If You Want to Be Strong, Abide
by Marilynn Chadwick
A young mom recently asked if there was anything I’d do differently if I were just starting out in my marriage. It didn’t take long to respond that I’d be more intentional about abiding in Christ. Abiding, I believe, is the secret to lasting strength in marriage.
David made a comment the other day that got me thinking. “I really like it that you are not needy,” he told me. He said he appreciates that I’m not looking to him for my identity. “Because of your relationship with the Lord, you come to our marriage with a full cup,” he confided. “I know you’re not going to drain me dry.”
I’ve thought further about what he said. David knows my weaknesses better than anyone. He has walked me through more fears and more tears than I can count. And yet, he still considers me strong. Perhaps he sees strength in me that I don’t even see in myself. The strength that comes from my relationship with Jesus.
Abiding in Christ is not some magic pill you swallow and then, “Bam, you’re in!” No, it’s a daily process carved out with one foot in front of the other. Even on days I don’t feel like it. Especially on days when I don’t feel like it.
So in a sense, the call to be the helper, or ezer, in my marriage is a call to a daily walk with Christ. It’s saying yes when Jesus calls to me to follow him. And yes to abiding.
Discover God’s path to a better marriage
A key to making your marriage the best it can be isn’t a secret. God commands spouses to give honor to one another – and blesses them for doing so!
David Chadwick and his wife, Marilynn, unpack the biblical meaning of honor in these two special books, Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Husband and Eight Great Ways to Honor Your Wife.
You’ll find humor, humility and a passion for Christ that will inspire you to love your spouse in new ways that:
- Reignite the “spark” you remember
- Deepen trust and the intimacy you long for
- Connect you to God’s original and joy-filled intent for marriage
Both books are our way of saying thanks for your gift below to help share Jesus and the life-changing new perspective He gives.
For more from Moments of Hope, visit us at MomentsofHope.org.
