For Better or Worse - Series Introduction

Tomorrow, Don and I will celebrate our 14^th wedding anniversary. We said our vows in the church prayer room with a handful of witnesses on November 13^th, 2000. Like most weddings, our vows included “for better or worse, in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, til death us do part.”

Like most marriages, we enjoyed many years of wedded bliss, but also endured many seasons of marriage nightmares. We felt totally unprepared for this married thing, said very hurtful words, and did very selfish things. 

Yet we survived, and now have great joy in our marriage. I marvel at how God – and our commitment to Him and to each other – kept us together. We are still works in progress, but we're definitely reaping rewards for our efforts and obedience.

This is the first in a six-part series (posting every Wednesday) about the “worse” times we experienced and how God led us through. Each week will include a testimony (God story), scripture, and a take-away lesson about what we learned. There's no formula, for sure, but there are Biblical principles we can all apply. 

The topics are:

Weariness – how easy it is to want to give up, or take control, when you see no changes or answers to prayer.

Offense – how taking offense at little things builds up into a rock-solid, unforgiving wall

Rebellion – how refusal to do things God’s way can hinder His ability to work

Super-Spiritual – how marriage is not a competition to see who is the most spiritual

Expectations – how looking at other marriages or reading books can lead us to set unrealistic expectations

This series is for everyone.

Happily married and thriving? What a blessing you have, and I'm sure you have stories! Please share your comments throughout the series about what the Lord taught you and how you endured. Your testimony will encourage us all.

Never married? This series can help you understand that even though all moments in marriage are not “happily ever after”, marriage overall is amazing when you are willing to do your part.

Separated or divorced? Sadly, many people find themselves here, and often not by choice. This series can help you sort out what happened, and help prepare you if God brings another person into your life.

Married and struggling? Please walk with us through the series. You are not alone in your struggles. God is with you, and He’ll provide all the help you need. Just ask.

IMPORTANT: We recognize some of you may be in situations that are dangerous. If so, please seek immediate help. We in no way want to imply that anyone should stay in an unsafe place.

This is our wedding photo.
Wow, we were so young!

Our God is a miracle working God who breathes life into dead things. His best for your marriage is restoration, redemption, and most of all, to thrive as He intended.

God is able.

Are you willing?

We were, and we lived to tell about it. Join us for the next five weeks as we share how God saved our marriage.

Next up: Weariness

TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Pray about each one of the topic areas and make notes about what God reveals to you. Also, if you know someone else who may be blessed by this series, please share the link with them.