Facing Giants in Marriage Requires Persistence

 Sometimes the best marriage advice comes down to those three simple words: Hang in there.

It’s not easy. When marriage problems and challenges feel insurmountable, it can require the courage that David had when he faced Goliath.  

I can imagine how lonely and beat down David must have felt as he stood before the giant who looked unbeatable. No one believed in the young shepherd. King Saul only saw his youth and inexperience. David’s oldest brother questioned his motives and berated him. Mighty Goliath mocked him: “Am I a dog, that you come at me with sticks?” (1 Samuel 17:43). And yet, David stood before the champion, armed with only a simple slingshot and five smooth stones.

Fighting for your marriage is hard. Sometimes the problems you face seem huge — too big and too powerful to overcome. Giants can appear in all shapes and sizes: from infidelity to in-laws; pornography to pride.

And often when we try to face these giants, we fight other obstacles behind the battle lines, just like David.  You and your spouse may need to overcome years of unhealthy relationship patterns. Your spouse may resist change. Well-intended people might give you or your spouse bad advice. Satan attempts to write cruel messages on your heart: “It’s all your fault!” “You’ll never be good enough!” “You’re not worth being fought for!” All these things can make you feel alone.