CHAPTER THIRTEEN: If Marriage Is at the Breaking Point

IN 1988 an Italian woman named Lucia was very depressed. After ten years her marriage was ending.  Many times she had tried to bring about a reconciliation with her husband, but it just did not work out.  So she separated because of incompatibility and now faced raising two daughters on her own.   Looking back at that time, Lucia recalls:  "I was certain that nothing could save our marriage."

If you are having marriage problems, you may be able to relate to Lucia.  Your marriage may be troubled and you may be wondering if it can still be saved.  If such is the case, you will find it helpful to consider this question:  Have I followed all the good advice that God has given in the Bible to help make marriage a success? -Psalm 119:105. 

When tensions are high between husband and wife, dissolving the marriage may seem to be the easiest course of action.  But, while many countries have experienced a shocking rise in broken families, recent studies indicate that a large percentage of divorced men and women regret the breakup.  A number suffer from more health problems, both physical and mental, than those who stay in the marriage.  The confusion and unhappiness of children of divorce often last for years.  Parents and friends of the broken family also suffer. And what about the way God, the Originator of marriage views the situation? 

As noted in previous chapters, God purposed that marriage should be a lifelong bond.  (Genesis 2:24)  Why, then, do so many marriages break up?  It may not happen overnight. Usually there are warning signs. Small problems in a marriage can grow bigger and bigger until they seem insurmountable.  But if these problems are promptly handled with the aid of the Bible, many marital breakups could be avoided. 

Next time: If Marriage Is at the Breaking Point/BE REALISTIC

From the book: The Secret of FAMILY HAPPINESS