesus’ name, amen.