Marriage

Good Morning friends.  I apologize for not writing for a week, but my family and I took an amazing vacation.  Getting back to a routine feels good.  My kids, on the other hand, are not so happy about going back to  school.  As I was doing my morning devotion today, I came across a scripture that I had either never read or forgotten about.  I was praying for a friend who confided in me that her marriage is in serious trouble.  I told her not to give up and keep praying, God can turn anything around.  When we do not have God as the third member of the marriage, we don't stand a chance.  As I read 1 Corinthians 7:28-31, this stood out:

" But those that marry will face many troubles in this life"

Wow!  It is written in the Bible.  How come Disney doesn't make fairy tales with this message?  I guess it wouldn't make for a good movie.  But the distortion of the truth is what has everyone all messed up.  Why is it that when trouble comes into our marriage that we think that it is only us who are having a hard time with this marriage thing?  The Bible warns us that it is not going to be a fairy tale and we will not live "happily-ever after".  There is no such thing.  Marriage takes work, lots of it.  It is only through Christ that we can make it through the difficult times.  I know that this sounds like I'm saying that marriage is only difficult and that it isn't worth the trouble- I'm not.  Marriage is like the waters of the ocean...low tides, high tides.  We just have to know that.  When trouble comes...seek the lord as your lifesaver.  Hold on strong to the promises of the Lord and they will get you through the rough waters.  With every test, your marriage gets stronger.  After 17 years of many rough waters, including the illnesses and the ultimate death of our first-born child, I'm not only amazed that we are still married, but also proud that we have stood the test of time.  My husband, who by the way reads this blog, will agree that it is only by Grace.  So my message today:  Don't look at other marriages and think that they have some magical luck that makes their marriage easy.  Marriage is not easy.  Some make it look easier than others, but troubles are an inherent part of marriage.  As women we need to offer our husbands respect...probably the most difficult calling of all (especially in today's society).  I challenge you to be the woman of "Esther".  Read the Book of Esther, it is a very short book in the old testament.  Learn how Esther treated her husband as her king and in return, he did anything for her.  Now that is powerful.  Have a blessed day everyone!  Oh, and by the way, I know I promised more on the house and pictures.  This morning my sister Maggie and I will be taking pictures of the new (old ) house we are buying.   I will be posting pictures soon.