The Gift of Partnership in Your Marriage - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional
The Gift of Partnership in Your Marriage
By: Laura Bailey
"Then the LORD God said, "It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him." Genesis 2:18 ESV
"Mom, why did you marry Dad," my inquisitive five asked over lunch one day. There were many reasons why I chose her father as my spouse, but there was one I knew was crucial in solidifying my decision.
"I knew your dad would make a good partner," I said with a smile.
I am sure to most people, my response was less than romantic. But, well, I have always been too practical to be swept away by Hallmark romances or rom-com novels that promise happily ever afters. Marriage can definitely provide love, happiness, comfort, and peace, but it's not always a fairytale—it takes work!
I am grateful to have grown up in a house where my parents were true partners. My father exhibited love expected from a husband to his wife, and my mother honored him through biblical submission (Ephesians 5:21-33). Their marriage was a beautiful partnership, a shared responsibility based on love and respect.
In Genesis 2:18, God tells us that it wasn't good for Adam to be alone, so he created a helper or partner for him. The original Hebrew word for helper in this verse is "Ezer," meaning a person who provides strength and support to one another. As wives, we are the helpmate to our husbands; we complement and come alongside them in marriage. While both the husband and wife are equal in the eyes of the Lord, they have unique roles. Some reject God's good design for the relationship between a husband and wife, but marriages thrive when males and females live out the way God intended!
Therefore, knowing that my husband is a true partner in our marriage leads me to a deeper appreciation, adoration, and affection for him. My love for my husband isn't based on butterflies or fickle emotion but grounded in knowing that he cares for me and is willing to love me like Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). We work together, carry each other's burdens (Galatians 6:2), rejoice when the other rejoices, and weep when they weep (Romans 12:15).
While it takes two to enter into matrimony, unfortunately, one person can choose to neglect or possibly abandon the partnership. If this is your experience, I am sorry. Know that this was not part of God's plan for marriage. But do not lose hope. God can restore broken marriages and redeem the most dire of circumstances.
Let us seek to embrace God's good design for a husband and wife and submit our marriages to the Lord. May we see our spouses as partners, gifts from a good, loving God.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of marriage. We are grateful that you saw it was not good for man to be alone and that you gave us a helper in life. Help us to align your good design of a husband and wife. May husbands seek to love and honor their wives as Christ loves the church. As wives, may we submit to our husband's authority, knowing that ultimately, we are submitting to you. Please protect our hearts and lead us to selfless service and a proper posture of humbleness and love towards our spouses. We love you, Lord; we surrender our marriages to You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
Challenge Questions:
How would you describe your marriage? Would you say that you and your spouse are partners? If not, what are some things that hinder your relationship? If so, great! How can you ensure that your marriage is rooted in love and respect?
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/CherriesJD
She lives in Upstate South Carolina with her husband and three young girls, where she serves as director of women's ministries at her church. Her passion is teaching the Bible to women, equipping them to live with an eternal perspective. Invite Laura to speak at your next event or learn more: www.LauraRBailey.com
We hope you and your spouse are challenged and encouraged by today's devotional! For more of this premium marriage devotional, visit here.
