“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24).
Recently, I was talking to a friend about her restored life. She told me the word that defined her life was “restoration.” Through God’s work, she saw Him restoring every piece of brokenness. Similar to my friend, I have seen restoration in my own life. God is a master potter, as He can bring beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:3).
God has helped me heal from much trauma. Despite having a happy childhood growing up, my teen years were very traumatic. Abuse from an older sibling, the development of anorexia, and the pains of depression all changed the course of my life. However, as an adult, I have seen how God is bringing restoration into my heart.
Restoration doesn’t happen overnight; it is a long process. Like restoring a house, it can take months to years. Therefore, we don’t need to grow impatient while we are waiting for restoration to come. God will bring about our restoration in slow, steady steps. In small ways, we will begin to see Him changing our lives and bringing out beautiful light from even the darkest of places.
God can bring restoration and renewal to all aspects of our lives, including marriage. Marriage is difficult and should not be treated as some sort of end goal. As most married couples know, marriage takes work; however, they will tell you it is worth it. A marriage where both the husband and wife are working together is a marriage where restoration is possible. If both you and your spouse want restoration, know that it is more than possible.
In fact, with God, all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Don’t doubt God or underestimate what He can do in your life. He desires for you to have a beautiful and amazing marriage. Many people believe that God sets up trials in order to “test” us in our marriage, but this is not true. God doesn’t try to test us or cause us to fall.
Instead, He does everything in order to help us. In no way does God want to see our marriage come to an end. He clearly says in the Book of Malachi, “‘The man who hates and divorces his wife,’ says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘does violence to the one he should protect,’ says the Lord Almighty. So be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful” (Malachi 2:16).
Therefore, we don’t need to think God is trying to “set us up.” Rather, He is helping us and encouraging us in our marriage. When it comes to restoration in our marriage, we will need God’s help. The best way to do this is to go to Him in prayer. As we are being honest in our prayers, we must allow Him to direct our steps.
The only way to know His direction is to read the Bible. If possible, maybe you and your spouse can sit down and read the Bible together. It could be eye-opening for both of you and help you understand God’s directions. The Bible will be challenging to apply; however, it is needed for change to come.
Jesus tells us, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). As Jesus tells us, we can receive whatever we ask in prayer as long as we believe. We cannot doubt Jesus or think He cannot answer our prayers. Believing the lie that a prayer is too big or too small for Jesus is underestimating His power, goodness, and love.
Rather than underestimating Jesus, we need to believe Him and trust in His power. The prayers we offer will be brought to fruition. Trust the Lord and know that He will restore your marriage. Time and energy will be needed, yet it will bring glorious joy, happiness, and healing into your marriage.
“Dear God, I need restoration in my marriage. It can feel at times as though our marriage is broken. Due to problems in the past, I feel our marriage might not be able to be restored. I’m choosing to let go of doubt and to trust You. Please bring restoration into our marriage and bring a spirit of love back to us. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”
Vivian Brickerloves Jesus, studying the Word of God, and helping others in their walk with Christ. She has earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master's degree in Christian Ministry with a deep academic emphasis in theology. Her favorite things to do are spending time with her family and friends, reading, and spending time outside. When she is not writing, she is embarking on other adventures.
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