Grace in Which We Stand
“Through [our Lord Jesus Christ] we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:2-5, ESV
Today I’m wrapping up a week of anniversary memories, reflecting on some of the key lessons God has taught Ken and me during our 41 years of marriage.
It is no secret that we’ve had to deepen our reliance on Christ when, in hard times, our emotions fray to the snapping point. Ken and I are great examples of the book called, When Sinners Say, “I Do.” Two people simply cannot live harmoniously together unless they press hard into Jesus Christ and his abundant grace.
So, we sit down together every morning to read the Bible and pray together, knowing that we both require God’s guidance and love. Honestly, if we skip a day or two, we both can feel the lack in our spirits. “By [God’s decrees], your servant is warned; and keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:11).
Ken and I also keep short accounts with each other. If we don’t, our marriage becomes clogged with unresolved conflict and grudges. We have learned that significant relationships require an extra measure of grace in areas that push our buttons. When we grasp the grace and mercy we’ve received from Jesus, we are more ready to extend the same mercy to each other. Only Jesus can right the wrongs in our marriage.
Here’s another good lesson: your spouse is not your enemy; the devil is. Do not allow the adversary to drive a wedge between you two. If your spouse is unwilling to read the Bible with you, bite your tongue from resentment or pride. Satan would love nothing more than to cause a rift between Christian couples. Instead, pray committedly and at length for your spouse and for your marriage.
Romans 5 tells us that suffering opens the way to persevering character (something very much needed in marriages today)! It also says that the love of God has been poured into our hearts. Oh, friend, this shows we have a huge reservoir of love to shower on our spouse. And finally, Romans 5 tells us to look forward to that Day when we will share in God’s glory.
Ken and I don’t want to miss that moment and so, as we start working on our 42nd year of marriage this week, we will keep reading the Bible and praying; we will keep short accounts and strive never to give the devil a toehold in our marriage!
Pray with me: Lord, thank you for making your all-sufficient grace available to me and for pouring your love into my heart. I want to live with endurance in the face of suffering. I want to persevere to the end. Thank you for the certain hope I can carry with me.
Marriage Reflections
This week on the Joni and Friends Ministry Podcast, find encouragement from three couples you’ll recognize from previous episodes of the show. Discover the importance of good communication, respect, and gratitude in a marriage, especially when a disability is involved.
