Expectant Prayers ®

Today is our 16th Wedding Anniversary!   Can you believe that?   It sounds amazing, but I am here to say that love is still in full swing in the Weiss house.    

The number "16" is God's number for LOVE.  What a fitting number for us this year.    It is the year of love.  Sure, we've been through wonderful times and rough times in 16 years, but God has refined us both individually and as a couple and we stand here today still united; and perhaps more in love than ever!   We reaffirmed new vows this year and look forward to the next 16....    We are grateful to come from a heritage of marriage on both sides of our family.  My parents have been married for 50 years and Pete's parents are getting closer to 50.     How awesome is that????

And perhaps because of recent events in our lives, I look at this year as a testimony to God's love for us as well.  I could be sitting here writing that this WOULD have been our 16th, but God has had his hand on both of us.    Pete's wound just a week and four days ago has reminded me how much we are tied to one another in commitment and love and that you can't take anything for granted.    AND, in a few short weeks (or sooner) we will be welcoming a new baby into our home...  a symbol of our love!

We've been through so much in sixteen years; when I look back I can hardly believe it myself.  We've been through countless jobs, 3 Pastoral Ministry/Music Positions, 2 Careers, lived in 3 different cities in 2 different states, owned about 10 different vehicles, gone from a studio apartment...to a duplex...to a rental house... to our first owned manufactured home...to our currently owned home,  8 pregnancies, almost 6 births, at least 4 dogs and umpteen other pets.... the list goes on and on!

Looking at statistics this morning online, I was reminded that the average of Christian marriages that end in divorce is around 50%.   Varying statistics tell us that most marriages today average in length about 2-7 years (for first marriages).  Around 37% of those divorced will remarry.  23% of those second timers will end in divorce as well.   
If there's anything that the devil likes to target... it's marriage.  The devil knows that when he can ruin a marriage, he can affect kids and grand parents, church communities, co-workers, etc.  Marriage is God's idea and HIS binding contract.  You know that death 'till you part thing... well, He meant for us to stick to our word.   Yes, marriage is for better, for worse;   for richer, for poorer;   in sickness, and in health.    We've been all of those!    

But... if you've been divorced... that doesn't mean that you've committed the unforgivable sin!  I am not standing here with condemnation, but with a hope of promise of God's unfailing love.  He has a plan for all of us, no matter what our situation looks like on the outside.    Is there anything in your life that is too big for God to handle?  Turn your "love-life" over to God and see what He can do!  The church can be unforgiving with such people, but that isn't how God is.  He is still forgiving and wanting to enrich your life with His goodness, His plan, His mercy, and His grace!

The issue of marriage is a hot topic in this day and time.  We need to hold our fellow Christians up in prayer concerning marriage!    I have had the privilege of praying with many couples and singles, not only those who are looking to be married, but also those who are close to or going through divorce.  Who do you know in your life that could stand some prayer and a little encouragement today???  

So think about it.  Make a short mental list.  Let's make today... my anniversary day... an opportunity to call on the Lord to heal marriages, open doors, grant wisdom and guidance,  renew commitment, reaffirm love, rebuild what the enemy has broken, repair emotions, and set feet on a firm foundation based on Him and His Word in regard to marriage.    I pray for all of you out there that's God's blessings will be upon your families and marriages.

Have a great day, friend!