The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 16

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Day 16 – To Love You Without Expectations

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Today’s Scripture

Sow your seed in the morning, and at evening let your hands not be idle, for you do not know which will succeed, whether this or that, or whether both will do equally well. (Ecclesiastes 11:6, NIV)

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Today’s Marriage Vow – To Love You Without Expectations

I’ve learned a big lesson when it comes to the Lord: His wisdom is far greater than mine. When we truly believe that He takes care of our needs, that He establishes our steps, and that He is powerful enough to change our situation at any given time, we can rest in His wisdom and strength.

Nothing is perfect. Plans fall apart. People come, others go. We live in a fallen world in which we’re often let down, but while we look for the good, God gives us the best.

Remember, a flower doesn’t bloom because we want it to, it blooms in its own time according to the will of God. Our husbands are no different—we can’t control the choices they make. All we can do is love them in the best way we know how.

Our job is go about planting seeds of encouragement, patience, kindness, and love. What God does with those seeds is His business, not ours.

We need be mindful of each other—more mindful in fact, than we are of ourselves. Ready to let go of expectations that separate and divide. Tender-hearted in the face of disappointment. Patient while we’re waiting on God.

Excerpt from The Ultimate Marriage Vow – Day 16 (affiliate link)

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Today’s Challenge

Do your part to plant seeds, but patiently leave the heart work to God.

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Appreciate the Little Things

At the close of each day, jot down some appreciation, gratitude, or admiration. For example, you might want to record something that you appreciate about your husband: maybe there’s something you’re grateful for, or perhaps he went out of his way to do something special. Doing this exercise at the end of each day will help you to gain a deeper appreciation of the blessings at hand.

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Let’s Not Forget Prayer

The best plan of attack starts with a morning prayer. God helps us formulate a plan, and He helps us to achieve it.

David once wrote, “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up.” (Psalm 5:3, KJV)

David knew what it took to slay a giant. He knew that his wisdom and strength rested on the power of God, and he drew on it daily.

And so I want to remind you to bring your marriage to prayer. Bring your husband to prayer. Bring your home to prayer. And, if you have children bring them to prayer. Lay them down at the feet of our Savior each and every morning asking God to bless and protect them. You won’t find better protection for your marriage, than that which only God can provide!

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The Ultimate Marriage Vow, available at Amazon.com (affiliate link)

Surrender Your Marriage to God…

Too many couples give up. They part ways before they experience the joy of growing together God’s way.

I’ve been there. I’ve smelled the stench of death in my own marriage. We’ve been to rock bottom where all hope was seemingly lost. But that wasn’t the end—something incredible happened when we surrendered our marriage to God. Winter turned to Spring, Spring turned into Summer, and here we are decades later thanking God for His life-saving grace.

And so, I’m asking, will you give me 21 days? That’s all I’m asking you for—3 weeks, 10 minutes a day, and a gentle heart that’s willing to yield. Give me 21 days to show you what God can do for your marriage. 21 days to remind you that marriage is a gift worth fighting for. 21 days to love on and pray for your husband. 21 days to a life filled with love, joy, and peace. 21 days to a life-long commitment.

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