8.25.2009
Carrie and I have been married for what will be 5 years this September. Ups and downs couldn't even describe the roller coaster that life has brought us through. There have been amazing moments where time has stood still, moments where we wanted to tear each others clothes off in the middle of a shopping mall we wanted each other so bad... to moments where she's wanted to beat the living snot out of me and times when I just slept on the couch because I couldn't take it anymore.
Ever been there?
We've been helping quite a few couples through the rough terrain of marital unhappiness, infidelity, abuse, and the list goes on. The truth I have known for awhile, but is becoming much more apparent is- there is no perfect marriage. Did you miss that?
There is no perfect marriage. Marriage in our world isn't perfect because there are no perfect people. We all screw up, we all make mistakes, we all say-do-&-act out in ways that will at some point make our spouse go, "Who the heck is this person?!? Did I actually marry him/her?!"
But, the quick fix is to turn to marriage books, studies, and 12 Steps To A Better Marriage" conferences. The problem is... there will still be a problem. Working on the surface doesn't solve the problem.
As followers of Jesus, we are to individually turn to the maker and creator and ask for Him to heal our wounds, break our pride, humble our selfish hearts, renew us and complete us in His amazing grace. When we do that, we turn to the "Healer of the Broken." And He (God) can take two people who are in wreckage who have turned to Him and do amazing things in healing their marriage. Now marriage books and studies are great, don't get me wrong; but don't discount the power of the healing message of God's love.
I'm watching many marriages become strengthened by His power.
They tried the books, but when it isn't wrapped around Jesus- it's just plain incomplete.
Please continue to pray for the marriages in our church, community, world- and if you are struggling in your marriage, please contact me [jason@forefront.org] or someone here at www.forefront.org. We are here to help.
Jason *over and out*
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Having been married for 33 years it only gets easier as you learn (1) that you are not as wonderful as you think you are (2) you are not always right (3)the person I am married to is not here for me, I am here for them.
Remember, we struggle because we live in a fallen world, but God uses those struggle to teach and instruct. If we do not learn the lessons, we are going to wander in the desert a little longer.
I might actually have this marriage thing right in another 33years. In the meantime, I will take hold of that which Christ took hold of me. He Loves without condition. Let us be like him...