From the moment a couple is joined together in the covenant of marriage, Satan is there trying to force himself between those bonds like a splitting maul breaking apart fire wood for kindling. I am convinced that there is little that Satan delights in more than tearing apart the fabric and foundation of the family. His attacks take on many faces: divorce, abortion, gay marriage, premarital sex, children born out of wedlock, rebellious teenagers, strife, discontent, financial hardships (or infidelity), sexual temptations (outside of marriage) and sexual challenges (inside of marriage), there is no area where he will not try to break apart a husband and a wife.
If the husband and wife cling to one another in spite of the attacks, Satan has no qualms about attacking their children and attempting to destroy the relationship between parent and child and in doing so, potentially, tear apart the bond between husband and wife.
He is crafty and determined, constantly testing the fences you have built up around yourself, your marriage, and your family. He keeps moving from place to pace until he finds a weeks spot, or perhaps he batters one spot in the fence until it gives way. Then, once an opening is created, the weakness spreads throughout life and Satan goes to work tearing down all the fences while putting you and your family in chains.
What can we do? Fences need to be checked daily, and repaired as needed. Ever day, a Christian needs to do the work of mending fences. The husband and wife cling to one another and cling to God. Parents build a fence to protect their children and do their best to equip their children to build fences themselves. All of this must be done while living in the presence of God, clinging to His strength.
The fences must be checked daily, and God is the one to do the mending. Neglect results in fences that allow the wolves in to devour the sheep.
