“For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church.
Ephesians 5:31-32
Have you ever felt like your relationship with your husband is a mystery?
I have, especially early in our marriage.
Now, that’s not the type of mystery Paul is referring to in Ephesians 5, but it’s been part of my experience.
I can remember feeling so perplexed that two people who love each other so much could have such difficulty understanding each other.
I praise God that in His grace and mercy, He didn’t leave me puzzled!
Twenty-two years later, Robert and I understand each other so much more than we did when we said, “I do.”
That is only because we chose the wisdom of God over our own wisdom.
Robert and I began our serious walk with the Lord during our first year of marriage. God, in His love for us, allowed us to mature together spiritually as we grew together as one flesh.
For me, my spiritual journey really can’t be separated from the evolution of our marriage. As we have journeyed together, the Lord has used our marriage relationship to incrementally reveal the mystery of Christ and the church.
I see how Robert has grown to love me more and more selflessly, just as Jesus loves each of us.
And I see how I have grown to be more like what the church is supposed to be…submitted and obedient to Jesus. I have grown in my submission to Robert. It was awkward and difficult at first, but as I have had more practice, it has become increasingly natural. God has allowed me to see the joy in submitting to Him and to Robert. I have peace and easier days as a result.
We see great fruit as a result of these choices made consistently, repetitively (but not perfectly!) over time.
We are more in love and happier than we have ever been.
We have three children who love Jesus and have a healthy understanding of the blessings, challenges, and mystery of marriage. I believe that a good foundation has been laid for them to have excellent marriages.
We have been able to bear fruit for God’s kingdom.
These are just a few examples of God’s faithfulness to us over the years. He has taken our imperfect efforts and made them something beautiful. I am humbled and delighted.
And expectant.
I expect that our best days are yet to come! That as we continue to grow in wisdom, that God will pour out more and more blessings into our lives in the months and years to come!
Now, what is the point of all of this personal sharing?
To proclaim to you, dear reader, that these blessings and more are available to you!
As you continue in your efforts to be the disciple of Jesus and the wife that He has called you to be, I want you to know that God is faithful to reward your faith! He has good plans for each of us as we walk in obedience to Him and His commands. He wants to reveal this mystery through your marriage.
Praying for each of us,
Rebecca
Photo via Pinterest via flickr
