Making Marriage Last

When I first came to salvation I had a pastor who would preach often regarding satan’s attitude towards the family. My former pastor showed me through the use of scripture how much satan hates the family structure and all that it represents.

With that being said, I have used this very same knowledge to aid me in the process of keeping my family together during trying times.

Many of us have or will experience rough spots in our marriage and parenting relationships. What I would like to focus in on is, how do we respond in these times of trouble?

The trouble that am specifically referring to is financial trouble. These are the troubles that most often lead to divorce. My husband and I have had our share of financial challenges throughout our marriage some of which have led to discussions of divorce.

But, what is it that has kept us together during the tough time of financial strain?

1. I don’t blame my husband for our financial troubles.

Instead of blaming him I have conditioned myself to and encourage him. I tell him that we will make it through this. I remind him that we’ve been “here” before and God has provided then and He will provide now. This strengthens his faith in God and his love for me. We help each other believe hrough tough times, which avoids divorce and helps us to live in peace.

1 Corinthians 7:13-15

And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him. For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

But if the unbeliever leaves, let him do so. A believing man or woman is not bound in such circumstances; God has called us to live in peace.

I quoted this scripture because in times of doubt we can begin to loose faith and conduct ourselves like unbelievers. When we forget that God is in control we can begin to loose control, over our actions and our words. We have all said and done somethings that we have regretting in times of stress. But we should not make rash decisions regarding divorce in times of trouble, because the situation can prevent you from seeing things as clearly as you should.

2. I pray for a surrendered mind.

Instead of worrying about how we were going to meet each financial need. I remind myself of Gods’ promises. These are just a few of the promises that I use to remind myself that God is in control.

Deuteronomy 4:31 For the LORD thy God is a merciful God;) he will not forsake thee, neither destroy thee, nor forget the covenant of thy fathers which he sware unto them.

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Joshua 1:5 As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Matthew 6:27-29 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.

3. Finally I pray for Gods wisdom so that I don’t make hasty and foolish decisions.

I also pray for a surrendered heart so that pride doesn’t creep in, causing me not to submit to my husbands leadership of our family. I don’t know about you but I have certainly struggled with wanting to take control of the family.

Especially when I believed that my husband has made what I deemed to be an unwise decision. Reacting in such a manner is in complete opposition to Gods word.

No marriage comes without it’s share of challenges. I once heard a man say that ‘Grief is the price that we pay for love’ and if that be so then I must accept the grievous times as a natural occurrence and depend on God to help me through it.