Marriage Woes And Wonders

If you do get married, it is not a sin. And if a young woman gets married, it is not a sin. However, those who get married at this time will have troubles, and I am trying to spare you those problems.

1 Corinthians 7:28

This was one of the first verses I highlighted in my Bible as a newlywed, and it remains one of the most encouraging Scriptures to me. Back then I was an immature but growing Christian. I entered a Christian marriage unrealistically thinking we would never have problems because we were both Christians, and after all, Mark proposed to me at a real castle, dressed in a full suit of armor!

Paul’s instructions on marriage encouraged me because, when I read that married people have troubles and problems, I suddenly felt normal. How could this princess with her knight in shining armor ever be in conflict? What was wrong with me?

If you’re thinking, Sin—that’s what’s wrong with her, then you’d be right! My selfishness and desire to get my own way are normal parts of being human, married or single. Jesus is using marriage to refine those faults and conform me to His image.

This verse helped me learn to grab my “sword of the Spirit,” which is the Word of God, to find strength and grace to walk through difficult times with my husband. God said through Paul that we would have problems in marriage, so I should not be surprised when Mark and I face conflict.

After nearly three decades and a lot more highlighted verses in my “sword of the Spirit,” many newlywed battles have subsided. We still have troubles, but the whole armor of God in Ephesians 6:10-17 is a practical proposal for all of life’s problems.

Pull out your sword, the Word of God, to fight life’s battles! One great way to begin today is by reading Ephesians 6:10-20.