Yes, God used the friends He had surrounded us with to speak hard truth and wisdom into our situation. It really matters who your friends are, choose godly friends who can pray with you and for you, friends who will walk along-side you and encourage you to fight for your marriage. We both came to a point, realizing how selfish we were, total surrender to Him took first place. No marriage is safe from this battle, the sacredness of marriage is something that will always be under attack. His reminder to us that He can restore even the most desperate of situations is when we were able to surrender our marriage to Him.

Your spouse is made in God’s image and is His masterpiece, always remember that truth. A willingness to forgive and receive forgiveness. Again, it is in the surrender. It is saying – “Jesus I can’t, you can”. Be in the Word…abide in His love and grace, so that you can be able to extend it to your spouse. Seek God first – then the counsel of godly friends, your pastor and/or a Christian counselor.

A beautiful relationship for this lost world to see is what happens. It is the proper authority that God has established. When we submit our hearts to God first, we are given that much more to give to our spouse. We are able to use our marriage for the glory of God.

In a Christian marriage, the fruit of the spirit should be very much on display in how we converse with one another and about one another. We are joint witnesses in the power of the gospel; without Him we are nothing. We can show the power of His redemption. When people see what He has done in and for our marriage, He is glorified and the gospel message is magnified. We work together as one for the saving of souls.

Marriage is a gift and blessing from God. It is our responsibility to tend it well. It is a battle, it is work – but God’s grace is sufficient. It is so worth it to share your life with someone who truly puts Jesus first. I love my spouse more and more with each passing day. Honor, love and cherish the covenant between you and your spouse. We are imperfect people who love and serve a perfect God, rest in what He can and will do for your marriage.