Storm of life is real in married life. There is no successful marriage without a story of overcome challenges. The main issue is how to overcome these challenges of life. This article tells how to deal with these storms of life in marital life.
There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (KJV)
These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world – John 16:33 (KJV)
Every marriage has its peculiar storm of life, which is obvious or hidden to the public, yet a torment to the victims of it. This includes infertility or financial hardship, disabled or sickly children or spouse, infidelity, extended family disputes, immaturity or irresponsibility, etc. Whatever is the case, there is a solution to it. Surely, you can overcome that challenge in your marriage!
How to overcome the storms of life in your married life
1. Acknowledge that challenges of life are real in marital life
Your knowledge of this truth will prepare you mentally, spiritually and even bodily. It will determine your thoughts, words and actions. Being ignorant of the high probability of these challenges is to prepare for a possible total breakdown in your marriage.
2. Fortify yourselves with the word of God
The scriptures within you will build a hedge of protection around you and your marriage, preventing some attacks from the enemy. Also, the word of the Lord will fortify you wholly, preparing you against any knock out from the storms of life. Remember, if you faint in the days of adversity in your married life, it means your strength is small.
3. Acknowledge that storm of life is common to man
This is a vital step to overcome marital life challenges. What is common was defeated many times and will be defeated again many more times. Your case is not different. But when you see it as being peculiar only to you, then you will make a mountain out of an ant hill of a challenge. On the other hand, seeing it as being common energizes you to overcome like others before you.
4. Blame no one
Looking for whom to blame will not solve that issue; instead it will further compound it. The attitude of blaming you or your spouse gives birth to anger, hatred, depression, un-forgiveness, untrained children etc., and eventually separation or divorce. No matter how much your flesh desires to blame someone for the storm of life, don’t give in to it.
5. Meditate consistently on scriptures related to the challenge
Meditation keeps the word of God before you and equips you with the weapon of warfare with which to fight every doubt or fear. Consistent meditation keeps you permanently above that storm till it ceases.
6. Declare the scriptures to one another and pray them
Faith comes by hearing the word of God. So, the more both of you hear it, the more your faith gets built up and your individual strength gets renewed. When one is growing weak and desires to give up, the other will uphold him. Also pray the scriptures because God only listens for His word. We are to put Him in remembrance of His word when we pray.
7. Declare the scriptures to that challenge and every wind of doubt
You will always have what you say. The storms of life and doubt have ears and will only disappear when you command them to do so according to the word of God. It is also a proof of your faith in God and His word.
8. Refuse to listen to any comment contrary to God’s word.
The enemy will test the strength of the word of the Lord within you through people; even people with good intentions will be used. Your response to their comments will determine the intensity and duration of the storm. Also, the enemy will try to steal the word in you because it is a weapon that will destroy his power over you and give you victory.
9. Call yourselves names that emphasize the victory you would want to see
God changed Abram’s name to Abraham to reflect His plan to make him father of many nation. Also Jacob’s name was changed to Israel to reflect his new status with God. You have to call those things that be not as though they were for them to be. For example if the issue is barrenness, call one another daddy and mummy.
10. Listen for God’s direction on what next to do
The Alpha and Omega knows the end from the beginning; he sees beyond what your eyes can see and has the solution to those challenges of life. Therefore, seek God’s face for the appropriate steps to take.
11. Read books and listen to CDs related to the solution you desire.
Some people have gone through that storm of life in their marital life and prevailed. Discover what they did to overcome through their stories. You gain speed and time by riding on the victories of others.
12. Go for godly counsel and help, if or when necessary.
In the multitude of counsel, there is safety. As you are led by God go for counsel or help, and that may include medical help.
13. Support one another
Two surely are better than one. You need to strongly support one another spiritually, mentally, emotionally and otherwise during this storm of life in your married life. It is not a time for both of you to go your separate ways but a time to draw closer to one another. The enemy can never succeed where there is strong unity, no matter how long he presses; surely he will give up.
14. Remain patient, hold on and refuse to quit
Truly, it may take a while but your victory is sure if you faint not. Put in mind that your victory today is another couple’s victory tomorrow. It is not all about you!
15. Give thanks to God for answered prayers yet to be manifested.
You are to believe that you have received the answers when you pray. Thanksgiving unto God before you see your desired outcome is a catalyst for answered prayers. It is also a proof of your faith in God and His word. Thanksgiving puts the enemy to flight and the Lord to action.
Like every storm, this storm of life will pass too. Night may endure for a season but morning will surely come, bringing with it overflowing joy.