What would you classify as a miracle?
Last night, long after my four children had gone to sleep, I laid awake in bed feeling our next baby move all around my womb. I began thinking about what a gift life is! After years of infertility followed by grieving the loss of three children (two via miscarriage and one in the form of a failed adoption), there was a time in my life when I never knew if I would be able to conceive or carry a child. The gift of life, to me, is certainly a miracle that I don’t take for granted. It was in that awe-struck moment when I felt the Lord impress upon my heart the truth that,
Marriage is a Miracle!
I am not just talking about the marriages that get restored: the prodigal spouse who comes to seek forgiveness after years in a far country. Nor do I exclusively mean those couples who stay happily married for decades, but rather every single marriage is a miracle!!
Miraculous Concept:
Marriage is an institution created by the Lord Himself. Within the first three chapters of the Bible, we read of the first marriage ceremony ever performed. God’s Word ends the same way: describing a marriage ceremony that will one day take place between Christ and us, His people. Clearly, marriage is more than just two people vowing to love each other. It is a life-long covenant that is a foreshadowing of what is to come. Marriage isn’t man-made, human regulated, or culturally defined. It was birthed in the mind of God, long before the creation of the world because He knew that we would one day need a Savior. He knew of the upcoming wedding feast long before the fall of man ever happened. Talk about a miracle!! I love how Timothy Keller describes this phenomenon in the introduction of his book The Meaning of Marriage: Facing the Complexities of Commitment with the Wisdom of God,
Marriage was designed to be a reflection of the saving love of God for us in Jesus Christ. That is why the gospel helps us to understand marriage and marriage helps us to understand the gospel.
Miraculous Intimacy:
Marriage is a gift of intimacy, both emotionally and physically. To know one person completely, and have them know you in return, is a rare gift which is the cause for a great celebration. The closeness that develops through authentic and frequent communication is unmistakable. The physical act of intercourse is truly amazing! At that moment, two truly become one!
Miraculous Mechanics:
The concept of marriage and the intimacy provided by marriage aren’t the only miracles to discuss. Daily life provides ample opportunity for the Lord to work miracles in the hearts of his children. Two sinners living and functioning under one roof for a lifetime is baffling to me. I believe that one cannot be married and remain unchanged! If I would choose to change for the better, what miracles might I experience?!
If I spent each day asking the Lord to make me aware of my own sin struggles, selfishness, and shortcoming…
If I asked Him to demolish my pride and replace it with a heart that truly put my husband first…
If I was open to His promptings to love, respect, and submit to my husband even when I don’t think my husband is deserving….
I would grasp the truth that marriage is a miracle because of the changes in would bring about in my own life.
Miraculous Marriage:
Just a moment ago, I kissed my son and told him how much I loved him. It is true; my love for my children is an amazing force which I can’t describe except to say that it points me to the Lord. Four years ago my dad was given a very bad prognosis for his cancer. Today, he is completely cancer free. God certainly still heals physical ailments, and for that, I praise Him all the more. The awe-filled silence I have before my Creator when standing at the edge of a beach, in the valley of a mighty mountain, or when I am in the presence of something magnificent… is a far cry from the grumbles, complaints, and selfishness I demonstrate within my marriage. I have never grasped, until now, that marriage is a miracle.
Now that I know this truth, how will it change my day-to-day life? My thoughts? My attitudes? My relationship with the Lord and my husband?
Do you believe that a marriage is a miracle? I would love to hear your miraculous stories!!!
Joining with: Whimsical Wednesday
Andrew Budek-Schmeisser says
Oh, yes. It is.
Here’s another miracle. Her name is Bella, and she’s a small Toto-like terrier.
Last summer, my wife found her drowning in a rainwater-filled ditch, her back broken, and her spine displaced. We took her to the vet, and he said that he could do nothing – but we could do everything. All we needed was a little love.
I made a wheelchair for Bella, and she used to to build her strength and, I think, to gain confidence for her next step.
Or steps.
Because, displaced spine and all…she’s learning to walk again.
She started kicking her legs in the wheelchair. I put it down to reflex action, but then I experimentally pushed against one of her hind paws…and she pushed back.
She started out by standing, and now she can take halting steps. She needs lateral support, but the steps are volitional. She knows what she’s doing/
Bella is the darling of our Big Dogs…we have a sanctuary for abandoned Pit Bulls, and they have all fallen in love with the little…well, I was going to say ‘angel’, but her personality is as sharp as her teeth. She’s fearless.
Miracles come in all sizes, I guess!
darbyd says
That’s a great story, Andrew. Thanks for sharing!!!
Brandy says
Thank you so much for your post. My husband and I are in the midst of a hurting marriage and about to celebrate our 2nd year of marriage. God is restoring our marriage, that I am sure, but there is A LOT of pain and hurt that we are still walking through. Thank you for this reminder!!
darbyd says
Hi Brandy! So glad we connected! I will be praying for you and your husband… I am sorry for the hurt right now. Our 3rd and 8th anniversaries were particularly rough because of the hurtful seasons we found ourselves in. Keep fighting and keep praying! Can’t wait to see what God does through you both!