August 17 | How to Endure when Marriage is Hard | Marriage Series | Barry Rodriguez

In a very comfort-obsessed culture, the idea of sticking with it through difficult circumstances is the last thing we want to do. If we seek advice on the internet for how to deal with challenges in a marriage, far too often the advice is simply, “end it!” But if we are truly called to demonstrate covenant faithfulness to our broken world, this cannot be our default response to hardships. Scripture consistently invites us to endure the challenges we face because they give God a chance to work, and they give us a chance to grow. The same thing is true when we face difficulty in our marriages. We must remember that we are not just honoring our spouse in marriage; through our dedication to covenant faithfulness we are also honoring God. By keeping our eyes focused on the Lord, we stand a far greater chance of avoiding the “poisonous root of bitterness” (Hebrews 12:15) which can take root if we lose focus and turn our attention back to our own selfish desires. It is time for us to do the hard work which will bear the long-term fruit in our marriages of joy, peace, and love. Keep your eyes on the prize!