I started this email/blog over 2 years ago as a result of hearing so many stories of marriages struggling or falling apart. Whether one’s pain was loneliness, poor communication, infidelity, differing viewpoints, indifference, or emotional suffering, it was usually the loss of hope and mutual purpose that finally tore the marriage apart. Since then, I know your prayers have helped sustain many marriages.
Every marriage has its challenges, and sometimes it’s how you frame something that helps you move forward versus standing still and giving up. With that in mind, I was really struck by the following reflection, which was written by an Auchwitz survivor, making it all the more profound. Whether one worries about their human life or the life of their marital union, personal suffering without hope is very painful.
“In some way, suffering ceases to be suffering at the moment it finds a meaning, such as the meaning of a sacrifice…..In accepting this challenge to suffer bravely, life has a meaning up to the last moment, and it retains this meaning literally to the end.” -Victor E. Frankel
He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or mourning, wailing or pain, [for] the old order has passed away.” Revelation 21:4
Perhaps the Lord calls you to a deeper trust. Hope is in the Lord. We only need to turn to the Lord in our suffering to find meaning. He embraces us in our suffering, He walks the rocky roads with us and wipes away every tear. Just as suffering led to the resurrection, so too, He will lift us up in our need and heal what is broken. We have to have faith, and trust in Him.
Lord may we find comfort in your faithfulness to us. Strengthen us in our journey, wherever it may lead. Bring hope to marriages lacking in hope. Help spouses trust in your goodness and fidelity. Bring your love as a flame, so that marital love may be rekindled. May our prayers be like incense to the heavens, delightful in your sight.
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Share hope in the midst of suffering. Pass it on.
