Preserving Marriage
Preserving Marriage
Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances. (Prov. 11:14 msg)
“So how have you been?” I innocently asked Sheree as we left the meeting. Her eyes teared up. “Mitch and I aren’t doing very well,” she admitted. We stepped into an empty Sunday school room. She continued, “We weren’t Christians when we got married, and we did so many things wrong. I think God has changed my heart, but I’m not sure about Mitch. I know he’s cheated on me at least once, and he says he doesn’t love me anymore.”
I was completely overwhelmed. I am much younger than Sheree, but she has been married twice as long. What should I say? “Sheree, have you guys talked to anyone? I mean, like a counselor?”
“I’d like to, but Mitch refuses. He’s given up on us.”
“You can’t give up hope, Sheree. Do you remember that verse that says, ‘Nothing will be impossible with God’? (Luke 1:37). Listen, I’ll go down to Pastor Ron’s office with you right now, and we’ll talk to him about finding a good counselor for you two to visit. And I’ll pray with you that God will begin restoring what is broken.”
The Bible teaches that we are all sinners (Rom. 3:23), and our marriages are affected by sin as well. Yet we must remember that no marriage is beyond the saving grace of God. If He can save us from our sins and spiritual death and give us eternal life through His Son, He can bring restoration, healing, and peace to our lives and relationships here on earth.
If you are facing trials in your marriage or you know someone who is, encourage them to visit a godly counselor who will honestly and lovingly point out the truth of God’s Word and try to preserve their marriage in keeping with His will.