Embracing the Journey of Marriage: Finding God in the Struggles and Sacrifices
- Alicia Van Zyl
- Nov 15
- 3 min read
Marriage is a beautiful gift, but it is not without its challenges. After four years of marriage, I have learned that the journey is filled with moments that test your patience, humility, and faith. Yet, through prayer and trusting that God is the rock of my life, I have found strength to overcome difficulties and now enjoy the blessings that come with commitment. Marriage requires daily sacrifice of pride and ego, but it also teaches us more about God’s love by encouraging us to be less selfish.
The Reality of Marriage Beyond the Romance
When I first got married, I imagined a life filled with joy, laughter, and endless support. While those moments do exist, marriage also brings unexpected struggles. Differences in opinion, communication gaps, and personal weaknesses can create tension between spouses. I quickly realized that love alone is not enough to sustain a marriage. It requires work, patience, and a willingness to put your spouse’s needs before your own.
One of the hardest lessons I learned was how often I had to sacrifice my pride. It’s tempting to want to be right or to defend yourself, but marriage calls for humility. When I chose to let go of my ego, I found that conflicts became opportunities for growth rather than battles to win.
How Faith Became My Anchor
Prayer has been my lifeline through the ups and downs of marriage. When I felt overwhelmed or discouraged, turning to God reminded me that I am never alone. Knowing that He is the rock of my life gave me peace and courage to face challenges head-on.
Faith also helped me see my spouse differently. Instead of focusing on flaws or frustrations, I began to appreciate the ways God was working in both of us. This shift in perspective made it easier to forgive and to love unconditionally.
Here are some practical ways faith strengthened my marriage:
Daily prayer together helped us stay connected spiritually and emotionally.
Reading scripture about love and patience reminded us of the qualities we wanted to cultivate.
Attending church and fellowship provided support and encouragement from others on similar journeys.
Sacrifice as a Path to Deeper Love
Marriage is a daily exercise in sacrifice. Whether it’s choosing kindness over anger, listening instead of reacting, or putting your spouse’s needs before your own desires, these small acts build a strong foundation.
Sacrifice doesn’t mean losing yourself. Instead, it means growing in love by being less selfish. I learned that when I gave up my need to control situations or be “right,” I opened the door for deeper intimacy and trust.
For example, there were times when my husband and I disagreed about finances or parenting styles. Instead of insisting on my way, I chose to listen and compromise. This not only reduced conflict but also showed respect for his perspective.
Celebrating the Blessings After the Storms
After years of navigating challenges, I now see the blessings that come from perseverance. Marriage has deepened my understanding of God’s love and patience. It has taught me to be more compassionate, forgiving, and joyful.
The bond with my spouse feels stronger because we have faced difficulties together and come out more united. We celebrate the small victories—like a peaceful conversation after a disagreement or a shared laugh during a tough day.
Marriage is not perfect, but it is worth every effort. The struggles shape us, and the sacrifices reveal the depth of our love.
Moving Forward with Hope and Faith
If you are married or engaged, remember that challenges are part of the journey. Embrace them as opportunities to grow closer to your spouse and to God. Keep prayer at the center of your relationship and be willing to sacrifice pride for love.
Marriage is a daily choice to love, forgive, and support each other. When you lean on God as your rock, you will find strength to push through the hard times and enjoy the blessings that follow.
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