Drawing Heaven into Marriage

“We cannot create a vibrant marriage out of two people regardless of their talents, penchants, or country of origin. It is not possible. We must have divine help,” (Goddard, 2009). The whole premise of Goddard’s book is that “The Lord must be a partner if a relationship is to prosper.” He explains that a marriage prescription involving God is not what the world would prescribe. The scriptures identify that every man has weaknesses, they are divinely appointed; our weaknesses are a gift from God. The world wants us to believe that weakness makes a person less worthy of our love. In every man, hence every marriage, weakness is present. God makes weak things strong. The world walks away from those that are weak and looks ill upon them. Goddard states, “I’m guessing that you could tolerate any amount of disappointment and misunderstanding as long as you felt close to God. It is the magic potion, the heavenly elixir.” (Goddard, 2009).

So don’t play God! Do not try to “fix” your spouse’s weaknesses. Goddard identifies, “We cannot even fix ourselves!” If you feel the urge to set your spouse and marriage right, you are taking on God’s work. Goddard states, “We mortals make poor gods.” What you can do is recognize your own weaknesses and humble yourself and allow God’s love to change you. It is actually a relief to realize that you are not responsible for “fixing” your marriage, your spouse or even yourself. All you have to do is what you can and then, “let God make up the difference,” (Goddard, 2009). Goddard’s central message in his book, Drawing Heaven into Marriage, is that God can turn your life and marriage into something amazing that you cannot make yourself. 

Reference

Goddard, H. W. (2007). Drawing heaven into your marriage: powerful principles with eternal results.            Fairfax, VA: Meridian Pub.