Recently, it's been brought to my attention that, perhaps, the most important job of a marriage is to promote holiness in its participants. I mean, I've heard this idea for quite a while, but I really think that I'm just now getting a handle on it.
About a year ago, Brian and I facilitated a Bible study called Sacred Marriage. The whole study was about this very thing. We thought about it and talked about it, but I've just now been getting down to the heart of the issues that it raised.
I'll be honest, I am passionate about strong, God-centered marriages. I believe that they are under extreme attack, and I feel that all odds are stacked against marriages these days. For years prior to my own wedding, I would always hear people say, "Marriage isn't easy. It's hard work."
I think that I just assumed that there would be a honeymoon period, though. I thought that the first several years would be easy. Let me tell you, the Lord had other plans for us. He wanted the inevitable purification that comes with sharing your life with another human, to start from day one. I always knew it would be hard. I never knew that I'd have to start fighting for my marriage from day one.
In a society where marriages come and go and fads change and people reinvent themselves, keeping a lifelong commitment to love unconditionally is a challenge!
But, what joy comes from being able to take a step back and reflect on where you've come from and where you're headed as a team!
2. Fight for your marriage every single day. Realize that we are at an all-out war against Satan. Society is stacked against us. Pray for God's intervention. You can't do it on your own.
3. Encourage each other. Don't feel that you have to put up a perfect facade. We all know that two humans living under one roof is bound to be troublesome from time to time. But, those times are fleeting. They aren't here to stay, so pray each other through it. Don't hide it.
4. Pray for your husband. I STRONGLY recommend The Power of a Praying Wife by Stormi Omartian. It's been a lifesaver for me. I use the book on a daily basis. Give him the benefit of the doubt. This is my new goal in my own marriage. Rather than assume the worst, I'm going to strive to assume the best of Brian.
Ladies, we have the incredible power to set the entire tone of our homes. Do it with God's leading. Today, I'm struggling to be peaceful. I through a fit tonight that could've won an academy award. I'm not proud of it. I wasn't at my best. So, tonight my biggest prayer is that the Lord would make me humble, that He would teach me to be a source of peace.
Tonight, more than ever, I praise God for a husband who loves Him and loves me second only to Him. I have been blessed beyond belief to have a man like Brian as my teammate. God is good!
I'm a faithful reader & pray for you often, but believe I've only commented once.
What an amazing, beautiful post. I love your transparency and agree with each word you wrote!
Love Power of a Praying Wife.
That is a great book, I have it also. I agree with all of this and share with you in your views for sure. It's so true that our marriages our meant to bring about holiness. Marriage contains endless oportuinity's for the condition of your heart to be revealed. Thanks for the encouragement and transparency!