A Match Made in Heaven

“If one can overpower him who is alone, two can resist him. A cord of three is not quickly torn apart.” Ecclesiastes 4:12

Just last week Steve and I celebrated 37 years of marriage. The milestone made me reflect on the many ways I appreciate my husband. When we entered marriage, I had ideas what our relationship would look like. Steve has turned many of those ideas on their head for me as we have done life together. And I am ever so grateful.

One thing is in how we function as a team. That was an ability that developed over time. It wasn’t always easy, like when we faced the challenges in parenting or finances. We are both people of strong opinions and usually have at least some wisdom to back them up. But one place we have always pretty much moved as one is in the area of ministry. Never was that as apparent as when I began my writing career.

When I began to write, I had no idea how integral Steve would be to that ministry. He is brilliant on brainstorming and thinking outside the box. I, on the other hand, struggle to do either of those things. I would give him articles that were a complete mess, looking like I threw up on the page, and he would gently help me figure out the main point and how to bring the article into focus. I quickly learned to give him every piece I wrote, because his editing is so very good. I may be enthusiastic, but often concentrate on the big picture while he focuses in on the details.

It’s how God set up marriage to work. The two become one; rather than allowing our differences come between us, we choose to make them a strength and work to fill in the other’s gaps. When it is done right, marriage is really a small-scale picture of how God designed His Church to operate. He gifted each member with a variety of spiritual gifts, but not every gift, which forces us to work in tandem as one body to fulfill His purpose in the world.

Of course, there is a third team member, always present, always at work to guide and support the other two. The Lord’s presence was never so obvious to me as in the six months I wrote my book. So many times, I poured out my heart to Him, asking for wisdom or strength, waiting on Him to show me the right answer. God always came through.

There is strength in a cord of three.