The Hope of Resurrection - Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

Crosswalk PLUS Marriage Devotional

Audio By Carbonatix

By Jennifer Waddle, Crosswalk.com

The Hope of Resurrection

By: Jennifer Waddle

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” (1 Peter 1:3)

When my husband and I married over 30 years ago, we had no idea we shared family experiences regarding divorce and remarriage. My grandparents divorced when I was a child, but remarried a short time later. Likewise, my husband’s parents also divorced when he was young, but later remarried. I often ponder these “coincidences” (which aren’t coincidences at all), thanking God that He resurrected both marriages, even when all seemed lost.

Easter is an important time to reflect on resurrection, not only of our Lord and Savior, but also in our relationships. This year, let the hope of resurrection guide your decisions. Here are a few specific steps to take.

Dying to Self

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Before something can be resurrected, it needs to die. This might sound dramatic, but when it comes to our flesh, it’s absolutely necessary.

How many conflicts arise because one spouse is too prideful, stubborn, resentful, or unforgiving? However, when these things are surrendered at the cross, the Holy Spirit fills us with the opposite: humility, grace, and forgiveness. From this place of humble surrender, resurrection becomes possible.

Even the most dried-up relationships can be resurrected with the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients—namely from the Living Water, Light of the World, and Bread of Life. Regain hope of resurrection by dying to self and allowing Christ to live through you.

Cultivating New Things

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)

An avid gardener doesn’t sow seeds without tending to them. Instead, she spends time nurturing and cultivating what she has planted so that it will grow and bear fruit.

In marriage, we grow by spending meaningful time together, cultivating new things such as:

Shared interests and activities
Intimate discussions and unhurried physical connection
Missional or ministry work

When we open the windows of our marriage to new and different things, we breathe new life into the relationship. And as we inhale the possibility of resurrection, hope is renewed.

Let Psalm 51:12 encourage you today. “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Dreaming of the Future

“There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.” (Proverbs 23:18)

Couples who are busy with work, family, and other responsibilities might avoid looking toward the future because they’re simply trying to survive today. (And understandably so!) However, part of thriving in marriage is dreaming together and planning for future seasons:

Your children’s graduations
Engagements and weddings
Becoming grandparents for the first time
Relocating to a desired destination

It’s healthy to dream of the future, for a time when responsibilities will change and you’ll have more freedom to explore new things. Don’t wait until you’re in that future season; dream now. Plan for the future with God’s direction and provision. The hope of resurrection is closer than you think!

Let’s Pray: Gracious Heavenly Father, how we need Your resurrection power! Please breathe new life into our marriage and raise us up to be victorious over every temptation. Bind us together in unity, and cast division far from us. Just as You raised Jesus from the dead, we ask You to resurrect our relationship to new, beautiful heights. Help us set our minds on You, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Strengthen our marriage in solidarity of heart, mind, and soul. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

Application: Believe in Christ’s power to resurrect even the most lifeless of situations. Make it part of your daily prayer habit by saying, “I believe in Your resurrection power!”

Challenge: Create a list of new things you want to experience as a couple. This might include, traveling more, starting your own business, or joining a marriage intensive. Dream together for a bright, beautiful future, and find hope in resurrection.

Jennifer Waddle author Jennifer Waddle is the author of several books, including Prayer WORRIER: Turning Every Worry into Powerful Prayer, and is a regular contributor for LifeWay, Crosswalk, Abide, and Christians Care International. Jennifer’s online ministry is EncouragementMama.com where you can find her books and sign up for her weekly post, Discouragement Doesn’t Win. She resides with her family near the foothills of the Rocky Mountains—her favorite place on earth.