I saw a meme on social media this week that said:

“Ladies, a gentle reminder, God will never provide you with someone else’s husband”

Ouch.

For some women, I would imagine the grass looks greener always, because being in an unfulfilled marriage has to be the pits. I cannot imagine having a spouse who didn’t talk to me, made plans consistently without me or just didn’t love me. The way God has marriage laid out is so simple- yet we complicate it very easily. Once the vows are said, the cake is served and the new marriage begins, there is no going back. Unfortunately for some, the commitment made during the ceremony means less than the piece of paper it’s printed on.  Some just do not understand the implications of not fulfilling the marriage promise.

On the other hand, I cannot imagine how hard it is for a husband to see his wife turning to another man for any reason either. We must be careful to guard our hearts when the opposite sex is concerned. We must remain faithful in ALL the things: Physical relationship, emotional relationship, intellectual relationship- everything.  I will boldly state that it is my belief when a person, male or female, gives into a relationship that holds value intellectually, physically or emotionally with someone who is not their spouse- that is adultery.  It is spelled out pretty clearly in the bible, and it is something often overlooked in marriages because one person feels they are “not worthy” of a particular aspect.  There is NEVER a good reason to share things with someone else when your spouse is supposed to literally be the other half of your “whole”.

This is where we RUN.

Fast, and without looking behind us to see if we have been followed. We run from those who have no problem flirting with a married woman. We run from those who invite a married man to dinner. We run from those places that can get our hearts into serious trouble if left to grow.   If your grass isn’t very green, maybe it’s because your spouse is nurturing the daisies, and you do not notice the effort.  If you are unfulfilled in your relationship with your spouse, maybe you need a prayer, a divine intervention. Or maybe you just need to pay more attention and make every effort to change the current circumstance.  Maybe you are on the receiving end of this confusion.

Or maybe you are the problem, and you are so caught up, you don’t even know it.

God can make all things new, and he can restore your marriage, just like he can do anything else. The institution of marriage is the ultimate gift from our father above- he alone has the power to restore it and revive it, but it takes effort on our part to listen to him and obey his word.

As I wrap up this installment of Hold em, Fold em, walk and run, I would encourage you to be the kind of spouse you want to have. If what you want is understanding, be more understanding. If you need commitment to being intentional, then be intentional. Pray together, find time together to work out those kinks, and discover who your husband or wife is on the inside.

Trust me, after 23+ years; it is well worth knowing my husband intimately and spiritually.

Looking forward to another 23+