Fortifying Your Marriage for the Storms of Life

There’s a storm coming. Are you ready?

When author Gary Thomas moved to Houston, he initially felt like locals over-reacted to storm warnings. Weather reports would become ominous and people seemed overly anxious about plywood, waterproofing supplies, and extra groceries. All that fuss for nothing because the storms usually proved insignificant.

Then came Hurricane Harvey in 2017, which dumped over 50 inches of rain in three days, causing catastrophic flooding, $100 billion worth of damage, and the deaths of over 100 people.

As the flood waters kept rising, Gary and his wife began to recognize how unprepared they were. But it was too late to do anything preventative. Their house remained dry, fortunately, but thousands of people in the community lost their homes.

Every marriage is susceptible to a storm. Marriage can be a struggle. We don’t live in a fairytale where “happily ever after” is guaranteed. Sooner or later, storm clouds will threaten: a job loss, a prodigal child, some unexpected heartbreak.

Will you be ready?

When storms come, one of two outcomes will be true for your marriage: your relationship will become part of the problem or your relationship will become your refuge.

Jesus warned about building your house on sand that shifts underneath you when the storms come. (Matthew 7:24-27). Marriages that thrive anchor themselves in vows designed to sustain them literally through “for better or worse.”

On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Fortifying Your Marriage for the Storms of Life,” we’re focusing on preparation and prevention – building up your faith and your relationship with your spouse so that your marriage not only withstands the storms but becomes stronger and healthier through it.

Gary Thomas is our guest. He’s a prolific speaker and the author of more than 20 books, including Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life’s Storms.

He shares how you can anticipate and weather the inevitable storms of life and grow closer to each other and to God through your experiences. Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.

If you need someone to talk to, we have caring Christian counselors on staff, and it would be their privilege to offer you a free consultation. Call us, leave your name and number, and they’ll get back with you just as soon as possible. The number during business hours is 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).

If your marriage troubles are severe, I want you to know about Hope Restored. If you’re on the brink of divorce, these marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The intensives take place in three locations: Branson, MO; Greenville, MI; and the WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, GA. The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or visit online.

Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Gary’s book Making Your Marriage a Fortress: Strengthening Your Marriage to Withstand Life’s Storms as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, visit our website or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).