Monday's Marriage Moment -- What if I Would Have Quit?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

-Galatians 6:9

As we celebrated my son's 18th birthday this past week my heart overflowed with emotions. It was a simple celebration on his birthday -- family, cake, ice cream, and lots of laughs. It was a school night, and he wanted to wait until the weekend to go out. So, our entire family was together at the same time. This is a huge thing because the three oldest now work, but they made time to be with family for their brother's birthday. As I sat at the table and watched my sons and daughters replay memories and "clown" their old parents this was the question that came to my mind: What if I would have quit? What if I would have given up on my marriage? What if John and I decided that it was not worth it. Would I have experienced the moment that I did last Thursday night? 

John and I experienced some tough times -- some tough years. There were times that our anger and frustration with each other seemed overwhelming. We experienced issues -- trust issues, money issues, parenting issues -- you name it. Somehow, though, we loved each other enough to overcome those hurdles. We both realized we had things that needed to be worked on, and we worked on them. God revealed truth to us about ourselves (individually), and He led us to make the changes that were needed to have the marriage that He designed.

So, when my son  said, "Mom, this is the best birthday ever!" I was glad that I hadn't walked away. I was glad that I hadn't given up on my family. I was thankful that I stood through some really hard stuff. What if I would have quit?

• If I would have quit I would have forfeited this moment. 
• I would have forfeited God's ultimate plan. 
• I would have forfeited the opportunity to meet and minister to some of the most amazing women in the world. 
• I would have forfeited the opportunity to see marriages restored and men and women healed.

What is my point for you today? If God has told you to stand then stand. If He has told you to stay then stay. It doesn't matter who gives up or quits. You stand on what God has told you. Things may not feel good right now, but that doesn't mean that they won't be good later. Don't cut and run because of this moment. 

Allow God to speak to you about you. Present yourself to him, flaws and all, and seek His direction. Then obey what He tells you. Don't miss out on forever because of right now. Keep doing good. You will reap an amazing harvest because of it!