Do You Want A Marriage That Inspires Others?
In a recent devotion, I shared Bert’s and my goal to pray together every day. Some of you may be thinking, “It must be nice to have a marriage like that!” Truth is, you probably do.
Bert and I struggle with many of the same issues most couples wrestle with, including our spiritual journey. It took many years before we finally made praying together a priority. Even now, we still miss some days, but we’re much more consistent than before.
Yet, I can’t ignore those of you who hate this week’s column (and similar messages) because of the long, painful disappointment you’ve experienced while waiting for God to give you “a marriage like that.”
If reading this makes you chafe with frustration because it doesn’t seem likely it’ll happen for you, I understand. I’ve been there. Actually, I’m “there” in several areas of my marriage as I continue to wait on God.
I wish I could redo the earlier years of our marriage. I wonder if Bert and I would’ve prayed together sooner if I’d handled myself better. Not to mention the strife we could have avoided. Worst of all, I’m ashamed of how poorly I represented God while berating Bert for not wanting to spend time with Him – in the way I thought he should.
It’s easy to resort to nagging or browbeating when our spouses resist our good intentions. But how often does this really work? Satan would love to take something that’s meant to bring us closer to each other (and to God) and use it instead as a tool to harass and divide us.
What would happen if we practiced Ephesians 4:1-2 instead?
Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. (ESV).
I want to practice every line of this verse in my marriage. Don’t you? Think what it would mean to our spouses if we loved them in this way.
Let’s see how different our marriages would be if we bore with each other humbly and gently in the areas in which we each fall short – and allowed the Holy Spirit (rather than ourselves) to change our spouses.
Perhaps the changes in our marriages will inspire others to work toward a marriage like ours!
What about you?
I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Others might also benefit from your comment.)
- In what ways can you better practice Ephesians 4:1-2 in your marriage?
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Inspiring message.
Thank you, Barbara! I pray it encourages others.
And thank you for sharing my devotion on your Facebook page, Barbara!
Today my husband, Larry, and I celebrate our 55th wedding anniversary! I’m ALWAYS grateful for the ways the Holy Spirit gets my attention. Thank you for your blog this morning.
Hi, Cindi. Congratulations on your 55th wedding anniversary. Yay! And I am so with you: I love all the ways the Holy Spirit gets my attention, too.
Welcome to Today Can Be Different, Cindi. I hope you stop by often.
<3 Sheryl, thank you for your insightful, encouraging blog message. After coming to Jesus as my Savior at the age of 12, I went on to live 40-years as a prodigal (22 – 62), with a very stubborn unbeliever. After his death in 2003, I did not think I would marry again. God certainly had other plans and guided me into a new marriage at the age of 64 when He blessed me with a truly godly man. He used my new husband to bring me out of my prodigal wanderings, back into His loving arms. I am so thankful for His continuing work in our lives. Amen! <3 Sharing your wonderful message on my Timeline! <3
Wow! What a story. And what a testimony! Thank you for sharing your story with us, Joyce. And thank you so much for sharing my devotion on your Facebook page!
It is a continual work in progress to surrender Mike to God and wait patiently on Him as I walk alone in my journey -often not strong enough because I want Mike to walk it with me. I do believe he loves God and is saved, but no desire to grow or voice his faith
Hi, Judy. You are so very correct: it is a continual work in progress, indeed!
Bert has come a long way. However, just as is true with me, God is not finished with him. I often have to recommit my trust in my heavenly Father that He loves my husband much more than I do – and knows exactly how to reach him. Please pray for me, as I will pray for you, Judy.
Thank you for stopping by Today Can Be Different. I love seeing you!
Such an encouraging message!!.My marriage broke,3years now,praying for God intervention.
I will continue to pray with (and for) you, Linda.
A wonderful post.
After years of bickering with my husband,I prayed diligently for the Lord to help me hold my tongue. With many prayers and tears the Lord granted it.
Even though I’m married to an unbeliever, our marriage is back to where it should be. It took a lot of effort but it paid off.
The Lord is awesome
LOVE your comment, Sandra — on every level. THANK you for your transparency.
Hello my sweet friend! Thank you so much for your encouraging words. I would like to receive these though my email.
Wow! Every blogger loves to hear a request like yours, Susan.
Simply scroll up to the top of this page (right-hand side) and put in your email address at the place provided. Then click on “Subscribe”. Thank you again!
Ephesians 4:1-2 (ESV): Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.”