Discovering a New Perspective
This past Saturday was a pivotal moment in my marriage journey as my husband and I attended a marriage conference https://xomarriage.com/conferences/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI8MW114L4hQMVP1FHAR0R9gWoEAAYASAAEgKTcPD_BwE. Led by esteemed speakers Dan Lian, Nona Jones, and Ryan Leak, the event offered fresh perspective insights on marriage expectations.
Reevaluating Expectations: Lessons from Dan Lian
Dan Lian’s session centered on the detrimental effects of unrealistic expectations in marriage. From John 11:6,20-22,32-35,43, he recounted Jesus’ poignant exchange with Mary and Martha, highlighting their disappointment. Lian urged authenticity, to lay bare our hearts, and to express our deepest fears and desires. He outlined three steps: Let Him have it, Let Him be Present in your pain, and let Him have the final say in your disappointment. His words challenged us that these are the ways to deal with disappointment with our spouse.
Nona Jones: Insight of Burning It All
Nona Jones’s insight shed light on the external threats that can undermine marital unity. Drawing from 1 Samuel 15:1-3,7-10, she cautioned against the dangers of resentment and temptation. Jones points out holiness to protect our marriage from divisive tactics. In 1 Samuel 15, God commands Saul to destroy the Amalekites and their possessions, but Saul disobeys. His disobedience leads to grave repercussions.
Similarly, in the context of marriage, there exists a profound parallel. Just as God instructed Saul to burn everything associated with the Amalekites, we must actively destroy our past remnants. These entities don’t just belong to the past; they actively work to undermine and destroy us.
To move forward in our marriages, we must heed the call to burn. We must relinquish the grip of past hurts, resentments, and insecurities. We must obliterate the temptations that threaten to derail our union. And most importantly, we must obey, even when it hurts.
So I ask you: What is it that you need to burn? Is it lingering wounds of past betrayals? The toxic patterns of communication that erode trust and intimacy? Whatever it may be, know that obedience to this call is not in vain. From the ashes of what once was arise new beginnings, strengthening the bonds of love.
Ryan Leak: Insight of Getting Rid of These Expectations
Ryan Leak illuminated the path to marital harmony by dissecting three common pitfalls of expectation: unspoken, unrealistic, and unbiblical. With insight, he offered practical strategies for a God-centered relationship rooted in transparency and humility. Leak stresses the importance of open communication.
Drawing from Romans 12:10, he emphasized the significance of honoring and serving each other through candid dialogue. By articulating our needs, couples prevent resentment and foster understanding and mutual respect.
Leak challenged couples to ditch the pursuit of spousal perfection, “Humans make great mates, but they make horrible gods.” God’s bring happiness, not your spouse’s; he encouraged couples to find fulfillment in their Creator instead of burdening partners. By embracing the imperfections of their spouses and seeking divine guidance, couples can nurture a relationship grounded in grace, forgiveness, and mutual support.
Leak focused attention on the importance of aligning life choices with biblical principles, citing Ephesians 5:22-28 as a guide for martial roles. He highlighted the sacrificial love husbands are called to demonstrate and the respect wives are called to show. Leak urged couples to engage in a game of, “How low can you go?” outdoing each other in acts of selflessness and service. By prioritizing God’s word in decision-making and interactions, couples can strengthen their bond and honor the sacred covenant of marriage.
Reflections and Resolutions
As my husband and I reflect on the wisdom imparted at the conference, we are filled with gratitude for the transformative experience. We are committed to releasing unrealistic expectations, prioritizing God above all else, and protecting the holiness of our marriage from external threats.
Moving Forward with Purpose
Armed with newfound insights and resolve, we emerge from the marriage conference with a profound sense of purpose and determination. While challenges may naturally arise along our marital journey, we stand firm in the knowledge that with God at the center of our union, we possess the strength and resilience to weather any storm.
But we do not journey alone. We extend an invitation to all couples to seek solace and guidance in God’s boundless love. Let Him be your source of fulfillment and joy, recognizing that true happiness cannot be found in the imperfect confines of human relationships, but rather in the infinite grace of our Creator.
Together, let us release the shackles of unrealistic expectations and embrace a love that transcends human understanding. For in God’s unfailing love, we find the strength to love unconditionally, forgive endlessly, and journey boldly into the future, hand in hand.
So dear friends, may you too seek God’s presence in your marriage, allowing His love to illuminate your path and empower your union. With hearts open to His guidance and minds attuned to His wisdom, may your marriage be a testament to the transformative power of God-centered love.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Heights Church in Cleburne for hosting an exceptional conference for married couples. Special appreciation also goes to the xo marriage staff for orchestrating this impactful event. I wholeheartedly recommend every married couple to attend this conference! Click the link in my post you won’t regret it!
Be Blessed!!!
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https://justlifeperiod.com/cultivating-grace-to-mothers/
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