Let's Choose to Stay Together
Make the Choice and Reap the Benefits
by
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Fear
For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.
—2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)
I have found that many people are afraid of getting married. I myself was a little terrified because I had few examples of a happy marriage growing up. I thought if there are so many problems, and if so many couples don’t make it, why try? Before Joseph and I were married, we talked, and he encouraged me and reminded me that it does not matter who shows up to the wedding or how anyone else’s relationship is; we’d make our relationship what it will be. He is so good at giving sound advice. Some people wonder if they can be committed or happy with just one person. If you feel that way, you are not ready yet. Others may think they cannot handle the work and responsibility that come with marriage. It is a big responsibility, but it is very doable.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of love and a sound mind. If the intentions are right for marriage, if you are mature enough to take on this task, if God has shown you your spouse, do not make excuses. If you are nervous about it all, communicate that with your spouse; they may be too. You both will walk this thing out in unity. Trust the Father, lean on Christ, focus on the good and not the bad, plenty of prayer, fasting with a heart of dedication, and you both will be just fine.
As you read this poem, allow it to speak to your heart and encourage you to not compare your relationship with anyone else’s and lean on God for everything together.
Some people fear this vow of commitment,
Which ultimately makes them be hesitant,
Thinking can I be with just one person?
If I decide to do this, will things be better or worse?
Looking around and seeing no successful relationships,
Just plenty of divorces and negative marriage tips.
But thanks to God, our heavenly Father,
Who teaches us how to love, cherish, and honor,
Shows us through His Word how to be a great spouse,
How to keep the enemy from entering our house.
The enemy comes to kill, steal, and destroy,
Uses whatever he can as a decoy.
But there is no reason to fear or even doubt.
If you are in the will of God, it will work out.
Your marriage will not be like anyone else’s.
When issues come, God will not leave you helpless.
This person you have made a vow to,
Together in God, there is nothing you both cannot do.
Things will get hard; you may even get tired,
But to get back on track, prayer and the word of God is required.
Whatever fears you may have, express them to your partner.
Help and encourage each other, and you both will be sharper.
Iron sharpens iron, so no one is useless.
Smile and look at each other, knowing you got this.
Moment of Prayer
Dear Lord, we are so appreciative of You and how You have been with us through all our fears. Lord, we thank You for Your presence to comfort us, keep us, and guide us in the times we are the most unsettled. Father, we ask that You be with us as we become spouses. Help us to live a life of integrity and of hope, looking to the good things and not the bad, not allowing fear to dictate our marriage but allowing Your Word and Your Spirit to have its way instead, in Jesus’s name.
Amen
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About the Book
The world says marriage isn’t important anymore. But author Stacey L. Griffin believes otherwise. In Let’s Choose to Stay Together, she helps those looking to get married and those already married by providing the necessary tools for success during good and rough times.
Developed to encourage single and married people alike, Griffin reminds you through messages, scriptures, and poetry that a happy, whole, and secure marriage starts with your relationship with God and overflows into every area of your life including relationships with others. God ordained marriages, and he wants them to work out, even the ones where it seems like there’s no hope.
Let’s Choose to Stay Together tells the world that although people often view marriage the same as buying shoes, when they wear out just get new ones, or it seems like a waste of time because of the commitment it takes to remain connected, it’s worth it. You won’t regret the work you put in when you’re both seasoned in age and know you grew old with your spouse through challenges, the kids, and all the beautiful memories because you both intentionally said, “I do.”
About the Author
Stacey L. Griffin has been a wife and mother for more than twenty years. She is not only a lover of God and family, but of marriage and her community.