Sticking it out

So ladies, as you know, I hardly ever write about marriage, as I like to encourage women in general. But forgive me on this one :), I needed to put this down... Hopefully, we can all take something from it.

There is woven into the fabric of marriage a sense of something ongoing.  One woman, one man, together for a lifetime, right? But somewhere in the beginning, in between, somewhere along the journey, we adapt to some reasoning that as couples, we do not have to be "communicating" or having fun or constantly setting goals together.  We literally live single lives in a married home. We accept that all it takes is that we have to be together - and intend to stay that way.  This is faithfulness to each other and to God, according to feelings and whatever guards we have set up. 

Unfortunately, too many times, and too many people have been deceived to think that marriage should not be fun or fulfilling, or entertaining.  The dissapointment sets in when we get married and deep down inside, we know that we know, that things should not be this way, and should be vibrant...but we can't do anything about it...so we take it for what it is.  Or we bail out of one marriage and keep searching and find even more frustration with another marriage setting. 

As I read through scriptures, I see teachings on joy, yes, joy - the kind that flows with obedience, submission, tenderness, love, compassion, sensitivity, service (to each other), from glimpses of the Holy God.  God wants us to do that which glorifies Him - to be faithful, to keep His commandments, to love and cherish our spouses/fiancees (not just doing the works, but actually loving each other deeply). 

Sticking it out means being faithful, and out of faithfulness there is peace. It's being tender, and out of tenderness, there is reciprocity, joy and love. I see too many couples these days with a lack of tenderness...and it really breaks my heart because marriage really should be founded on Godly perspectives, should be fun, has to be loving and something to boast about.

Married ladies out there, please.....stick it out - let this be our first principle!

Marriage Builders:

• What are the challenges you are facing as a wife/fiancee as you try to be faithful to God?
• What challenges are a part of faithfulness in your relationships?