The 3 Cs for Working On a Successful Marriage

 

Since we became a part of the marriage ministry in our church, we have seen commitment displayed in front of us by the leadership team and other table leaders of this ministry. 

 

 

Look at any married couple and I guarantee you that they have been through at least one major issue
in their marriage-Deaths, affairs, financial troubles, divorces, sexual abuse, strained relationships with in-laws, and so much more. 

 

 

The commitment to remain married to your spouse, and to do whatever it takes, can only really come from your commitment to Christ and His plan for your life. He doesn’t give up on us, and we should not be too quick to give up on our marriages. He can redeem all the baggage, junk, hurts, abuse, and
hardships. Bring it to Him, commit to your marriage, and watch how God will work.

 

 

 

 A successful marriage requires energy, time, patience, and courage. We must be brave and vulnerable. Opening up to others about our deepest feelings, thoughts, hopes, and dreams can be difficult, but it is necessary if we want a close and flourishing relationship with our husbands. Be courageous! Begin to
talk to your husband about your future, your hopes and dreams, the hard things. 

 

You may be afraid of rejection, of unkind words, or that he won’t care. Especially if you have been hurt by your spouse in the past. I’ll admit to having those fears myself, and they are real.  But, give it a try anyway. 

 

You may be surprised at the changes that take place in your husband after he begins to see a real change in you. I have a long way to go, many improvements that still need to be made in my life. I’m looking to God to do that work in me. When my husband saw real change in me last fall, he began to change as well.

It has been beautiful to watch him begin to step up to lead in areas where I’ve wanted him to for years. I simply had to get out of the way, to let go of the bitterness. Be brave, have the courage to change first. Your spouse may very well follow.

 

 

“And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. But Moses’ hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun.”

Exodus 17:11-12

This is a very important part of finding success in marriage. A married couple cannot remain an island unto themselves and expect to flourish. Even when things are going great we all sometimes need help managing our lives. When we are struggling, it becomes almost impossible to continue successfully if we have no one to hold up our arms.

 

Jumping into the marriage class at our church was a huge turning point for us. God has done some immense work in my heart. He has allowed me to completely let go of the bitterness and anger.
My husband and I are able to now work on the other areas that we neglected during those many years of struggle.

It is in large part due to having a group of mentors through our ministry team. We have men and women who have been transparent about their struggles, who are committed and courageous, and who love the Lord. He has worked miracles in their marriages, and they are now pointing the way for others. These friends are our Aaron and Hur. They have come alongside us and are holding up our arms when we grow weary.

I urge you, find others to hold up your arms when you cannot hold them up yourselves.
Search for community and join in!

 

Are you struggling in your marriage? Perhaps you have a praise to share about the work God has done in your relationship. Please share them with me! I want to pray for you and celebrate with you.

 

 

Wendy is a homeschooling mama to five who loves to encourage others along the homeschooling journey. She also considers herself a ‘foodie’and is always ready to try a new recipe in the kitchen. You will find Wendy writing about homeschooling, faith, family, food, and books over on her blog, Striving to Follow Him. Wendy is also founder of Your One Tree, a contributor blog dedicated to encouraging others to die to self daily, as well as contributing monthly over at Managing Your Blessings. Be sure to visit and connect with Wendy on Facebook and Twitter, too!

 

Thank you, Wendy, for encouraging us to spend quality time on our marriages as moms. It is an important part of our work as women. 

She previously shared some recipes with us, and if you are a new or beginning homeschooling mama, you will benefit from her series on starting to homeschool. Her wealth of experiences in motherhood, marriage, homeschooling and life are always beneficial! I know they have given me great tips to focus on in my life.


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