Having faith starts with a respect for the infinite, immeasurable power of the one true living God who is personally concerned with each of us. God loves us, and yes, He is for our marriages!
“The just shall live by faith” isn’t just a saying. It’s found quoted in Hebrews 10:38: “Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, my soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Sometimes, when things don’t go according to our plans, we lose faith, not only in ourselves, but also in any potential positive outcome for our lives.
Failure always attempts to challenge our faith. When we experience some of life’s colossal failures, it’s easy to lose that confidence. While life can be hard at the best of times, faith is the knowledge, deep down inside, that things will get better. Simply put, life would fail to have reason if we didn’t have faith. Faith, then, is just as important as the air we breathe. While the oxygen in the air sustains the body, faith sustains the heart and the soul. It is the underlying foundation of our existence.
The power of faith in marriage isn’t always an easy ride. Why? Because there are some challenges that—even with faith—are hard to bear. There are some patterns that run deep and strongholds that seem as if they will never concede, even when faith is present. And yet, even in moments of uncertainty, there is a choice. With each new day, we have a new chance to choose to live by faith in our marriage. It’s an occasion to serve in this way, to choose to love the Lord, and in turn, to grow more in love with our spouse on every level.
In 1 Thessalonians 3:12, it says, “And may the Lord make your love for one another and for all people grow and overflow.” As Christ-centered relationship coaches and marriage enthusiasts, we pray this for your marriage.
Marriage requires transparency, and it’s a courageous thing to be real with people about your weaknesses. It’s a victorious thing to rise above it all—together—and keep moving your feet. Living by faith doesn’t mean every door opens or every person agrees. It can mean trusting God during periods of silence or seeking His will regardless of a society that teaches us that His approval doesn’t matter. Living by faith means many things. It can mean feeling the tear of embarrassment on your cheeks while walking away from a struggle. It can mean feeling confused and admitting it, relying on God to reveal truth and straighten paths in His time.
Couples face fears on a regular basis. Fear of getting hurt. Fear of failure. Fear of rejection. Fear of death. Fear of uncertainty. Fear binds us and prevents us from fully experiencing life and marriage the way God intended. Faith helps us triumph over fear. Trusting in God and His promises can be the difference between whether a marriage ends or endures. Faith should be a lifestyle.
“For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:17).
Living by faith includes looking forward with hope and assurance that one day, we will be free from the presence of sin. Christ, the ultimate Husband will return for His bride (all believers). This serves as a reminder to us that this earth is not our home. Faith in what is to come gives our lives a sense of peace and urgency. Because we know He will not tarry forever, we are compelled to persevere in the work He has given us to do.
In your marriage, are you living by faith? Is your covenant driven by full confidence in Christ’s past, present and future work? Kingdom couples, faith should permeate every part of our lives as it deepens and grows. This is the power of faith in marriage.
Dear Lord, thank you for giving us your Word to live by, and thank you for saving us by our faith in your Son. We know that we cannot accomplish anything for you apart from faith and that we can never please you without faith, so help us to live in faith daily. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!
Drs. Michael & Kendra Holmes are the senior pastors of Deliverance Revival Church in Warner Robins, Ga., the founders of Royalty Relationship Coaching, LLC, the authors of the 31-day devotional, “Cross-Fire: Igniting Passionate, Purposeful, and Powerful Relationships” and the founders of the faith-based newspaper, The Royal Trumpet. W.A.R. is an acronym for “We Are Royalty,” ™ the official slogan of Royalty Relationship Coaching, LLC. Visit the website at www.RoyaltyRelationshipCoaching.com.
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