Marriage Encounter

It has been three weeks now since Candy and I went to the Marriage Encounter Weekend sponsored by the Assemblies of God. It was a wonderful time! And I can honestly say that our marriage is richer now for it, too. Candy and I had both been in a spiritual funk the last 2 years, and this was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with each other and with Christ. It was not “group therapy” or anything like that. Rather, the time was equally split between listening to presenters in a whole group setting and writing love letters to each other and dialoging about various topics. Most of all, the weekend reminded us of why we fell in love with each other and showed us what we needed to do to nurture and grow that love for the future.

Personally, I came to grips with some things that I have been dealing with for quite some time, and I was made aware of some things Candy had been wrestling with recently, too. Through letter writing and dialoging, however, Candy and I were able to grow closer and better understand each other’s needs. By the end of the weekend I felt a renewed sense of purpose for our marriage and love for Candy, but I also felt somewhat overwhelmed. You see, I realized on a much deeper plane how lovely and special Candy truly is. I also realized how precious her heart is and how great the responsibility is for me as her husband to guard and protect her heart. When I also considered my inadequacies as a man, though, this seemed like a lofty mark that I was doomed to miss at some point. Our culture, and specifically the Church of Jesus Christ, is littered with the ruins of failed marriages. How could I be sure that I would be the husband that Candy needs and deserves?

As I pondered this, Philippians 4:13 came to mind: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” I realized that as long as I stay submitted to Christ, the life of Christ in me would ensure that I am a loving, serving, and committed husband. In and of myself, I don’t have the capacity to be a good husband. However, as I submit to the authority of Jesus Christ and let the Holy Spirit challenge and change me, He empowers me to be the man that He’s called me to be. Galatians 5:15 says, “…walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”

Candy is a wonderful woman and I am very thankful to God for our marriage. I am thankful, too, for Marriage Encounter, because through it our love has been rejuvenated and equipped for the future. And, most of all, I am thankful to Jesus Christ, for I know that a successful marriage is possible by His power in our lives.