Marriage from A to Z

“For Better or For Worse!”

 

“For better or for worse!” Do these words sound familiar? Did you say them on your wedding day? Do you remember hearing them at someone’s wedding?  I said them 19 years ago,   but in my mind, I was thinking;  “for better or for better.”  I don’t think I am alone, many of us said the words; “for better or for worse” but never imagined the worse. These words are a part of the vows/covenant that married people make to God and to     their spouse.  It’s one thing to say these words, but are you willing to put these words into practice?

It’s easy to stay with a person when things are getting better and better.  Better is defined as; improved, of superior quality or excellence, something that one desires, finds acceptable or preferable.  Better may mean something different for every person/marriage.  However, many say things are better when their relationship is going well,  their health is good, the loving is good, the finances are good, the children are good, you have a good job, a nice place to live and a nice car to drive.  All of these things are wonderful and certainly make life better.  However, God intended for  marriage to endure through better or worse.

Lately, I have been hearing about marriages that are going through the worse.  No one wants to experience the worse.  It is not something that anyone would welcome.  Dealing with the worse is dealing with situations that are; very challenging, hurtful, draining, bad, deceitful or painful.  The situations are so tough that no one wants to deal with them.  Often times some of the the first thoughts that comes to the human mind is, “How can I get out of this situation? I want a divorce, I am not going to stick around,  I can’t take this! or I don’t deserve this!”  These are all normal and natural thoughts, but you would be surprised to see what you can endure with God’s help.  With God, ALL things are possible! (Matthew 19:26)  

If you are going through the worse, I pray that you will be encouraged. If you are in a season of better, please join me in praying for marriages that are going through the worse.   Know that God is able to carry you through.  His grace is sufficient for you.  God is with you and according to Hebrews 13:5, He will never leave you nor forsake you.  He is a very present help in the time of trouble.  Many marriages have survived through the worse situations, and they are able to testify that, God did it!  Remember that the same God who brought them through, can bring you through.

You can survive the worse season by; seeking godly counsel, crying out to God, choosing to forgive, reading the Bible on a daily basis, fasting, surrounding yourself with people who will help to encourage you and having a good support system.  I Corinthians 13:7 – 8 says that love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.  Love never fails!  

Until next week . . .

Carolyn