Pressing toward the goal:
"Working towards that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be."
Philippians 4:12 (NLT)

Picture by M.F.S. Photography
The Royal Wedding
4th June 2011

On the 29th April 2011 Britain paused to watch the joining of two hearts together.  It was the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton.  Vince and I are old romantics at heart, so we made it an event in our living room.  Yes, you've guessed it! This entry is all about marriage.

There were a  few points highlighted which got me started on a series of thoughts that may well lead to an article.  I focused on the reading of Romans chapter 12 and got so much more from it in regards to marriage.  Looking at it from a marital point of view, verses 14 and 15 reinforces the point that couples will face circumstances which will bring both tears and laughter.  In some of these scenes there will be times of being taken for granted and also where others outside the marriage will persecute and spitefully use one or both individuals within the union.  Sadly, this can also happen within the marriage and it can sometimes spiral out of control.  Here in Romans 12 we have the advice that will help us to avoid it getting to this point.  When that happens we are encouraged not to retaliate but to pray asking God to "...bless those who persecute you--yes, ask Him to bless, not to curse."  The scripture goes on to say, "Be happy with those who are happy, weep with those who weep."

When the royal couple and a few individuals went off to sign the register it taught me the following:

1. There are parts of  our marriage that are public and parts that should be kept private. The wedding vows we make are before man and God.  The fact that we invite others to share in our joyous moment naturally brings them into our marriage, otherwise we would not have invited them.  Therefore, some of the struggles we encounter can sometimes be solved by the wise advice of some of these individuals who witnessed the exchange of vows.

2. The parts that are private are two-fold:

a)    Even in the private areas of our marriage, there are some key individuals who are meant to be there to help when trouble comes.  These individuals should naturally be the parents. Unfortunately, not all couples have wise parents to turn to. In times of trouble the priest/pastor, the best man, chief bridesmaid/maid of honour and close relatives also form part of this support network.

b)    No one can sign the register for the couple.  Likewise, there are some things in their marriage that only the two can work out for themselves.  It is therefore vital to consult the blueprint for marriage--the bible.  Making God the third person in our marriage helps us to avoid the many problems that can occur during the course of one's marriage. 


You may not have had a £250,000+ budget for your wedding but you made the same vows as the royal couple.  Marriage was instituted by God. The vows we make are before man and God.  It is God's will for our marriage to honour our vows.  Unfortunately, many couples go into marriage unprepared for the 'worse', 'in sickness' and 'for poorer'.  Therefore, many fail to honour the part of their vow which states, 'until death do us part.'

Vince and I have gone through all three seasons in our short married life.  Today we genuinely feel that our morning has come.  So please be encouraged today, knowing that all marriages do face some form of trial during its lifetime.  Like us, if you keep God at the center of your marriage, you too can endure and conquer the trials together, thus creating a happy marriage.  Cry together and comfort each other as you face times of sorrow.  Marriage is about togetherness so it makes no sense sharing with your best friend when your partner is not aware of what you are feeling.  Laugh together as you share joyous moments.  Share your hopes and dreams together, face the challenges together and you will reap the rewards together.  It is not an easy road road to travel and it get a little bumpy when you start to expand as a family but you can make it, like many others before you.

Society says, "If things don't work out the way you planned them, get a divorce." I would like to encourage you to remember the vows you made and do all that you can to keep your marriage alive.  Seek to find alternative methods to solving a problem rather than leaving them to fester and cause greater damage in the future. The grass may be greener on the otherside but it still needs to be maintained.  Who is going to do it, if not you?

Invite God into your marriage if you haven't yet done so and watch Him work miracles in your marriage.


In His Service
Your sister in Christ
Janice Ramkissoon
4th June 2011. 

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