Give Thanks for Marriage

“But from the beginning of creation, God made them male and female.  For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one.  So they are no longer two, but one.  What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”  Mark 10:6-9

My morning devotional reading yesterday was from the story of Abraham and Sarah.  Abraham and Sarah made many mistakes–lying, cheating, becoming angry, laughing at God’s promises.  Sin was part of their life together.  However, God was part of their lives as well.  They followed God for decades, through difficult times and together they built the family which would become God’s chosen people.  Into that family was born the Savior of the world, Jesus.

Marriage was one of the first gifts God gave to man.  In marriage, we can learn to serve and love another person unconditionally.  In marriage, we can have lifelong friendship and companionship.  In marriage, we have the opportunity to do great things for God.

I know too often, I take my marriage for granted.  Sometimes I even gripe and complain about my husband’s flaws or the habits that irritate or annoy me. Like Abraham and Sarah, sin is part of our lives;  but grace is there, too.  Together we have raised a family, studied the Bible, served the church and experienced most of life’s major milestones.  Nobody knows me better than my husband.  Nobody has forgiven me more often.  Nobody else has supported me as frequently. Today I’m going to give thanks for the blessings of 40+ years with the same person.  If you’re married, I hope you will do the same.

Remember God loves you and so do I!