The Anchor In The Storm

Imagine we are having a good cup of coffee in your living room, and outside a massive downpour begins. The kind that makes the windows rattle. That is exactly what married life is like: there are bright sunny days when the biggest problem is who did not wash the dishes, but there are also dark storms that arrive without warning: a terrifying medical diagnosis, financial ruin, or the loss of someone we deeply loved.

When the weather is perfect, saying 'I love you' is incredibly easy. A contract works wonderfully on the beach, under the sun, when everything is mutual benefit and comfort. But what happens when the ship starts sinking and the water reaches our necks? The contract breaks because its terms and conditions are no longer met. But the marriage covenant was designed by God exactly to shine and hold us in extreme darkness.

Pastor Timothy Keller used to say that modern society has taught us to run away from suffering. If something hurts or is uncomfortable, we simply throw it away or replace it. That is why, when a severe storm hits our marriage, the fastest lie the enemy and culture whisper in our ear is: 'If you are suffering this much, it is because you made a mistake by getting married.' Nothing could be further from the truth.