South Carolina representative Walt McLeod recently introduced an amendment to the state constitution that would change the existing law that requires couples seeking a divorce to remain separated for one year. Under the proposed legislation, couples can dissolve their marriage after 150 days of separation.
There are more than a few pieces of legislation that have made me angry, frustrated, or disappointed, but this one just makes me sad. While I know there are some legitimate reasons for a marriage to end, I believe most marriages are worth working for and defending.
My husband David and I witnessed two beautiful examples of marital commitment on our recent anniversary trip. Our brother in Christ, Reno, and his wife are German believers. When we found out they knew the Lord, one of the first questions we asked was, "How did you come to know the Lord?"
"Our marriage was in trouble," Reno shared, while his wife, Rose, nodded in solemn agreement. "We didn't want to divorce, but knew we needed help. So we went to the church." Thankfully, "the church" was a congregation of dynamic believers who not only shared with Reno and Rose how God could heal their marriage, but how God could also heal their souls.
Danny was the second example. Our server on the last night of our cruise, Danny was a small, dark-skinned man with a big grin. A Peruvian, he entertained us with card tricks while keeping our tea cups and dessert plates filled. When the conversation took a more personal turn, I asked him if he was married.
"Twice!" he exclaimed to my surprise, holding up his left hand to show us two wedding rings.
At my puzzled look, he finished his sentence, ". . . to the same woman!"
He explained that in his country, many couples enter into marriage through a civil ceremony.
"But those marriages can be ended for any reason at all," he explained, pointing to the first wedding ring. "We wanted to make a permanent commitment," he went on, pointing to the second ring, "so we also got married in the church. Before God."
Before God.
For better or for worse. In sickness and in health. In poverty or wealth. 'Til death do us part.
So help me God.
If you made a vow before God that has begun to lose its luster, accept by faith that a marriage worth having is a marriage worth fighting for.
Working for.
Praying over.
Recommitting to God.
Is getting married easy? Yes.
Is staying married easy? No.
Is it worth the effort? Absolutely.
Claim by faith the promise that "nothing is too hard for God," and invite Him into the process.
You may be able to get a divorce in South Carolina in 150 days, but what if, instead, you committed, in those 150 days, to do everything you could to restore your marriage? Like Reno and Rose, you could wind up with a testimony of healing that impacts people half way around the world.
Take God at His word.
I dare you.
Some of my favorite marriage resources are:
- Fireproof, the Movie
- The Love Dare by Stephen Kendrick
- His Needs/Her Needs by Willard F. Harley, Jr.
- The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- The Marriage You've Always Wanted by Gary Chapman
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy these other marriage posts:
Is Your Marriage Dying of Boredom?
5 Ways to Fireproof Your Marriage
Husbands, Holiness, and a Painted Turtle
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