Marriage is a covenant instituted by God Himself—one that He calls us to honour and protect. Malachi 2:15-16 reminds us of this sacred commitment: “Has not the LORD made them one? In flesh and spirit they are his. And why one? Because he was seeking godly offspring. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful to the wife of your youth. ‘I hate divorce,’ says the LORD God of Israel.” These words are a solemn reminder that marriage is not merely a human arrangement but a divine bond—one that must not be easily discarded.

Yet, challenges arise, sometimes appearing insurmountable, and many men begin to contemplate separation as though it were the only option. But should marital struggles be treated any differently from other difficulties in life? When we face financial hardship, health crises, or a lost child, do we not fast, pray, and cry out to God for deliverance—sometimes for days, weeks, even months? We press forward in faith, trusting that our God, who is faithful and just, will answer according to His promises (1 John 5:14-15). How then do we treat marital difficulties as different? Why do we accumulate anger, entertain thoughts of divorce, or act harshly toward our wives instead of going before the Lord with the same fervency, believing He can restore what is broken?

God has given trials a purpose: “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Romans 5:3-4). Marriage is no exception. The difficulties we face as husbands are part of God’s refining process, teaching us patience, humility, and sacrificial love. James 1:2-4 encourages us: “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” If challenges in life refine us, why do we not embrace the struggles in our marriage with the same understanding, knowing that God can use them for our growth?

One of the gravest warnings for husbands comes from 1 Peter 3:7: “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect… so that nothing will hinder your prayers.” A man’s walk with God is directly affected by how he treats his wife. When we allow resentment, neglect, or violence to take root in our marriages, we risk severing our spiritual connection with God. This should cause every husband to pause. If we refuse to work through challenges with our wives, our prayers—our very communion with the Father—will be hindered.

Furthermore, “What God has joined together, let no one separate” (Mark 10:9). Do we truly believe that the One who ordained marriage is unable to fix it? Have we forgotten that He is the Restorer, the Healer, the One who makes all things new? Instead of yielding to worldly trends that normalise divorce, we must stand firm in the truth of God’s Word. He calls us to endurance, to fight for our families, and to uphold the covenant we made before Him.

Brothers, let us shift our perspective. Let us see our marital struggles as an opportunity for spiritual growth rather than an excuse for separation. Let us approach our marriages with the same passion and perseverance with which we seek God for every other breakthrough. And above all, let us trust that the God who called us into this covenant is fully able to sustain it.

To Him be the glory, now and forever. Amen.