Welcome to the 40-Day Inspired Marriage Challenge! This challenge is designed to help you grow your marriage in mind, body, and spirit. When all three areas are strengthened, you’ll hear God’s voice more clearly and find direction in your marriage and life.
This challenge may or may not be right for you. Only you, your spouse, and God can decide. We encourage you to pray together before embarking on this journey. While there are many resources for marriage growth, God knows which one is right for you. Let Him guide you as you walk through these 40 days.
If you commit, go in with your whole heart—this could change your marriage and your life. If, at the end of the 40 days, you don’t feel this challenge aligns with your journey, that’s okay. But we believe that once you experience the purity and growth that comes from this, you’ll want to keep going.
Some of these steps may be things you’re already doing, and that’s awesome! Continue what’s working and take it further. If you want to add more, great—this is between you, your spouse, and God. Let Him guide you through the process.
Please note, some parts of this challenge are intentionally broad because we trust that God will guide you where you need to go. Ask Him each day for direction.
Here’s your 40-Day Challenge:
- Find a Church
If you don’t already have a church home, make it a priority to find one that’s Bible-based, where both of you can agree and feel led to. Make this a foundational part of your marriage. - Attend Church Weekly
Commit to attending church every week for the next 40 days. Let the church feed you spiritually through the Word of God. - Tithe
Make it a priority to tithe 10% to the church that’s feeding you spiritually. Honor God with your finances as a couple. - Read Proverbs Daily
Read the corresponding chapter of Proverbs each day (e.g., on the 1st, read Proverbs 1). Do this individually or together as a couple. Take time to listen for God’s guidance on your marriage as you read. - Read a Marriage Book
Pray together and ask God to guide you in choosing a marriage book. Commit to reading one book on marriage during the 40-day challenge. - Watch “Guardrails” Sermon Series
At some point during the 40 days, watch Andy Stanley’s 6-part sermon series Guardrails from North Point Community Church. This powerful series will challenge you to build guardrails in your life and marriage. - Pray Together Daily
Commit to praying together every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Start small, but be consistent in inviting God into your relationship. - Commit to No Negative Speech
Work on eliminating swearing, name-calling, or accusations. Speak life and love over each other. Avoid any form of verbal put-downs, even jokingly. Words have power! - Break Free from Bondage
For the next 40 days, abstain from anything that alters your mind—drinking, drugs, or anything that clouds your judgment. Stay away from “R” rated movies, especially those of a sexual nature. This will help you stay pure and clear-minded to hear God’s voice. - Avoid Flirting
Cut out flirting with anyone other than your spouse. Even small flirtations are spiritually and emotionally damaging. Honor God and your spouse by keeping your heart solely for them. - Remove TV from the Bedroom
Take the TV out of your bedroom for the next 40 days. Your bedroom should be a sanctuary for your marriage—free from distractions. - Express Love Daily
Give your spouse real hugs and kisses every day. Remind each other why you’re together. Rekindle that initial spark and love for one another. - Have Fun Together
Commit to doing fun, lighthearted things as a couple. Laughter and joy are crucial for a strong, growing marriage. Bring back the fun in your relationship! - Exercise Together
Exercise at least three times a week. It doesn’t have to be at the gym—walks around the neighborhood or other forms of physical activity are great for clearing your mind and keeping your body active. - Share Household Responsibilities
Take turns with household chores. Whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or handling the laundry, share the load together. This strengthens your partnership and fosters teamwork. - Spend Quality Time Talking
Set aside 30 minutes every day to connect with each other. Talk about your dreams, challenges, and what’s on your mind. If you have children or busy schedules, make this a minimum—try to go deeper when you can. - Date Night Every Week
Make a commitment to have a date night once a week. It doesn’t have to be extravagant—spend time connecting with each other, even if it’s just for an hour or two. - Take a Day Trip
At some point during the 40 days, go on a spontaneous day trip—within a two-hour drive. Don’t plan everything out; let the adventure unfold. There’s something magical about exploring together without a rigid schedule. - Try Something New Together
Do something you’ve never done before. Whether it’s a new activity, a new restaurant, or a new experience, trying something unfamiliar can strengthen your bond. - Fast Together
Pick something you both enjoy and fast from it for 40 days. It could be sweets, social media, or coffee—whatever it is, do it for God and each other. This fast will help draw you closer to Him and deepen your connection. - Journal Your Journey
Get a journal and write down your thoughts each day during the challenge. Reflect on what God is teaching you about your marriage and your relationship with Him.
This challenge isn’t about perfection; it’s about drawing closer to God and each other. We believe that if you go all in, you’ll see profound growth in your marriage. Remember, this isn’t just a 40-day challenge—it’s a journey. The work you begin now will continue to impact your marriage long after the 40 days are over.
Be bold. Be consistent. And let God lead you through this.
Chris & Sandy Benton