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The young and less-experienced couple will tend to be surprised at the great variety of trials that they may face. If you recognize a trial you are facing, make sure your spouse is aware of it and is in agreement with you as to what the trial is.
3. Develop a Strategy Together
By quickly recognizing trials, you can support one another instead of blaming each other or your marriage. Immediately pray and develop a strategy for overcoming the trial. Disagreement concerning the trial can result in a lack of support for one another, making oneness impossible. On the other hand, oneness with each other and God can result if you determine to overcome the trial together.
Praying together is important. Do not underestimate the power of prayer, since prayer usually leads to oneness and agreement on your coping strategy.
4. Respond to the Trial with God’s Perspective
If you determine that you brought the trial into your life through sin, irresponsible behavior, or a bad decision, confess it to God. After your confession, take the appropriate steps to resolve it. Be sure to seek forgiveness from others when appropriate.
If you have not brought the trial into your life, assume it is from God’s loving hand for your benefit and His glory. Begin to apply the perspectives taught in the Scripture concerning trials.
Battle the Storm Together
Experienced sailors prepare for storms. When the storm hits, they execute their plan, focusing only on overcoming the situation. They battle the storm together.
Since most marriages will encounter trials, be prepared. Our natural instinct is to lose hope or blame. Yet if we have renewed our minds with Scripture, we have the choice of responding in faith, choosing to override our human instinct.
Trials are seldom pleasant, but the anguish that comes with them can be mitigated by knowing that God will use them to perfect you. At all costs, do not allow trials to drive you and your spouse apart.
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