Jesus in All Things

Brandon and I have been engaged for about eight months now, and I can feel in my heart that Satan is doing everything in his power to have a foothold in our relationship. The long distance part of our relationship certainly doesn't help. However, today I am rejoicing despite the anguish that has overcome my heart the past few days. The battle has already been won by Christ, and it is so encouraging to know that we are supposed to keep fighting until Jesus comes back again. However, we cannot fight alone. We must simply ask for help. There are days when I feel I can do it all on my own, and then Jesus quietly reminds me that I am missing something: humility and an authentic desire to glorify Him in ALL things. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 says, “Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Even in the sorrows and sufferings, Jesus is present.

Brandon can be stubborn sometimes, but God knew that he needed someone who could be patient with him. I am very passive and fearful at times, but God knew that I needed someone who was bold, passionate, and brave. He's not perfect, and I'm not either, but that's what is so beautiful. Each day we are reminded of how much we need a loving Savior. We celebrate the fact that He has freely given us this grace so that we can also show grace to one another.

I am reminded of the verse in Ecclesiastes 4 that says, "a threefold cord is not quickly broken." Marriage is not just about me and Brandon. Without Jesus, it is impossible. I cannot imagine what my relationship with Brandon would look like without Christ, for it is only by His love that we know how to love one another. It is only by His forgiveness that we know how to forgive. And it is only by His sacrifice on the cross for our sins that we are able to learn how to die to ourselves and better serve one another with the intention of glorifying God in all that we do.