“Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So, you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:3-6
A Christian marriage is life-long. Two people bound together in a covenant of love and faithfulness until death. A beautiful way of life for raising a family and learning God’s way of life in the process. The agreement is not for immature children. But two people who honor each other. Serve each other. And fight through their personal demons to become one. There are only a few Biblical reasons to end it.
On that wedding day, standing before family and friends, the couple state their vows. The minister most often will read passages from the Bible. These usually are from 1 Corinthians 13 and Ephesians 5. They may also include words like “whether richer or poorer, through health or sickness.” The aim is to acknowledge they are bound together till death. No matter what the couple faces in the future together.
A sacred and special moment for both with ideals and hopes laid before them. In many ways, in hindsight, not a clue of what is in store before them.
Are not our relationship and commitment with Jesus the same? Has HE not already proposed to us (Luke 9:23)? If we accept HIS offer to follow HIM, do we really know the path where the relationship is going to take us?
Like marriage, it is a commitment. We stand before God, others, and self with our vows, and state “I do” to each. As new babes in Christ, we have hopes and dreams of the future. But then real-world catastrophe occurs. Things don’t go according to plans. Financial challenges. Health challenges. Relationship challenges. Your demons may not even be on the list. But they know you and attack you on a regular basis.
The “I Do” is only three letters. But the power of a commitment behind it is strong. It is what separates winners from losers. Those who pursue life from those who run away. The “I Do” built on enduring love and faithfulness is a weapon for victory. These are the character traits Jesus lives by and empowers us to live by.
A healthy marriage gives us a taste of how Jesus lives with Father and Spirit. This is the relationship HE wants with you and me. Two people becoming one. In marriage two people find ways to work out the obstacles before them. Their lifelong commitment is to make the marriage work. So does Jesus do with us.
The “I DO” is only the start of a journey for life. What comes next is the process of growing in the grace, wisdom, and knowledge of our Lord unto eternity. It involves maturing as a people. It is learning to trust God with all our being. It is learning to partner with the invisible God who loves us more than we realize. He wants what is best for us for the long term. Not immediate gratification. But a future full of favor and success before HIM and those around you.
It all begins with “I Do.” Then it requires the commitment to hang in there and trust Jesus in the process.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Faith-Integrator, Encourager, Scribbler
“We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (Colossians 1:9)
Aspirations and Writings Neatly Bound in Book Formats:
* indicates audio version only available at Apple Books
- Power Up With Jesus Book Series- Aspirations for a Grace-Paced Life *
- The Adventurous Journey of Transformation in Christ *
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: A Life-Giving Worldview *
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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