The Heart of Faith Journey

Sometimes, I find myself reflecting on my past, not to dwell on it, but to remind myself how truly blessed I am to have my husband. This blog post is about Setting Jesus as the Foundation in Your Marriage. I dedicate this post to my husband and to our marriage. I also hope to encourage those who are married, those aspiring to marry, and even those who have faced heartbreak but still hold onto hope for love.

When Faith Led Me to Love: How it Began.

Let me share how my husband and I first met. At 22 years old, I was deepening my relationship with God and felt Him urging me to find a church home. My prayer was simple: “Lord, lead me to the church you want me to be at, not just the one I desire.”

One day, I received a call from my brother, told me about a woman he knew through a friend who wanted to invite me to church. I agreed, and chose to attend one Sunday morning. During one of my first few visits, I found myself in a tough spot—I had only $10 to my name, which I intended to use for gas after the service.

By chance, I ended up sitting next to Adrian, my now-husband. When it came time for tithes, The Lord instructed me to put my last $10 in the offering basket. Conflicted but convinced it was God speaking, I obeyed although I was worrying about how I would make it home on an empty tank.

At the end of the service, Adrian introduced himself and shook my hand. As he did, he slipped me a $20 bill. I was shocked because I knew I just gave my last. Then I asked him why he was giving it to me. His response was simple: “The Lord told me to give it to you.” He had no idea that it was God who orchestrated our meeting that day. Although I didn’t realize right away that he was meant to be my husband, looking back, it’s clear that our foundation was Jesus from the very beginning. We met in church, and both of us listened to God’s voice—He was our solid ground.

Staying Close to God In Marriage

I want to be transparent: I don’t have all the answers. We’ve only been married for four years, and every day is a learning experience. Although we haven’t mastered marriage or our faith, I can still share some insights on things I’ve learned and continue to learn. One important lesson we’ve learned is that drifting away from God can create distance in our relationship. When we neglect prayer and reading our Bibles together, our home becomes chaotic, filled with unnecessary arguments and tension. This happens when Jesus isn’t at the center of our lives. I’m sure every couple in faith can relate to this somehow.

Why does this happen? When we start to think we’ve completely figured out marriage or our faith, we often settle into a state of complacency. This mindset can create a vulnerability that allows the enemy to slip in unnoticed. That’s why, in my last post, I highlighted the need to remain alert and proactive in all areas of our lives, especially our marriages.

Prioritizing Christ

How can we prevent this and establish Christ as the foundation of our marriage? The first thing to recognize is that He can’t be the bedrock of our relationship if we don’t have a personal relationship with Him ourselves. To elevate something or someone to a top priority, we must intentionally choose to prioritize it. Therefore, we need to focus on our individual relationship with Christ, while also fostering that connection together with our spouses.

8 Ways to Establish Christ as the Foundation in Your Marriage.

1. Set Aside Daily Time with God:

Make it a habit to spend time with God each day. This should include individual prayer and worship, as well as moments spent together studying and praying as a couple.

2. Be Obedient

Listen to God’s guidance in your relationship and strive to follow His will. Obedience to His word strengthens your bond. Remember your choices and disobedience can affect your spouse, your marriage and your entire home.

3. Be a Positive Example in Your Marriage

In today’s society, marriage isn’t often seen as sacred as it once was, and honestly, many people are less impressed by it. However, it’s crucial to remember that, in God’s eyes, marriage is sacred and should not be taken lightly. As believers, we are held to a higher standard in our marriages. We don’t just represent ourselves or our spouses; we represent Christ and his values. Our marriages should reflect His love and commitment . While we are all imperfect, we should strive to uphold the dignity of our marriage and avoid giving anyone a reason to mock or criticize it. Remember, your marriage is part of your ministry—an example of Christ’s love to others.

3. Allow God to Lead Your Marriage

Trust God with Your Marriage. Even in the midst of disagreements, take your concerns to God. Pray for clarity and guidance, trusting that He will provide answers.

4. Intercede for Each Other

Life has its ups and downs, and there will be days when one of you is feeling low in your individual walk. During those times, lift each other up in prayer. When your spouse can’t find the strength to pray for themselves, step in and pray for them. Speak life and encouragement into their situation.

5. Be Equally Yoked

It’s vital that both partners share the same faith and values. A marriage built on a shared foundation of faith helps ensure that you are both moving in the same direction spiritually. Being equally yoked strengthens your bond and allows you to support each other in your relationship with God.

6. Communicate Openly

Foster an environment where both partners feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings. Honest communication is essential in any relationship, especially one grounded in faith. Talk to each other in love just as God would speak to you and as you would speak to God.

7. Make Your Marriage a Priority

Make your marriage a priority in your life. This means investing time and effort into nurturing your relationship and ensuring that it remains a focal point in your lives together.

8. Don’t Give Up

Marriage is a journey filled with ups and downs, and with Jesus as your foundation, you can navigate it together. Remember that your marriage is not just a union; it’s part of your ministry. Keep trusting in God, supporting each other, and building a relationship that honors Him.

The Transformative Power of a Christ-Centered Marriage

In conclusion, building a marriage on the foundation of Christ takes commitment, effort, and faith. It’s not always easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. As you cultivate your relationship with God and with each other, you’ll find that your marriage can become a beautiful reflection of His love and grace. Let Jesus be your cornerstone, and watch how He transforms your marriage into something truly extraordinary.

I dedicate this post to my Dear Husband, Adrian M. Williams.

Genesis 2:23–24

Then the man said, “This at last is bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called Woman,
because she was taken out of Man.”

Therefore a man shall leave his father and his mother and hold fast to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.