When Storms Come to Your Marriage

Marriage is a life-changing journey embarked upon by a staggering 96% of Americans. Despite the promise of "till death do us part," 38% of these unions unravel, ending in divorce. Subsequent remarriage and divorce rates compound the issue, painting a bleak picture of marital stability in our country. The United States bears the dubious distinction of having the world's highest divorce rate. These alarming statistics serve as a stark reminder of a hidden epidemic.

Identifying the underpinning factors contributing to such high divorce rates, we often find an alarming lack of preparedness for the inevitable marital storms. These storms, paralleling the metaphor of Matthew 7:24-25, impact various aspects of our lives, including health, career, finance, and family. They emphasize the importance of a solid foundation—grounded in God's guidance—for any marriage.

These storms, represented as rains, floods, and winds, symbolize different external forces. Rains relate to cultural pressures, floods symbolize crises, and winds represent life changes. These forces can considerably undermine a marriage, especially if the couple is unprepared. What are three potential storms every marriage will face?

Countering Cultural Influence
Today's society frequently opposes traditional family values, exerting immense pressure on couples. This pressure surfaces in various forms, such as alternative lifestyles, feminism, and sexual freedom. These cultural shifts, disturbingly akin to the image portrayed in 2 Timothy 3:1-4, can jeopardize a marriage's stability. Romans 12:1-2, however, encourages resisting these cultural influences and swimming against the tide of societal norms, anchored by the word of God.

Navigating Through Crisis
Crises in marriage mirror floods—they arrive unexpectedly and can engulf us, threatening our stability. These crises could range from loss of a loved one, infidelity, financial turmoil, to serious illness. They can prove overwhelming. Yet, Isaiah 43:1-3 reminds us of God's unwavering promise—His presence and protection. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you and the rivers will not overwhelm you, When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched and the flame will not burn you. For I am the LORD your God, the Holy One of Israel, and your Savior, Isaiah 43.1-3. Commitment to the marital bond and trust in God's promises are vital lifelines during these tumultuous times.

Adapting to Change
Just like changing seasons, marriages undergo various phases. These life changes can destabilize the marital bond, especially when couples fail to adapt. Ecclesiastes 3:1 illustrates this inevitability of change, serving as a critical reminder. However, changes need not result in bitterness; they can lead to betterment. Embracing these winds of change with contentment, flexibility, and faith, as advocated in Philippians 4:11-13, helps fortify a marriage against such forces.

Are you Ready?
In essence, marriages must navigate the relentless rain of cultural influence, the devastating floods of crises, and the unyielding winds of change. The key to lasting marital resilience lies in its foundation—spiritual unity with Jesus as the relationship's core. As couples embark on a journey of spiritual growth together, they solidify their union, fostering an invincible bond capable of withstanding the most potent storms.