Dear Friend,

A husband once shared with a friend his secret to making his marriage last. He said, “We go to a nice restaurant once a week and enjoy a good meal and some relaxing music.”

To which his friend replied, “Wow, that does sound nice.”

“It is,” the husband responded. “She goes on Tuesdays and I go on Fridays.”

Another man shared that the secret to his marriage is they agreed to never go to bed together angry at each other. It sounds like a good plan; however, as a result, they haven’t slept together in years.

Far too many people spend their time planning a wedding with no plan for a marriage. Yet although the marriage relationship is one of the most rewarding relationships we can enjoy, it can also be one of the most challenging. No other relationship requires such an intense and ongoing level of mutual exchange, sharing of resources, emotions, communication, patience, passion, and more. Simply by its design, the marriage partnership sets itself up to be one of the most testing, trying, or even exhausting engagements in life. Because of that, and more, half of marriages end up in divorce, and a large percentage of the other half stay together out of obligation rather than desire or love.

What I want to encourage you to consider, though, is the value of the sanctifying effect of marriage and family. When we make seeking and serving God our highest calling, as it should be, then anything which equips or enables us to do this better ought to be embraced.

God will often use the things and people closest to us to do the greatest work in our hearts, minds, and souls. What we need to remember in these situations of conflict in our homes is that God always has a purpose for the pain (Romans 8:28) when you commit that pain to Him and His will. Your spouse is not your enemy, but rather a tool sometimes allowed by God to soften your edges, strengthen your weak spots, and deepen the authenticity of both your faith and your love.

To help you on your path to strengthening your home, we’ve put together our best bundle ever of practical resources designed to give you the tools you need to live and love well. Will you request yours when you give your gift of any amount to the ministry? We count on faithful friends like you to help us continue broadcasting God’s Word across the airwaves of our land. Thank YOU for standing with us in all that we do in His name and for His glory!

For the King and His kingdom,

More from The Alternative View:  

Testimony Time

“Dr. Evans, I have been reading and re-reading your book, Kingdom Man. This book has truly opened my eyes. It has shown me that there is much more to being a godly man, father, family man, role model, and leader. Thank you so very much.”   

“Pastor Evans, I wanted to thank you. Several years ago I heard you talking about adopting schools. Since then I have become a family and community pastor. We have adopted two schools and another eight have been adopted by others that we have encouraged. In light of Baltimore, please know that you have inspired others to make a difference. Jesus is our hope...hope for our children.”   

“Detours to Destiny is on my YouTube three to four times a week. Love and respect your work.”