Finding Better In The Worst Of Times

For better, for worse – easy to talk the talk, much hard to walk the walk. But what about Finding Better in the Worst?

I wonder how many people fully comprehend the reality of their marriage vows on that momentous day? Usually, the trappings of the ceremony steal the limelight from these life-changing words….

…to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, until death do us part.”

I know I was focused on the better, richer, healthier side on my wedding day 32 years ago. But as life unfolded, we’ve experienced the full range of this covenant promise. Especially as Mike’s ALS progressed over these last 7 years. From the early days when the disease was barely discernible to our complete dependence on a wheelchair, lift, and respirator, our marriage has morphed.

Finding Better In The Worst Of Times

Pondering this evolution, a question pinged around my heart as our wedding anniversary approached this year. How has our relationship weathered the challenges over this latest season? I had my own theory but was curious what Mike had to say. So I asked.

“Do you think our relationship is the same, worse, or better than it was before your ALS diagnosis?” Not expecting him to reach the same conclusion, he surprised me when he said “better.” He went on to say, “We’re closer now.”

Being closer as a married couple has increased our intimacy and trust. Even more important, we’ve grown in our intimacy and trust in God. This trust enables us to reach beyond the “better” days of our marriage to something bigger. For what could be bigger than the steadfast love of God that endures forever?

This love had the power to improve our relationship in the middle of our trial. Surely God’s faithfulness, which spans generations, will cover our future as well. For this, we acknowledge Him as our strength and our shepherd. We have always been God’s children, but now we are surrendered to His complete control over our lives.

If God can work such wondrous deeds in our circumstances, what can He do in yours? Is it possible you can find your “better” in the worst of times? Envision surrendering to a steadfast love that endures forever. When you encounter the God who is faithful to all generations in a personal and profound way, join me in praise.

“Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Acknowledge that the Lord is God! He made us, and we are his. We are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
‭‭Psalms‬ ‭100:1-5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Prayer

God, Help us see your faithfulness in the better and worst of times. We know you are good and will never leave or forsake us. We have always been Your children and we trust you with today and with all of our tomorrows. Sustain us with personal knowledge of Your steadfast love. Amen.

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