Sometimes it feels like we’re the only ones who struggle, especially on social media. It appears that all our friends do is have romantic getaways and great meals … always organic!
Are you grateful for the seasons of struggle in your marriage?
Most of us resent the struggles until we look back and see the growth. The struggles are real, so during this season let’s be thankful as we endure faithfully. But why?
Throughout our marriage, we faced challenges that rocked our world. Things like childhood cancer, a child with learning disabilities, job loss, and church scandals. We’ve learned three things that have helped us appreciate our seasons of struggle.
We’re Thankful for What Matters
We have learned that struggles are real — whether they’re self-inflicted or come at us from nowhere. If you have a pulse, you will struggle.
It was in these times of discouragement we felt like quitting our marriage. Maybe not walking out but just quit trying. The temptation was to believe things would never change.
However, when we were at the end of our rope, God built our faith and showed us what really mattered.
Jesus reminds us, “You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).
We’re Thankful God is Working in Our Daily Junk
Also, we’re learning it’s not just the big crises that derail us as much as everyday interactions.
Although the big struggles of life hit us hard, typically we have support. But when the smallest of details distract us from our marriage, we’re often alone and afraid to ask for help.
It sure helps to understand what’s behind it all. As James 1:2-4 tells us, testing has a way of producing endurance. Life presses in on us and can accomplish something. It adds value to our lives. Tests our core. It brings about maturity.
As our faith develops, our marriage is transformed. God wants us to grow up. He wants us to mature.
We’re Thankful We Endured Faithfully
Even though you may not see it, God is working in your struggle.
C.S. Lewis said, “God whispers in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, shouts in our pain. It’s His megaphone to rouse a deaf world.”
As all of us go through the trials and challenges of being married, we want to encourage you to persevere. Trials are temporary.
This article is adapted from HomeLife Magazine.
To Have and To Hold by Byron and Carla Weathersbee
As you begin counting down to your wedding day or find yourself in the midst of the early years of marriage, it’s important to invest time and energy into building a lifelong partnership.
Over 8 sessions, learn to develop your foundation as individuals and a couple while growing in your understanding of Christ and His divine goal for marriage. Allow Him to be your teacher, guide, counselor, and coach as you discover biblical principles behind living life to the fullest as a couple.
As you begin counting down to your wedding day or find yourself in the midst of the early years of marriage, it’s important to invest time and energy into building a lifelong partnership.
Over 8 sessions in To Have and To Hold, learn to develop your foundation as individuals and a couple while growing in your understanding of Christ and His divine goal for marriage. Allow Him to be your teacher, guide, counselor, and coach as you discover biblical principles behind living life to the fullest as a couple.
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