I think Satan must have a special forces unit that specifically sets out to destroy Christian families. The attacks start from day one, but apparently they call in the big guns around 20-25 years of marriage. It breaks my heart to feel the pain in the words of my friends who have had their spouses walk away tearing apart their families. I know multiple couples who are struggling, or are no longer together after having invested a lifetime in each other.
We have struggled in our relationship too. Everyone has. Nothing is perfect. I have walked away from relationships in the past. I have made less than honorable decisions more than I care to admit.
There are always lasting consequences for our selfish actions. At some point, we just have to draw a line and hold to promises we make and not allow ourselves to ever cross those predetermined boundaries. Once Billy and I decided to put God first in our lives, we committed to stay together... no matter what... for better or worse.
We all get worn down sometimes and think about the "what ifs". But, what if we just did the right thing? It gets easier. Why give up when you are just about through the hardest part? Someday, the kids will grow up and move out and the finances will be easier to handle. Then you will have more freedom to rediscover each other and fall in love all over again. You can give in to your "midlife crisis" and the temptation to run away and start a new life. However, there are responsibilities no matter where you go. The new wears off of every situation. At the end of the day you will have lost the life you worked for and once treasured. It's never too late to try to make things right. If you are separated, considering divorce., or just going through a tough time in your relationship... Don't give in to the temptation to give up. If you do, you are going to miss the best parts of life! Live with purpose and passion. Love is worth fighting for. It's more than a feeling. Love is an action word. Just commit to do it, even on the days when you don't feel like it.
I know this picture and caption may seem harsh to some, but as Christians, we need to hold each other accountable. We need to stop being so understanding and supportive of divorce when there are no biblical reasons for it. We are all in this battle. We need to stand along side our friends and family in their struggles. We should fight with them and for them. We all need to take responsibility and do the right thing.
Just my two cents, and I'm sure that's about all it's worth.
*** Here's the fine print ***
I shared this post (and the fine print) on social media several years ago. I feel it’s appropriate to include it in the blog post as well. So, here ya go:
I have made many decisions over the years that were not honoring to God and went against everything I believe in today. So, I feel like the "fine print" is needed in the spirit of full disclosure, transparency, and clarification.
I know the consequences of choosing the wrong path. I've taken that road. I know the pain of separation from God because I have lived it. I know that selfish behavior leads to destruction because I have taken part in destroying good things. I am ashamed of the mistakes I've made, the people I have hurt, and the chaos I've caused along the way. Once the damage is done, you can never go back and change the outcome. I'm not an expert on righteous living or marriage. I've failed at both. However, I am qualified to tell you who God is because of all He has done for me. He has forgiven every bad thing I've ever done. That's why I want to share Him. Not because I think I have it all together, but because I know I don't. I am a deeply flawed human being saved by the grace of God. I hope y'all know that when I share from my heart it is because I have walked from the darkness into His light. A life in his presence is so much better than what I ever had on my own. I still mess up. We all do. Please don't judge the message by the faults of the messenger. God's truth is absolute. He wants our whole heart. He wants to come first in our life. I'm not perfect, but my God is. He is worthy of our love and adoration. His truth will change your life if you let it and are willing to live your life according to it. Again... I am a mess, but I am HIS mess. I will be a work in progress and under construction until I reach the gates of Heaven. I believe the key to living a life that brings glory to God is to continue working towards His purposes and NEVER give up. We may stray from His path at times, but His truth will guide us where we are supposed to go... if we choose to follow it.
