Welcoming the Challenge

When I was engaged to my husband, over twenty-three years ago, my good
friend threw me a bridal shower, and invited family and friends to come.
One of the most interesting little presents I received was a yellow
potholder with words inscribed on it that made everyone burst out laughing:

“I was meant for someone who welcomes a challenge”

I have to say I have been somewhat of a challenge for my husband- as he
has been for me. I am quick to make decisions, drive impatiently at
times, leave dirty dishes hidden in the oven, and interrupt his
sentences when I am anxious to share my perspective on the matter.

He, on the other hand, is often as slow as molasses, drives like a
grandfather, uses humor inappropriately (like when I am seriously angry-
and he refuses to take me seriously!). What can I say? Marriage is a
challenge. The challenge is two becoming one.

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his
wife, and they shall become one flesh” Genesis 2:24 (NKJV)

“Two becoming one” does not occur without “iron sharpening iron” (Prov.
27:17). The melding of two into one beautiful, loving unit is a miracle
to behold, but a process that involves a lot of melding, molding,
sharpening, softening, lengthening and strengthening.

Often people walk away when the challenge is presented to them. I
honestly can understand why. To humble yourself before each other, to
ask for forgiveness, to cry with each other, and then to comfort one
another back to life and courage- this is all part of the work of
becoming one. It’s not always pleasant, easy or fun.

My husband and I have gone down many dusty, long roads where it seemed
there might not be a well of water to drink from. We have had to learn
to speak words of life to each other, to appropriate the living
resources that Christ provides, by loving each other as Christ loves the
Church. We have had to, by faith, help fill each other’s cup- even when
we did not feel like we cared that the other was thirsty. But we have
learned to embrace God’s call to love each other with the love He gives
us. It is more than enough Love to cover all the sins and weaknesses we
have. More than enough.

It has been worth it. Every marriage was meant to win the challenge-
because God has ordained that the two become one, that love and
fruitfulness occur when two lives committed to Him embrace not only the
journey, but the glorious challenge we were meant for.

Lauren Caldwell,
Guest Contributor

Lauren Caldwell is a wife, mother of two teenagers, writer, speaker,
and director of a Woman’s Ministry at her home church
where she teaches workshops centering on life coaching from God’s Word.
Stop by and visit her at her blog, Faith Fuel,
at http://championyourdreams.blogspot.com/)