Latest / Couples’ Journey Podcast Channel / [E83] Keeping the Covenant Strong - Part 3: Anchoring Our Marriage in Faith
Transcript
- 0:00Have you ever wondered what the secret ingredient is for a lasting marriage?
- 0:04Welcome to part three of our podcast series, Keeping the Covenant Strong.
- 0:09Today, we hear from Ray, who shares his transformative journey through two divorces
- 0:14and how God guided him to discover the missing piece for a healthy marriage.
- 0:19Together with his wife, Annie, they realized that true strength comes from placing
- 0:23God at the center of their relationship. Here's Ray.
- 0:27After two divorces, my hope of having my own family never wined.
- 0:33Although those past relationships impacted me in many ways, I believe that a
- 0:41lesson I learned were enough to help me build a healthy, lasting marriage this time.
- 0:48When I met Annie, I was relieved to find that we were able to establish a good communication.
- 0:56Her relationship experience and sincere desire somewhat mirrored my own,
- 1:03except that she had never been married before.
- 1:07We openly shared our hopes, life goals, and future plans.
- 1:12We saw that we could work together as a team.
- 1:17In my previous military career, having a spouse who's willing to sacrifice and
- 1:23accommodate wherever possible was a great help.
- 1:27It's not an easy career, and I knew it could inevitably influence our marriage and our family.
- 1:37We managed to maintain good communication and believe we were on the right track,
- 1:45strengthening our marital relationship, But one day, God intervened and revealed
- 1:52to us that we were missing the most important aspect of our marriage.
- 1:58Him, God, that season was difficult as we reach His genuine realization and
- 2:07that process continues as He transforms our heart and reshapes our roles in this marriage.
- 2:18Today, there are countless self-help books and podcasts offering advice to strengthen
- 2:25marriage, while this resource can be promising and helpful.
- 2:30The most vital resource we have is God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit.
- 2:37When we establish these habits rooted in these three, our marriage becomes shielded and protected.
- 2:46Annie and I have experienced God's profound presence in our lives.
- 2:52Since then, our focus shifted from merely strengthening our marriage to viewing
- 2:58it as an act of accountability and obedience to Him.
- 3:04Deep down, we know we don't deserve this life, this freedom from past mistakes, or this good marriage.
- 3:12It is all by God's grace.
- 3:14I thank God for His intervention in my life and for guiding my attention to His Word.
- 3:24Over the years, as I've opened my eyes and heart to His truth,
- 3:30His Word has played a vital role.
- 3:33Without it, I wouldn't be equipped for each day I face walking this journey
- 3:40hand-in-hand with my wife.
- 3:43All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching,
- 3:48for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness,
- 3:53so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
- 4:00From 2 Timothy 3, verses 16-17.
- 4:06To my fellow husbands, it may seem challenging to keep up, but nothing equipped
- 4:13us better than God's word.
- 4:17Before we close, we want to invite you to engage with us and support the Couples
- 4:21Journey blog series podcast.
- 4:24By following this channel, leaving comments, and sharing episodes with your family and friends.
- 4:30You're helping us in our mission to transform marriages today.
- 4:34Your support encourages more couples to seek God's guidance and grow stronger together.
- 4:39Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we can make a difference.
- 4:44Here's the final part of today's episode.
- 4:49Thank you for tuning in to today's episode. We hope Ray's experiences inspire
- 4:53you to prioritize God's Word in your marriage.
- 4:56Remember to join us tomorrow for part 4, where we'll hear from Annie as she
- 5:00shares her insights in this week's.
- 5:04Did you know that the first book authored by Ray and Annie, titled Couples'
- 5:08Journey, Restore, Relearn, Rejoice, has evolved into an inspiring three-book series?
- 5:14From Book 1 which they shared, the inspiring narrative reveals God's continuous
- 5:19transforming work, showing how even the most broken paths can be made new and
- 5:24deeply connected through His grace.
- 5:26Book 2 is a comprehensive workbook that serves as a practical guide for understanding
- 5:30and living out God's biblical blueprint for marriage.
- 5:33Filled with engaging exercises, thought-provoking discussions,
- 5:37and personal reflection tools,
- 5:40it empowers you and your spouse to actively engage with divine design.
- 5:44Transforming insights into actionable steps for every aspect of your relationship.
- 5:49Book 3 is a 52-week devotional, your essential resource for cultivating a consistent
- 5:54spiritual habit centered around biblical conversation, both as a couple and
- 5:59within your small group.
- 6:00Each week, through thoughtfully crafted reflections and the unique Drash method,
- 6:05you'll be equipped to deepen your connection with Christ and each other,
- 6:09turning your marital relationship into a lifelong journey of discipleship.
- 6:13Are you ready to truly live out God's design for your marriage?
- 6:17The Couples Journey series offers the wisdom tools and encouragement you need
- 6:22to embark on this incredible path of restoration, relearning, and rejoicing.
- 6:26You can get your book copies through Amazon or visit the website www.couplesjourney.org.