Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Love & War; Devotional for Couples

I had a hard time getting through this book, but not because of the content.  It's just hard for Tony and me to do anything consistently for 8 weeks.  I finally realized I needed to just read it so I can review it.  I like the format-a few paragraphs per day with an opening quote and closing Scripture.  Each week (5 days) ends with an exercise.  I'd prefer to have a daily exercise, personally.

The content is unique in presenting marriage from a perspective most of us probably haven't thought about.  While most of us as wives have dreamed of the fairy tale romance, we've only expected the good parts of the fairy tale.  What about the part where it looks like evil is going to win and nothing can go right?  That's how the "war" part of marriage is presented in this book and it's actually refreshing!  It's a good reminder to not expect wonderful times of bliss from the time we awaken until we fall into bed each night.  It's encouraging to know that there's a spiritual battle being waged and the enemy is pulling out all the stops to prevent the ultimate marriage of Christ to His body.  We know Jesus is triumphant, but do we apply that to our daily lives?  Do we look at marriage difficulties as part of the eternal struggle and rejoice that we are partakers in this battle?  I don't.  I should!

A quote from the book that really struck me occurs early in the book, Day 4 of the first week.
The Bible begins with a marriage and ends with a marriage.  From start to finish, the part of this great story we have been given to play begins and ends with a marriage.

That was really profound to me.  The Bible begins and ends with marriage.  No wonder it's so important and no wonder the serpent acted so quickly to try and dissolve it.  That should be my constant reminder as I face difficulties in my marriage.  It's all part of God's plan and ultimately HE has the victory!

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  The review is my honest opinion.

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