Marriage is Worth the Work

“A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

In a heartwarming story published by the BBC yesterday, it was reported that a man who completed his 500th parkrun event at the age of 90 has reached another impressive milestone. Bob Emmerson, from Walgrave in Northamptonshire, has celebrated 70 years of marriage to his wife Thelma. They wrote to one another for 20 months while Bob was on national service before meeting face to face… Talking to BBC Radio Northampton, Thelma insisted that, after 70 years of marriage, Bob had no annoying habits. Bob said: "There's only one problem with Thelma. We get all ready to come [here] and then she realises she wants to do something like have a little wash, or comb her hair. I'm sitting in the car, waiting." "She does make a lovely apple tart," he added. Do you just love that or what? 

And you know, when it comes to staying married for a long time, you can be sure it’s no easy feat. In fact, Bob might agree that it’s even harder than keeping an impressive running streak. But you can be sure that it’s worth the hard work. You see, in this life Christians will face many attacks, trials, hardships, and things that could easily defeat them. But when they have a godly spouse, the two of them “can stand back-to-back and conquer” because the Lord is at the center of the marriage—strengthening each partner individually so they are then strengthened as a couple. Which is the very reason Solomon said that, “Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” 

So don’t buy into the lie that marriage is just a piece of paper or an antiquated institution my friend. God designed marriage to meet our need for companionship (to give us a helper who would walk with us through every stage of life) and to illustrate God’s perfect love for us. Which is the very reason every believer should strive to find the right partner who models what love is supposed to be and works hard to make their marriage last a lifetime. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for laying out the many benefits that seeking and growing a godly marriage with You at the center of it has. Help us to model those marriages to our children and those around us, loving our spouse as we should and being patient and kind in all circumstances. May our goal be to bring You glory through our marriage. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!