“‘For I hate divorce!’ says  the Lord, the God of Israel.”  Malachi 2:16 NLT

Justine’s  marriage was in trouble.   Their decade long struggle  left her with little hope.  She believed her marriage was over.  She moved in with us for a little while, just to get her head straight and make a decision without any distractions.

However, I was a huge distraction.  I loved Justine.  She was my sister in Christ and I hated seeing her in so much pain.  At that time in my life, I didn’t fully understand God’s plan for marriage and  I began praying for her to find the courage to begin the divorce process.

God had other plans.  God had put on Justine’s heart to fight for her marriage.  He gave her a vision of her husband lying at the foot of the cross, while she and her boys waited off to the side.

Justine shared God’s vision for her marriage with me, and told me that forgiveness trumped divorce.   God convicted me, and I immediately began  praying for reconciliation.  After a long journey of fighting, God brought restoration and healing to their marriage.  They recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary by renewing their wedding vows.  God did not put their marriage back together the way it was.  He blessed them with a new & improved marriage.

I’m so grateful that Justine listened to God instead of me.  God’s unfailing love for  Justine’s marriage has convinced me to pray for restoration of ALL marriages, no matter what the circumstances.

God wants to save your marriage, if you are willing to fight.  Pray for healing and restoration.  Talk to your pastor.  Find a counselor.  Go to a marriage conference.  Maybe there’s a married couple who might journey with you while you walk through this crisis.  There are so many resources out there for you.  Ask for and accept help.  Do whatever you can to fight for your marriage.  And when you’ve done everything you can think of, get on your knees and ask God for the strength to fight some more.  Never stop fighting for your marriage.  Forgiveness trumps divorce.

Kirk Cameron hosts a marriage event called Love Worth Fighting For.  He does a fantastic job sharing God’s message to fight for your marriage with everything you have.

Mountaintop Community Church in Birmingham, AL is hosting this event on Friday, April 19 at 7pm.