Mission Impossible

“Hey rookie, what are you doing in the patrol briefing room at this time of day?”

The pasty-looking sergeant wasn’t concerned with the response or reason; he just wanted Robinson gone from his presence. 

“Hey sarge, I was wrapping up some paperwork and heading back out. About to meet my wife for lunch.”

“You married? How long?” the sergeant asked.

“We’ve been married six years. Two kids.”

Without wasting a breath, the sergeant replied, “I give it five more. Five years on this job, and you’ll be divorced. It’s impossible for a cop to stay married with the crap we see every day. Good luck, kid. You’re gonna need it.”

That conversation didn’t quite hit the encouragement level the newly sworn officer was looking for from a supervisor, but it was a clear wake up call.

Everyone may tell you the alarming statistics regarding marriage, adultery, substance abuse, and suicide for your career in the military or as a first responder. But what they fail to mention is that with God at the center of your life, nothing is impossible. That means your marriage does stand a fighting chance. That means your marriage has room to grow and thrive. You don’t have to be a statistic. Get beneath the superficial, fluffy discussions that have no bearing or fruit. Go deep. Have meaningful conversations with your spouse and discuss the threats, discover solutions, and create practical steps to combat the threats you will face together.

Quick Tip

It’s time to decide who you will believe. Are you going to believe the voices who say your marriage will become a statistic, or will you believe what God’s Word promises if you are obedient and practice His truths? It’s up to both spouses to go deep into your discussions. Don’t let the dating years be the only lasting memory of when you last had a meaningful conversation.

Sheepdog

Think about the last conversation you had with your spouse. If that was your last conversation, would it be worth remembering? It’s great to talk about family-related issues, but let this challenge you to sit down, grab a cup of coffee or tea, read the Bible together, and talk about it. Learn from and challenge each other. Grow together spiritually. The longer you are together, the closer you will you grow in your intimacy, and your life together will be richly blessed. How can you implement biblical discussion and study in your marriage?

Spouse

Dive into deep discussions together. If this doesn’t interest you, or if you have no desire to dig deep with your spouse and grow together, check your heart to see if you’ve allowed apathy to dominate your life. Find something that interests you both intellectually and spiritually and explore it together. These things will serve as a conduit for conversation between you and your spouse and help keep your lines of communication open and clear. What are some things you would like to discover and explore with your spouse?

Heavenly Father, we acknowledge your power as the Almighty Creator of all heaven and earth. Help us awaken our desires to learn, grow wiser, and take this journey together as husband and wife. Help this journey lead us into a deeper place of intimacy. Amen.