Facing Challenges Together: The Key to a Flourishing Marriage

Every marriage will face challenges—some expected, others completely unforeseen. The key to a strong and thriving marriage is not avoiding difficulties but choosing to face them together. Unity between a husband and wife is essential, yet it is one of the greatest areas the enemy attacks. He knows that when a couple stands together in faith and love, their marriage becomes unshakable.

A powerful example of marital unity is found in Luke 1, where we meet Zechariah and Elizabeth. This elderly couple longed for a child, but Elizabeth was barren. From a human perspective, their situation was hopeless. Their only chance of having a child was through divine intervention.

In their struggle, Zechariah had two choices:

1. Option A: Pray, wait on God, and trust in His perfect timing.
2. Option B: Take another wife to bear children, as was a common cultural practice.

Option B may have solved the problem of childlessness, but it could have introduced deeper struggles in their marriage. Instead of taking the easier route, Zechariah chose to stand with his wife. He prayed and waited, believing that only God could bring them a child.

Then, in God’s perfect timing, an angel appeared to Zechariah in the temple with incredible news—his prayers had been heard! Not only would Elizabeth bear a son, but their child, John, would be great in God’s sight and would prepare the way for the Lord.

One of the most beautiful aspects of Zechariah’s story is how he refused to see Elizabeth’s barrenness as her problem. Instead, he made it their problem. He understood a truth that every couple must embrace: Marriage is about carrying each other’s burdens.

When you said, “I do,” you committed to walking together through every joy and struggle. Your spouse’s pain is your pain. Their struggles are your struggles. No one should ever feel like they are carrying the weight alone.

Unfortunately, many marriages suffer when spouses begin facing difficulties separately instead of together. When a husband feels alone in his battles, he may seek comfort in someone who listens and understands. When a wife feels unsupported, she may turn to someone who pays attention to her needs. This is how cracks form, allowing division to take root.

But marriage is meant to be a partnership—a sacred union where two become one.

Related: 4 Reasons why married couples fight over money

No matter what you and your spouse are facing, choose to stand together rather than apart. Here are some practical ways to maintain unity in difficult seasons:

1. Pray Together Daily – Prayer invites God into your marriage and strengthens your bond. Even when things feel uncertain, trust that God is working.
2. Communicate Openly – Be honest about your struggles, fears, and frustrations. Silence breeds division, but open communication fosters connection.
3. Encourage One Another – Speak life into your spouse. Remind them of God’s promises and their strength in Christ.
4. Avoid Blame – It’s easy to point fingers, but a strong marriage seeks solutions, not fault. Work as a team.
5. Be Patient – Some battles take time. Don’t rush the process; trust that God is shaping both of you through it.
6. Stay Committed – Marriage isn’t about convenience; it’s about covenant. Stand firm in your vows and refuse to let trials pull you apart.

No marriage is perfect, and every couple will experience storms. But when you face difficulties together, your relationship will flourish. Challenges aren’t meant to destroy your marriage—they are opportunities to deepen your faith, grow in love, and become a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

Remember, with God at the center, no force can tear you apart. If your unity is fractured, the enemy gains ground. But if you stand together, praying, believing, and fighting for your marriage, nothing can break the bond God has established.

So, no matter what comes your way, choose unity. Face difficulties together, and watch your marriage become a beautiful testimony to God’s power and love.

Marriage is a journey, and it will have highs and lows. But when you and your spouse make the intentional decision to stand together, support one another, and trust God through every season, you will experience a strong, thriving, and flourishing marriage.

So, today, choose to fight for unity. With God’s help, you can withstand anything.