Marriage Goals - Winning in CommunicationSample

Invite Others In

We aren’t meant to do life or marriage alone.

Similar to the embers of a fire that only produce lasting heat when gathered side-by-side with other coals; our marriage is strongest when partnered in community with others. Marriages that isolate and try to stay 'hot' without the influence and encouragement from other godly couples will struggle to stay aflame and may get snuffed out with even the smallest shift in life.

When you got married, your plan was to be happily married for the long haul. Proverbs 15:22 says “Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success.” Do you want your marriage to be a success? If you’re reading this, we already know the answer to that!

Practical Tip: Take a minute to consider who your advisors are. Who have you invited to walk alongside you in your marriage? Is there another couple or a small group at your church with whom you’re open and transparent?

Another way to get wise counsel in your life is to actually find a wise counselor. Yes, I’m recommending counseling. We need to break free from the idea that counseling is only for marriages on the brink of divorce or struggling to survive. People who strive to be healthy and fit hire personal trainers, high-performance athletes are led by a coach, and successful businesses lean on consultants to take their goals to the next level. Why would marriage be any different? If you want a strong marriage, invite others in to help guide you along the way. Vibrant, strong, on-fire marriages surround themselves with godly community and wise counsel.

Daily Action Step: If you don't have people journeying with you and speaking truth into your lives as a couple, take action today!

• Reach out to someone that you look up to or have been encouraged by; invite them to a meal, and tell them you want to walk with them on this crazy adventure called marriage.
• Make an appointment with a counselor or marriage coach.
• Join a couples group at your local church. Take initiative and ask God to show you who can support and encourage you along the way. Also, who can you do this for in return?

We are praying over every person who reads this devotional and believing there is so much more for your marriage. The person God has given you to walk this life with is still worth fighting for. We are cheering you on, asking Jesus for strength, humility, and a spirit of deep love to cover you. Believing for VICTORY in your marriage. God is faithful and will meet you in every broken, undone + desert place.

So much love - Mike + Nicole