Lessons in Love: Is Marriage a Testing Ground?

“Marriage is one of the true testing grounds for what is in all of us.”

I came across this quote by Stormie Omartian while reading a great book dedicated to helping wives find power in prayer. I absolutely agree with her. I’m learning that marriage is a testing ground and guess what? I am determined to ace this test.

I’ve learned that a marriage will put on display any savory or unsavory characteristics that we otherwise would hide behind closed curtains so to speak. Any egoism, insensitivity, or lack of devotion in either a man or a woman will definitely be revealed through time in a marriage, day after day even decade after decade.

We can choose to let those negative personalities we enter into marriage with fill us up and flow over into our significant others—or—we can choose to be more like God and attempt to walk in His unmatchable persona. Of course, we will never match up to Him, but we can seek to be more selfless, considerate, humble, and loving like Him toward others.

How can we do that?

Well, after much thought I've come up with the three P’s we must strive to remember while trying to pass the test and gain a victorious marriage. Here they are:

#1 PRAY—to God and ask him to impart his Holy Spirit in you so that you can learn to walk in wisdom enough to know when you’re being negative or when you’re being positive towards those you come in contact with.

#2 PREPARE—by reading the Word of God and any other positive books that will point you toward the right direction in winning over your significant other. Two of my favorite books are the Bible, and The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.

#3 PRACTICE—acting out those positive traits that you only learned through prayer and letting God’s wisdom guide you. Make it a daily habit to show your spouse consideration, devotion, and a submissive spirit. Also strive to make it a daily habit of praying for your loved one as well. I am learning to do this more often on my own and moreover with my husband.

Pray. Prepare. Practice.

Remember these 3 P’s and watch your marriage go from a testing ground to a testimony for others who don’t know if their marriage will make it, or won’t believe in marriage at all.

Be inspired, but stay inspired!