Stepping Stones: Is Marriage For Fools?

Transformational Tip

My 9 yo asked me, “Dad, what is National Atheist Day?” I was thinking hard as I hate looking dumb in front of my girls, especially my 9 yo. I was also thinking, how did the atheists get a day…was it part of the healthcare reform zillion page bill? I gave up and asked for the answer. “April 1…April Fools Day.” She is a little character.

We will tackle marriage today as only fools fall in love. Becoming one in Christ is God's plan for husbands and wives. This spiritual, psychological, and physical union is a special miracle of God. It seems so elusive and frustrating to attain that you almost have to be a fool to even try.

Today's scripture states that a man leaves his father and mother to be joined to his wife. The "leaving behind" is often difficult for the man and the woman when it comes to baggage…like unhealthy behavior patterns, hurt feelings, wounds, neglect, abuse, fears, need for control, and lack of role models for skill development.

In many cases, individuals bring this kind of baggage to the marriage, counting on their new relationship to "fix" the hurt. But there must be openness and real unconditional love for each other with God, Jesus, and the Bible at the center of the relationship. When these are left out, bringing this kind of baggage to the marriage will hurt the relationship and hinder the process of truly becoming one.

Today, turn to Jesus for healing from these kinds of problems. Are there areas of baggage that you need to allow God to help you with in the process of "becoming one"? Are you ready to let Him help? Remember your wedding vows. Why have you broken your covenant to God, your spouse, and loved ones. We all break them, but be intentional about being “foolish” to the world’s way of doing marriage and choose God’s way.

Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your perspective on becoming one with the help of God.

Prayer
Dear Father God, I know I brought some things into my marriage that I should have dealt with before getting married. I guess I really did think that this marriage…and my spouse…would change everything. But I realize now that my answer can only be found in Jesus. Forgive me for waiting until now to turn to You. Thank You for loving me. Help me through this process of healing. Help my spouse and me grow in our relationship and to truly be one in Christ. I pray this and all prayers through your Son and my Savior, Jesus Christ; and all God’s children say - AMEN!

The Truth
As the Scriptures say, a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.
Ephesians 5:31
If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.
Numbers 30:2