Marriage is not about “fighting” it is about fighting the right battles
God allows the battles to give us the victory!
In the first chapter of my book, Before You Say I Don’t, is entitled First Things First. The focus of the chapter is to remind of how the “firsts” in our lives impact us. This includes remembering the first time you meet or feel in love. Our first impression about marriage and what God’s desire was for that very first marriage.
God never promised this life would be easy, or marriage would be without problems. It is important to remember how do deal with challenges, trials, and troubles when they come your way.
I wrote in chapter one that it is important to understand that in your marriage, your problems are not you against each other; it’s you two against the world. Marriage does take work, and at times it will be a battle, but it is important to know it is not you against your spouse. It’s a war against our sin nature. Every marriage has both an earthly and spiritual enemy who we need to be aware of. It is self and Satan. One mighty opponent that can be easily identified is named selfishness. If we are honest with our marriage issues it usually comes down to “what I want.” Think about most disagreements that come up in all marriages: money, children, recreation, future, career, etc. it usually centers around wanting it “my way” with little to no regards of what is best for others.
In addition to selfishness, another enemy and a battle we will face is Satan. Scripture is clear that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4), because he knows the impact that your marriage could have for God’s kingdom and Satan fears that. Thus, he works tirelessly to destroy Christian marriages. The enemies work can be seen working through our government in establishing the No-fault divorce law and even today in through tax credits that make it easier to cohabitate than get married. As the father of lies, the devil, is real and he not only wants to destroy our individual lives, but God’s institution of marriage and family. (John 8:44) The Apostle Paul says our battle is not against people, but against the powers of evil. (Ephesians 6:12) Because every marriage has two enemies, selfishness and Satan, it’s essential that couples stay engaged in the battle for a thriving marriage.
Because every marriage has two enemies, selfishness and Satan, it’s essential that couples stay engaged in the battle for a thriving marriage.
Do not give us fighting the good fight of faith. Your marriage is worth the fight even it seems like an endless battle. God remains faithful to you and your faithfulness to Him and your marriage covenant will be rewarded! You do not and should not fight this battle alone. Seek help, seek prayer support, stay grounded in His Word. And know that God is with you and He will never leave you!
Look at what His word says about our battles:
“This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.” 2 Chronicles 20:15
“In all these things, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6
Our fight is not against people on earth but against the rulers and authorities and the powers of this world’s darkness, against the spiritual powers of evil in the heavenly world. That is why you need to put on God’s full armor. Then on the day of evil you will be able to stand strong. And when you have finished the whole fight, you will still be standing. Ephesians 6:12-13
FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH—IT’S WORTH IT BECAUSE IN CHRIST WE ALREADY HAVE THE VICTORY!
