It’s a Lifetime Commitment

“He answered, “Have you not read that he who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.’” Matthew 19:4-6 ESV

In a heartwarming story titled “North Texas runner with ALS aims for 100 marathons with support from family & friends,” published earlier this month, the tale of Troy and Laura Pruett illustrates what it means to truly honor the “for better or worse, and in sickness and in health” part of the traditional vows that a man and woman make on their wedding day. Their saga began in 2012 when Troy started to lose the use of his legs, then his speech. He was diagnosed with ALS last year. "We were told, you know, two years survival, maybe," said Laura. "It was devastating. We had only been married not quite ten years when he was diagnosed." At first, the diagnosis crushed them. But after a while, Laura says Troy got back to what brought them together: running. "He had already set the goal of 100 marathon runs before his diagnosis," said Laura. He can't run on his own now, so friends from his running club push him – all while he wears his Grinch costume… At the BMW Dallas Marathon, Laura will be waiting at the finish line to kiss him, just like she has at every finish line since they met. "We just have this tradition. He always stops and gives me a kiss somewhere along the way, and then, especially at the finish line," said Laura.

And, you know, in a world that places little importance on the sanctity of marriage, viewing it more as a temporary contract that can be easily broken rather than a covenant that is binding for life, we would do well to remember that when a man and a woman make a vow before God, the vows aren’t just between them but between them and their Creator. “So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.” Because of this, a man and a woman (barring extreme circumstances), are to “hold fast” to one another for better, for worse, in sickness, and in health, and are to weather the storms of life together— loving one another with the same, steadfast love that Christ modeled when He died on the cross— til death do they part. Something you can be sure will never be easy but will be worth the fight. 

So, if you’re currently married, vow to love, honor and cherish your partner until the end my friend. And if you’re not, be sure to choose your spouse wisely. Second to following Jesus Christ, it will be the most important decision you will ever make. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that marriage was designed by You to represent the love of Christ to the world. Help us to love our spouses as Jesus loves us that we might stay committed for life and fulfill our vows as You have called us to.  It’s in your precious name we pray  Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!