Brokenness.

Every marriage needs a divorce. You are probably thinking, “wow, these guys have really lost their minds.” What kind of marriage ministry is this? They actually encourage divorce. Well, not exactly…but yes exactly. Hang with us for a minute. A divorce is a death. A finality to the current relationship and life together. The chapter is closed. The book is over. It is finished. Let’s face it, every marriage experiences seasons of hardship, struggle, and even death. Expectations go unmet. Needs are tossed aside. Survival doesn’t even seem optional. Wounds and hurts build up for years and the marriage becomes stale, dry, and lifeless. At this point, couples typically do one of two things:

Option 1: Divorce. I’m tired of fighting, there has to be more freedom out there.

Option 2: Give up. Instead of divorce, some choose to remain married, bury their hearts, and just get by. Lifeless. Hopeless.

We understand. About 5 years ago, our marriage reached a point of death. Divorce seemed inevitable. Hope had left. Life was gone. We had years of hurts and struggles that culminated in a suffocating loss of relationship. At this point the story seemed finished. Jesus came and did what only he can do…set captives free, heal the brokenhearted, and usher in restoration. Our marriage was saved and began a path of healing. Our hearts and relationship were in desperate need of recovery. Looking back, this season was needed and necessary to our healing. And we continue in that journey of restoration to this day. Not merely past-tense, but present-tense also. So, yes, every marriage needs a divorce. But not the kind that brings separation and ruin to a relationship. Not the kind that involves lawyers and custody battles. No, this type of divorce involves the death of the old relationship and life together. A separation from old ways and healing for old hurts. A finality to living life in a self-sustaining way. A death of the old marriage in order for a new one to be resurrected. That is the beauty of restoration. A marriage that is seemingly broken and beat up made new through the radical, healing power of Jesus Christ. Two people choosing the hard road of recovery. One Warrior-Savior, Jesus, fighting and battling for your heart and relationship. Every marriage needs a divorce. Is yours ready?