Marriage is one of the most profound gifts God has given us. It’s a sacred partnership meant to reflect His love, grace, and commitment. But marriage is also a journey full of challenges that can test our faith, endurance, and connection to each other. Sandy and I know this well.
The first five years of our marriage were tough—more than tough. My addiction, which had consumed 19 years of my life, deeply impacted those early years. It tested Sandy’s faith and resolve in ways I wish it hadn’t. But on December 26, 2007, God stepped into my life and healed me completely. That moment not only marked my sobriety but also became the turning point for our marriage.
Looking back, I see how God’s grace carried us through those painful years and how not giving up—even when it would have been easier—changed everything. Here are some key reasons why staying the course in marriage matters so much to you and to God.
1. Marriage Reflects God’s Covenant
God designed marriage to mirror His relationship with us. It’s a covenant, not a contract. Contracts are made to protect individual interests, but covenants are meant to reflect sacrificial love. God never gives up on us, even when we fall short. He’s patient, forgiving, and always present. That’s what marriage calls us to be.
The first five years of our marriage tested that calling. Sandy had every reason to walk away, but she didn’t. Her commitment reminded me of God’s love—steadfast and unshakable. And when God healed me of my addiction in 2007, it was her faithfulness that made the rebuilding possible.
Reflection: Are you treating your marriage as a reflection of God’s covenant love? What steps can you take to honor that calling?
2. God’s Redemption is Greater Than Our Brokenness
There’s nothing God can’t redeem. Those first five years were messy and painful, but they didn’t define our marriage. God used that brokenness to build something beautiful.
When I look at how far we’ve come, I don’t see just the mistakes or the pain—I see God’s grace. He took the pieces of our story and wove them into something that’s now a testimony of His power and faithfulness.
Reflection: What broken areas in your marriage can you invite God to redeem?
3. Storms Prepare You for Growth
The struggles Sandy and I faced weren’t just obstacles—they were opportunities for growth. Those early years taught us to communicate better, forgive deeply, and trust God completely.
It wasn’t easy. There were moments when the weight of rebuilding trust felt insurmountable. But God met us in those moments. He reminded us that the storms we faced weren’t the end of our story—they were part of the process of becoming stronger together.
Reflection: How can you shift your perspective to see the storms in your marriage as preparation for growth?
4. Staying Builds a Legacy of Faith
Our decision to stay and fight for our marriage didn’t just change our relationship—it changed our legacy. Today, our children see a marriage that has weathered the storms and come out stronger. They see the power of God’s healing and the importance of commitment.
And it’s not just about our family. Every time we share our story, we see how it inspires others to hold on a little longer, to trust God a little deeper. Staying isn’t just about surviving—it’s about creating a legacy that points back to Him.
Reflection: What legacy are you building in your marriage for your family and others around you?
5. God is the Anchor in Every Season
The truth is, you’re never alone in your marriage. God is always present, always fighting for you, and always ready to step in when you ask Him.
When I cried out to God in desperation in 2007, He didn’t just heal my addiction—He healed my heart and began restoring my marriage. That wasn’t just my victory; it was ours as a couple. God was the anchor that held us steady when everything else felt like it was falling apart.
Reflection: Are you allowing God to be the anchor in your marriage? How can you trust Him more in your current season?
A Closing Encouragement
Marriage isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being committed. It’s about choosing each other daily, even when it’s hard.
Sandy and I are living proof that God can take broken beginnings and turn them into something extraordinary. If you’re in a tough season, don’t give up. God is writing your story, and He’s not done yet.
Your marriage matters to God. And because it matters to Him, it’s worth fighting for.
Chris Benton
Living a God-Inspired Marriage
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