It’s hard out here for a married couple. Marriage brings on it’s on set of challenges topped with everyday challenges.
Why all the challenges in marriage?
Life is hard at times. These hard times make you want to throw your hands up and just walk away. Automatically you blame your spouse for causing all the stress in the marriage. However, most of the time it isn’t ours spouse it’s the outside forces that is fighting against the marriage. We must remember marriage is ordained by God and Satan hates to see people happy doing what God has ordered.
When merging as one, we fail to realize or understand that we are also merging our problems, our friends, families, & work habits. This merger is bigger than most are prepared to undertake.
How to handle these challenges?
1. Communicate effectively with your spouse about what is going on with you.
2. Be specific in what you need from your spouse.
3. Remove any outsiders that are not a benefit for the TWO of you.
4. Stay consistent with the plan you guys have set for your marriage. Don’t do anything for SELF that will destroy your marital foundation.
5. Pray & stay prayerful.
Please remember no marriage is exempt from having problems/challenges. We all have them. It’s the response you give to these challenges that will determine how long the challenge last.
Work together to overcome ALL challenges. Your spouse is your supporter not enemy.
What strategy do you & your spouse use to overcome challenges?
Please comment below. We look forward to your response.
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Gaye says
All very good points. I think that some people underestimate the importance of #3. A spouse is sometimes unwilling to take a stand against a friend or family member who is saying/doing things that are harmful to the marriage. But keeping the marriage strong should be the top priority for both husband and wife, with other relationships coming in second (or third or fourth).
MELISASource says
I love this — so very true and yes Communication is definitely key.
Crista Hebel says
Good point, and one I’ve heard before but forget often “it’s often an outside force causing the problems”. It is, many times, just easier to blame a spouse. Thank you for the kind reminder 🙂
Alicia says
Thank you for these posts!
Esther says
It is hard to know what to say when my husband and I have been having so many challenges. I would love to make it work since we have 4 kids together, but after more than 10 years together begging him to go to counseling, marriage retreats, and asking him to make an effort, I just feel plain exhausted. I don’t have it in me to keep trying anymore. It’s hard when your partner is not willing to make any effort to work together 🙁
Kelley Johnsen says
Oh I love the phrase above about a canoe! That is so true and I am sharing! Thanks!
Sharon says
Love the idea of trading in a kayak for a canoe! IT’s a partnership for sure!
Isabella Grey says
I seriously love reading your blog. You always have such great advice for couples!
Melissa says
You always have such insightful posts, thanks for all the information !
Rachee says
I’m not married anymore but in a committed relationship. Great advice. I always felt that my relationship would not be anything without communication. Challenges do not have to breal a relationship.
-r
Janeane Davis says
Nice article. So many times, people get married and think they never have to do anything at all. Marriage is work, it is a ministry, it is something to do. After 22 years our secret to overcoming challenges is realizing that when all is sai and done it is us against the world so we have to work together.
Julia Potvin says
My husband and I have been together over 38 yrs, married 36 and I think working as a team gets us threw all the challenges life brings and has brought our way. Be the strong one when the other one needs to lean.
Jennifer Williams says
Most people always take out their frustrations on the person they care about the most because you expect them to forgive you and be there. My husband and I a long time ago because we worked together set time limits on what to talk about outside of our family interest. After the venting, we start our conversation with something we appreciate about the other one.
DjRelAt7 says
I see it every so often, people letting outside forces come between them and their spouse, it never goes well if you let people whisper in your ear.
Kristin Wheeler (Mama Luvs Books) says
We always go back and forth with our challenges. Mainly because he needs attention and sometimes I get too busy to give him the attention he needs.
malia says
those are all good tips!