Marriage is like a mirror; it reveals who you really are.
Growing up as the youngest of four and having my parents to myself for most of my life, I have a tendency to be selfish and self-centered. For a really long time, it was all about me, my needs and my wants. God has been challenging me in this area through different situations and scenarios. I’ve cried, thrown tantrums and been mad at God for it.
God has tested me over and over to break that chain of selfishness in me, but I never imagined that marriage would be my turning point. Now that I am married, there’s no room for selfishness. I can’t be mad over stupid things anymore, I can’t think of myself first, and I can’t complain all the time when things don’t go my way.
I have to admit, the first couple of weeks after our honeymoon were rough. I had to get used to being the one serving and not the one being served. I had to get accustomed to sharing every space in our tiny condo. My bed wasn’t mine, it was ours. The bathroom wasn’t mine, it was ours. Like I mentioned in a previous post, I was tempted to be angry and lash out at my husband for the restless nights I had. Honestly, there were times that I was not a nice person to my husband. Edward was so patient, though. Thank God for a patient and loving husband. He knew I’d get out of my funk.
Seven months into marriage and I am starting to settle into my role as a wife and getting better at being selfless. Marriage isn’t just a paper you sign in order to dress like a princess for a day. It is a calling on your life that only God can anoint you for (1 Corinthians 7:7 MSG). I’m grateful that God chose for me to be a wife, because it has made me a better person. It has taught me that I don’t have to “stand up for my rights” as if they are being taken away from me (1 Cor. 7: 2-6 MSG). Serving others, specifically your spouse, is a high calling, not a degrading or lowly chore. Serving my husband has taught me that God desires us to serve Him and others, uninhibitedly.
My comfort zone is to be selfish. My comfort zone is for me to have the last word. But that’s not how God operates. He wouldn’t be a loving Father if He didn’t test us and challenge us to be the people He designed us to be. He knew I needed to humble myself in order to reach a higher level in Him. He knew what had to be broken in order for me to flourish.
Now I realize why marriage is a mirror of the relationship between Christ and the church. It reveals the heart of God and what Christ came to do on earth, and that was to serve and rescue others (Matthew 20: 28). We may not be able to rescue our spouses or those that we give to, but we can serve them and give of ourselves liberally. That’s the kind of person I want to see, when I look in the mirror.
What situation or life change, has God allowed in your life, in order to reveal areas in your life that need to be adjusted or dismantled?
How have the tests and challenges helped you grow spiritually?
Wow I so love this T. It’s pretty much every girls dream to get married and find their perfect spouse but I think a lot of us, myself included, forget that it’s not about the happy wedding day that fulfills your life. The way you said it was so perfect “it’s the calling in your life that only God can anoint you” and the whole point is to understand his spirit and character of a servant. I love love love this blog T! Even though I’m not married this hit right at home. Thank you for being so transparent with us! Xo
I’m glad you enjoyed it Nivi. Thank you for reading and commenting!
My princess I love your blog. This only gets better. The best is yet to come. Love your transparency, love that you are sharing so openly of this beautiful new season in your life with all the challenges and test. I love you.
Thanks Mimi! Believing the best IS yet to come as well. Thank you for reading and commenting.
Theresa, I am in awe of the profoundness of your blog, your life, your reality! I thank you so much for sharing. God is definitely using you to reach out and touch others who may be experiencing the same thing or don’t know yet what’s to come! Hint Hint!!! Believe it or not, I am the same way. I’ve been so independent for so long that I got so accustomed to doing life in my terms. Now that I’m engaged and a new mother I’ve had to learn to put others first. Coming straight out of an alternative lifestyle has been such a struggle for me to submit to my fiancé, let alone a man. It’s by the grace of a God that He changed my heart, humbled me and taught me to Love the way He loves. I’m still a work in progress and I thank God for such a patient, loving and understanding life partner. I do miss sleeping in, pampering myself, and just having to clean up after myself!!! 😜 That doesn’t exist anymore!!! Renewal of the mind, right?!? 😉 congrats on your blog!!! Can’t wait to read more! Keep ’em coming!!!
Wow… thank you so much for commenting and sharing your story with me. I feel so honored. I’m so happy this post blessed you. Renewing the mind is definitely key and definitely possible when we have Jesus in our lives. xo