About Marriage Part 4

Teachable Woman PodcastReverends Michele Owes and Diana P. CherryAbout Marriage - Part 4IntroductionWelcome to another episode of the Teachable Woman Podcast with Reverends Michele Owes and Diana Cherry, Teachers of Good Things. In Part 4 of their conversation about marriage, they continue exploring what couples need to know before and during marriage. Drawing from Scripture, personal experience, ministry, and years of marriage counseling and enrichment, they remind listeners that marriage is an honorable institution established by God—and one that requires intentional investment.The conversation centers on the first miracle Jesus performed at the wedding in Cana: turning water into wine. The reverends use this powerful picture to encourage married couples that God can take ordinary, difficult, or seemingly insignificant circumstances and transform them when couples seek Him, follow His Word, and allow Him to work in their relationship.Show Notes1. Jesus' First Miracle Happened at a WeddingReverend Michele opens by highlighting the significance of Jesus' first miracle taking place at a wedding feast. When the wine ran out, Jesus transformed ordinary water into something described as the best wine.The message for married couples is encouraging: God can transform what seems ordinary, depleted, or disappointing into something beautiful. A marriage may go through seasons when the excitement seems to fade or circumstances become difficult, but couples should remember that God is able to bring renewal.Reverend Diana agrees that Jesus' presence at the wedding demonstrates how seriously God regards marriage. If Jesus could intervene in what appeared to be a relatively small problem at a wedding, He can also intervene in the difficulties couples face today.The lesson is to seek God's presence and trust Him even with the everyday challenges of marriage.2. "Do Whatever He Says"The story of Cana also highlights Mary's instruction to the servants: do whatever Jesus tells you to do.The reverends connect this instruction directly to marriage. Couples can sometimes try to skip foundational steps or pursue an idealized picture of marriage based on television, magazines, or cultural expectations. But a strong marriage requires following God's instructions rather than simply following personal ideas.Reverend Michele emphasizes that couples should not limit God to what they consider "big" problems. Scripture teaches believers to cast their cares upon Him because He cares for them. God is concerned about every part of our lives, including marriage.Even when couples do not feel ready, capable, or willing to take the next step, they can begin the process and trust God to work through their obedience.3. Marriage Is Honorable—and It Requires PreparationHebrews 13:4 describes marriage as honorable. Reverend Michele explains that marriage is valuable and costly, requiring significant investment before and after the wedding day.Reverend Diana stresses the importance of premarital counseling and preparation. Two imperfect people are coming together and being asked to become one. Counseling cannot guarantee a problem-free marriage, but it can equip couples with tools for handling inevitable challenges.She recalls how inadequate brief premarital conversations can be compared with intentional preparation. Couples need opportunities to examine expectations, personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of conflict.The reverends also encourage couples to revisit the things they appreciated about one another before marriage. Qualities that once seemed charming can sometimes become sources of irritation once two people are living closely together. Preparation helps couples understand that marriage is work—but work that is worthwhile because they are doing it together.4. Invest in Your MarriageOne of the strongest practical messages of the episode is the importance of continuing to invest in marriage after the wedding.Reverend Michele encourages married couples to attend:Marriage enrichment meetings at churchMarriage retreatsOngoing marriage classesPremarital counseling before saying "I do"Couples are encouraged to treat these opportunities as priorities rather than optional activities. The reverends compare investing in marriage with investing in other areas of life: couples can spend considerable time and energy managing financial investments while neglecting the marriage God entrusted to them.Reverend Michele also shares honestly about how God had to renew her thinking during marriage. She recalls times when she thought it might be easier to return to living independently. Instead, God showed her that the problem was not always her husband—sometimes it was her own thinking and behavior.The lesson is powerful: God may not simply change our spouse; He may change us.5. Marriage Should Glorify GodReverend Diana explains that marriage carries a responsibility beyond the couple themselves. Married people demonstrate to the world what God's institution of marriage can look like through the way they live together.The reverends discuss the importance of togetherness, mutual care, respect, friendship, intimacy, and building a family together. They emphasize that husbands and wives should care for one another's needs and honor the responsibilities God has given them.Reverend Michele particularly addresses the way a wife communicates with her husband. Tone, words, and delivery can influence the atmosphere of the entire home. A husband is not a servant to be mistreated or disrespected; he is a child of God deserving of honor.The episode also addresses marital intimacy, encouraging wives to enjoy intimacy with their husbands and seek appropriate help when physical challenges affect their relationship.The broader message is that the way a couple treats each other is part of their testimony.6. People Are Watching—and Your Marriage Can Bless OthersReverend Michele shares a moving example of how other people were affected simply by observing her relationship with her husband. After a church service, she and her husband kissed, and the congregation responded with applause and celebration.They had not set out to teach anyone a lesson. They were simply living their marriage.She explains that people commented on how they always seemed to smile and speak pleasantly to others. Their relationship became an example without them realizing who was watching.Reverend Diana also speaks about the blessing of marriage and the pain of losing a spouse. She encourages married people not to take their husbands or wives for granted. Marriage should be enjoyed, appreciated, and intentionally maintained while couples have the opportunity.The episode reminds listeners that a healthy marriage can become a ministry in itself. The way couples love, serve, respect, and support one another can leave a lasting impact on others.7. The Blessing of Being Chosen and the Value of TogethernessNear the end of the episode, both reverends share one thing they especially loved about being married.For Reverend Diana, it was the presence and companionship of her husband. She treasured knowing that he was there—his friendship, counsel, comfort, and simple everyday presence. She reflects honestly on the pain of widowhood and the absence of someone who had become such an integral part of her life.For Reverend Michele, one of the greatest blessings was knowing that her husband chose her. He chose her with all of her strengths, weaknesses, imperfections, and needs—and continued choosing her.She recalls how he contributed to her physical well-being by creating activities they could do together, from bicycle riding and walking to exercising and staying active with their children. Even when he could move faster, he made sure she was keeping up and had what she needed.The conversation then turns toward legacy. Reverend Michele recognizes that the marriage ministry of Reverend Diana and her late husband helped equip countless couples, including her own marriage. Their commitment to marriage retreats, enrichment meetings, and living according to God's Word created a deposit that others continue to benefit from.The episode closes with gratitude for that legacy and a reminder that marriage is worth the work.SummaryIn About Marriage Part 4, Reverends Michele Owes and Diana Cherry offer an honest, faith-centered conversation about the beauty, responsibility, challenges, and rewards of marriage.The first miracle of Jesus—turning water into wine at a wedding—becomes a picture of what God can do in a marriage. When relationships become difficult, couples can seek God, follow His instructions, and trust Him to bring peace and transformation.Listeners are encouraged to prepare for marriage through premarital counseling, continue growing through marriage enrichment and retreats, invest intentionally in their relationship, and allow God to renew their thinking. Marriage is not presented as effortless or perfect, but as an honorable institution worth protecting and building.Most importantly, the reverends remind couples to appreciate the gift of togetherness. A spouse's presence, friendship, support, commitment, and decision to keep choosing the relationship are precious gifts.Key takeaway: Marriage is worth the investment. When couples honor God, follow His Word, work on their relationship, and...