Love With a Faithful God
There's one more reality that you have to include as you're trying to look at your marriage as realistically as possible. Not only must you consider the fallenness of the world you live in and the fact that both of you are less than perfect, but you must also remember that you're not alone in your struggle.
The Bible says that God is near, so near that in your moment of need you can reach out and touch him because He's not far from each one of us (Acts 17:27). Yes, you live in a fallen world and the two of you are flawed, but the God who determined your address lives there with you and is committed to giving you everything you need.
For me, three words come to mind when I think of God—faithful, powerful, and willing. First, God is faithful. Centuries ago, after Adam and Even had disobeyed, God promised that He would crush wrong once and for all. So He sent His Son to defeat sin and death by His crucifixion and resurrection. For thousands of years God neither forgot nor turned from His promise.
He didn't grow weary, nor would He be distracted. He made a promise, and He controlled the events of history (large and small) so that at just the right moment Jesus Christ would come and fulfill what had been promised.
Second, God is powerful. He's powerful in authority and powerful in strength. Think of the authority you would have to have to control all the situations, locations, and relationships in order to guarantee that Jesus would come at the precise moment and do what He was appointed to do!
Also, could there be a more pointed demonstration of power than to have power over death? By God's awesome power, Jesus took off His grave clothes and walked out of that tomb. Those guys in power-lifter competitions may be able to pull a bus with their teeth, but they'll all die, and there's nothing they can do about it.
Finally, God is willing. Why would He go to such an extent to help us? Why would He care to notice us, let alone rescue us? Why would He ever sacrifice His own Son? Because He's willing. You and I need to recognize that His willingness was motivated not by what He saw in us but by what is inside of Him.
God is willing because He is the definition of mercy. He's willing because He's the source of love. He's willing because He's full of amazing grace. He's willing because He's good, gentle, patient, and kind. Even when we're unwilling, full of ourselves and wanting our own way, He's still willing. He delights in transforming us by His grace. He delights in rescuing us by His powerful love.
So, when you're sinned against or when the fallen world breaks your door down, don't lash out or run away. Stand in your weakness and confusion and say, "I'm not alone. God is with me, and He is faithful, power, and willing." You can be realistic and hopeful at the very same time.
Realistic expectations are not about hope without honesty, and they're not about honesty without hope. Realism is found at the intersection of unabashed honesty and uncompromising hope. God's Word and God's grace make both possible in your marriage.
This is the third of a 3 part series. View Part 1, Love in a Fallen World and Part 2, Love for a Flawed Person.
This article originally appeared on PaulTripp.com
Dr. Paul David Tripp is a pastor, author, and international conference speaker. He is the president of Paul Tripp Ministries and works to connect the transforming power of Jesus Christ to everyday life. Paul lives in Philadelphia and is hopelessly in love with his wife, Luella. They have four grown children.
Resource Spotlight
For more on your marriage featuring Paul Tripp, take a look at 33 The Series Volume 5: A Man and His Marriage.
View the full Video and Training Guide for Session 1 of A Man and His Marriage.
CLICK HERE to view all 33 The Series resources.