On marriage

For the past year and a half, we have walked alongside some friends who were struggling in their marriage. For a season Mark met with the husband, encouraging him to be faithful to God, his marriage, and his two young children. And there was a period of time in which he was really trying, and we thought there was hope for this faltering marriage. And then this man slipped back into a pattern of internet-meetings, infidelities and lies. The divorce is now final. And this now-single mother is moving with her two children to another part of the country.

I recently met another woman at our church. She is in her early to mid-sixties. She and her husband served as missionaries overseas for most of their married life. They raised two sons, now grown. She shared her story with me a couple of weeks ago. Her husband left her a year and a half ago. Her sons have now walked away from the faith of their father. She is alone, and beginning again. When she shared she said, "He was a godly man. I never would have imagined it would happen to us."

You probably know some similar stories.

"The thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy." It is a grievous thing to witness. Indeed, the enemy seeks to destroy marriages and families. He has succeeded, over and over. Another verse says "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour."

I don't know about you, but stories like these make me hug my own husband a little tighter. I tell him how much I love him, how deeply thankful I am for his purity, for his faithfulness to us, and for His ever-increasing love for God and His laws.

And I am prompted to spend more time in prayer for my husband, our marriage, asking for God's protection on us and from the enemy who would like nothing better than to destroy this marriage and family, too.

Where is your husband? Go to him. Express to him how much you love him and respect his character. And pray for your marriage and this man God has given you.


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