Kristen Finlayson

Marriage and family relationships don't have to be as challenging as the world would have you believe. When you let the love of God influence your interactions with other people, you can actually simplify your relationships. This is not to say that you won't have challenges, but when you apply the principles of the Scriptures, you'll be more equipped to handle them. One of the keys to managing challenges within your home is effective communication. It is by far one of the most important tools for fostering growth and building fruitful family relationships.

When the Bible uses the word confidence, it means "assurance" or "complete and total persuasion." It also closely parallels the meaning of "trust." When you trust something, you have confidence in it. As a Believer, you must trust God and His Word. After all, He is not a liar: "Has He said and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken and shall He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19, AMP).

When choosing your words, remember that timing is everything. Proverbs 25:11 (AMP) says, "A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver." The Word makes it clear that being an effective communicator means being able to discern when your spouse or family member is in a position to receive what you have to say. For example, it does no good to lecture or complain when the person you're speaking to is already agitated or in a bad mood. You will be more successful if you pray and ask God to show you when to have the discussion or share whatever is on your mind. He will let you know the best time, place and manner in which to proceed.

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead resides in you (Ephesians 1:19-20). When you accepted Jesus as your Lord, you were adopted into God's family; resurrection power was imparted to your spirit. It is now up to you to draw that power out.

Raising the dead, healing the sick and speaking life to circumstances should come naturally to every Believer. But getting to that point doesn't happen overnight or without effort on your part. It will take a serious commitment in order to infuse your spirit with God's Word to the point that you become a walking demonstration of Scripture. Constantly meditating and acting on what you believe is the only way to develop the faith necessary to do these greater works. Hearing God's voice and instantly obeying Him are also keys to positioning yourself for mighty exploits in the kingdom of God.