When I look at the union between a man and his wife, I’m not surprised that God is involved. I’m in awe. His plan for marriage is a beautiful one, where two people grow together as one. “It’s not good that man should be alone,” He said, “I will make him a help meet.” (Genesis 2:18)

And so He did. Causing Adam to fall into a deep sleep, the Lord God took out a rib, and from that rib He created a woman. He could have formed us from the dust of the earth, in the same way He created Adam, but He didn’t. That moment we were created, one became two. And that moment when we said “I do,” two became one.

I don’t think I’ll fully comprehend God’s love for me  until I’m gazing into the eyes of the One whose nail scarred hands carry me from this life to the next. Why would He die for me when I have nothing to give in return?

I was lost in sin. And still He loved me, wooing me daily as a groom who stands at the altar patiently waiting and watching for His bride to arrive.

Notice the symbolism in all of this. Sin separated us from the one that we loved. But that moment that we chose to be united with Christ, two became one. Not one in the sense that we are God, but that we are in union with Him.

That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. – John 17:21, KJV

The wound Adam had in his flesh was soon closed, but during those last hours on the cross we read about yet another wound that was open.

One of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and forthwith came there out blood and water. – John 19:34, KJV

And so we read in scripture how men are commanded to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it. (Ephesians 5:25)  And yes we are commanded to respect our husbands, but the way that I see it we should also be loving our husbands with the kind of sacrificial love that was demonstrated to us and echoed throughout scripture.

I got to thinking about marriage this week and how it mirrors our relationship with Christ in so many ways. And as I did, this verse kept coming back to me,

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 3:13-14, KJV

I know that Paul is talking about our walk with the Lord here. But still I got excited reading this, because in so many ways this is what marriage is all about too.

We’re pressing on to the mark set before us. This covenant that’s been ordained by God–the vows that we took–are a lifetime commitment. If we hope to finish this marriage well we must keep looking ahead and reaching toward those things are are BEST for our marriage. Things that will grow our marriage, draw us closer together, and strengthen the bond between us.

And let’s also remember how important it is to forget those things that are behind us. If an issue is dealt with don’t start digging it up again. This is one of the most vital steps that we have taken in our marriage. Yes, we have a past, but we’re careful to leave that past behind us. Grace is refreshing. When the morning sun rises, there is no place for darkness. That’s how the power of grace works in our lives the moment we embrace it and choose to walk in forgiveness.

That’s what we do. Yes, that’s the one thing we do.

You are loved by an almighty God,

Darlene Schacht
The Time-Warp Wife

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