Forty Years Marching Forward in Marriage
On March 3rd, a few days ago, my wife Dolores and I celebrated 40 years together as a married couple. What a a distinct and delightful journey it has been! Those years were not a matter of just chalking up four decades, but rather a conscious decision from day one and with God's assistance, to commit to each other for life. Don't get the bright idea that we did not have some great challenges that had the potential to make our marriage miserable. We did! Did we have children issues? Of course. Did we get under each other's skin? Yes, quite a few times. Did our different, and assertive personalities periodically clash? Certainly. Never once however, did either of us intentionally set out to disrespect or devalue each other. The word divorce or separation was never mentioned to each other for these many years. To say that we have a perfect marriage is far from the truth, but I can safely say we possess a productive and purposeful relationship which we continue to enjoy. One thing that stands out very firmly for us is that we were able to anchor our personal lives in the Word of God. The Bible has focused us and gave us a sense of purpose and destiny. Furthermore, it directed us in times of difficulties; provided for us triumphs in times of trials; proved to us that the promises of God were true, especially in times of perplexity; allowed us to embrace peace when faced with persecution; offered us comfort in instances of challenges; caused us to gather determination in moments of depression; and granted us encouragement in moments of emptiness.
Today, faithfulness and fidelity in marriage is gradually being eroded by a loose and lustful society, which seems to posses little or no respect for the sanctity of marriage and family. My wife's unswerving demonstration of loyalty to her marriage covenant has shone forth brightly, consistently and perennially. She attributes such sharp focus to her faithfulness and unflinching commitment towards her God, who she believed called her to be an example to both married and unmarried women, Her stability has also helped me to maintain the resolve I made as a teenager to be faithful to my wife should I marry. I give God thanks for His faithfulness, durable grace and wonderful Word, which allow me to hold my head up high anywhere I go in the world.
It was in 1977 that my wife and I met by divine appointment. I was preparing to graduate from theological college but did not have a prospective wife with whom I knew would have been my future partner in ministry. I earnestly sought the Lord through much prayer and fasting and on October 02, 1977, God finally and miraculously answered my persistent prayer.
For 45 years, I have been in the sacred ministry and this year, my wife and I will also be celebrating 50 years as Christians. It has been a great pleasure of ours to experience the stabilizing and sustaining favor of God throughout our marriage as we placed our trust in Him and His reliable Word, which has been our rock and fortress.
My wife has stuck with me and I with her in our lowest moments and during those many times of jubilation. Someone once said "marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." For us, what you see is what you get, whether we are in the private or public domain. We attribute our lifestyle to the Architect of the Biblical family - the All-Wise Creator of the ends of the Earth who has taught us to love each other with divine love.
For those of you looking forward to marriage, I can confidently say that marriage, as ordained by God has worked wonders for Dolores and I for 40 years. Why not put it to the test?
Today, faithfulness and fidelity in marriage is gradually being eroded by a loose and lustful society, which seems to posses little or no respect for the sanctity of marriage and family. My wife's unswerving demonstration of loyalty to her marriage covenant has shone forth brightly, consistently and perennially. She attributes such sharp focus to her faithfulness and unflinching commitment towards her God, who she believed called her to be an example to both married and unmarried women, Her stability has also helped me to maintain the resolve I made as a teenager to be faithful to my wife should I marry. I give God thanks for His faithfulness, durable grace and wonderful Word, which allow me to hold my head up high anywhere I go in the world.
It was in 1977 that my wife and I met by divine appointment. I was preparing to graduate from theological college but did not have a prospective wife with whom I knew would have been my future partner in ministry. I earnestly sought the Lord through much prayer and fasting and on October 02, 1977, God finally and miraculously answered my persistent prayer.
For 45 years, I have been in the sacred ministry and this year, my wife and I will also be celebrating 50 years as Christians. It has been a great pleasure of ours to experience the stabilizing and sustaining favor of God throughout our marriage as we placed our trust in Him and His reliable Word, which has been our rock and fortress.
My wife has stuck with me and I with her in our lowest moments and during those many times of jubilation. Someone once said "marriage is not a noun; it's a verb. It isn't something you get. It's something you do. It's the way you love your partner every day." For us, what you see is what you get, whether we are in the private or public domain. We attribute our lifestyle to the Architect of the Biblical family - the All-Wise Creator of the ends of the Earth who has taught us to love each other with divine love.
For those of you looking forward to marriage, I can confidently say that marriage, as ordained by God has worked wonders for Dolores and I for 40 years. Why not put it to the test?