4 Lessons on Marriage From the First Thanksgiving
By Lisa Lakey
In search of a fresh start, the Pilgrims encountered sickness, a grueling winter, and death after landing on Cape Cod. But an alliance with the Wampanoag tribe changed everything, offering healing and restoration after a harsh season.
This story is one that resonates with all of us: that life is often not what we expected.
After our daughter was born, we went through a season of pain in our marriage. A big life change, unrealistic expectations, hurtful words, and unhealthy communication habits nearly destroyed us. I had expected the happiest time in our lives. Instead, I encountered what I thought was the death of our marriage.
But like the Pilgrims remembered during their first harvest, God is always working to restore His people. And that includes your marriage.
Here are four reminders that can apply to whatever season of marriage you find yourself in.
God is always worthy of praise. Especially in trials, our faith rests in the promise that God is working (see Romans 8:28). And that is a reason for praise.
There is always hope for tomorrow. I can’t help but think about the faith it took for the Pilgrims to plant those first few kernels of corn, not knowing whether they would produce a crop. It required hope. It can be hard to see past the struggles of today, but God always gives us hope for tomorrow.
We’re better together. An alliance was key to the colonists’ ultimate survival. Likewise, holding tight to your spouse through the storms of life can be the determining factor for the survival of your marriage. But sometimes it takes more than two. Letting a pastor or marriage counselor in on your pain is a wise step toward healing.
Seasons change. Like the Pilgrims, you might feel like you are just surviving. Been there. That first year after our daughter being born was just hard. But seasons change. A harsh winter can turn into a beautiful spring. But you’ll only know that if you wait out the winter storm.
No matter the season, did you know gratitude can maximize your joy?
The Good Stuff: For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-3)
Action Points: Where is God working in your marriage? If you’re struggling to see God’s hand, pray. Ask Him to help you clearly see His goodness through the trials. If you’ve overcome struggles in the past, thank Him for His healing and restoration in your marriage.
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