Fireproof

We had the opportunity to see a wonderful film about the covenant of marriage last night. It was called, Fireproof. It was awesome! Minus a couple cheesy moments and not always the greatest of acting, the message was powerful. Marriage is tough-there's no one I think would argue with that. :-) The couple in the movie have decided it's time for a divorce, when the husband is challenged by his own father to do the "Love Dare." It's a message of love, hope and faith and that without Jesus, not much of that is possible on our own. We'll just get tired. Anyone agree? I see so many couples just getting by in their marriages or even living as though they are single. It breaks my heart. It's a good reminder for those of us that are doing OK in our marriages that God still has more for us. For those that are struggling and can't even remember why they got married in the first place, it's a message of hope that it's possible, with Jesus, that your marriage can be restored and renewed! Amen! All marriages will have hard times, that's why they need to be "fireproof," not without fire, but ready with the right equipment when the fires come. I think sometimes in the bliss of newness, engagement, newleywed-ness of life, when we say, "for better or for worse," we don't actually think that "worse" will come. Knowing Jesus doesn't make life easy, it just gives us a bigger purpose, something beyond ourselves and our own selfish desires that everyone faces everyday. It's a decision at times, to stick it out and love even when we don't feel loved back. God does it for us every day.
I think one of the most powerful things about the evening came when we were filing out of the theater and the movie was over. This man stood up, got everyone's attention, and shared his testimony of how his marriage had been just like the one in the movie. 36 years later, he could stand there and bear witness to the power of Jesus restoring and renewing their marriage. Made the whole room cry! We serve an awesome God who is relentlessly pursuing us and loving us, even when we show him no love or respect in return. Amazing! Here's the trailer for the movie: http://www.fireproofthemovie.com/ .