Ignoring conventional superstition, we prayed together beforehand; our hands clasped, heads bowed, and hearts beating in anticipation of what the future might hold. Folds of white silk and lace embraced the somber black of his suit as we offered our tender hopes and love for another to God, inviting Him to lead us deeper into devotion to one another.
Afternoon shadows stretched on the snowbanks outside until, finally, the strains of Pachabel’s Canon beckoned me toward the young man waiting beyond the rows of upholstered pews now draped with carefully crafted pink bows.
Fixing my gaze on the one I adored, I rejoiced. I’d waited for this moment. Prayed for it. Planned for it. Dreamed of it.
With reverence, I recited the vows…
I, Tammy, take thee, David, to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part, according to God’s holy ordinance; and thereto I pledge myself to you.”
A hopeless romantic and head-in-the-clouds-idealist, I envisioned the stereotypical white picket fence sort of marriage. The kind of hardship-free-life that exists on old reruns of I Love Lucy or Family Ties. Life without messes–or at least messes tidily wrapped with a pretty bow and a carefree smile in less than thirty minutes of struggle and discomfort.

[bbctt tweet="Wedding vows are more than 'his' and 'her' towels or picnics on the beach."#sacrifice#whatislove#commitment."]

Years later, I realized those vows were more than his and her towels or picnics on the beach. They represented more than shared holidays and long nights rocking babies to sleep.
The wedding vows weren’t merely a promise. They were words of sacrifice. The giving up of self. A precious gift requiring a daily choice.  Will I remain committed? Because despite love and laughter? Hard times came, too.

Choose Today Whom You Will Serve

As a little girl, I held my hand high when the Sunday School teacher asked if any of us wanted to know Jesus. I understood enough to realize His life had been given for me–a sacrifice offered on my behalf so that I might be with Him always.
Longing for the permanence of a daddy who always stayed, I knew my heavenly Father would care for me.
I couldn’t have known the cost of following Christ; the spiritual battles we’ve faced. The hours spent in tears crying out for newness of faith for a hurting prodigal or the countless prayers raised on behalf of a little one confused and fearful–dealing with Goliath-sized anxiety.
As I’ve grown in my faith, I’ve begun to grasp Hebrews 13:15, “Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.”
When sunshine splits the sky and all is well, praise flows from my lips. I thank God for His abundant gifts. But there are times my soul has been crushed beneath the weight of brokenness. Shattered relationships, health scares and hospital visits, depression, and lives on the brink of being lost.

[bbctt tweet="Sometimes my faith wanes as troubles mount."#whenfaithisshaken#truth]

Sometimes my faith wanes as troubles mount and I lose sight of the truth because Truth doesn’t feel real.
Doubt casts its long, dark shadow and gratitude slips away somewhere. At times, its words manage to lodge in my throat–the Spirit urging mine to speak life. Once in a while, I respond and I’m grateful. And even if my mouth is unable to speak, my heart is encouraged because the Comforter is teaching and guiding despite and through the wilderness.
Much like marriage, holding to faith in Jesus requires sacrifice on the part of the Christ-follower. There is a giving up of something precious and beautiful. A recognition that there will be moments of joy and celebration along faith’s journey. But there will also be hard times.
The question is the same as it is in marriage. Will I remain committed? This day, whatever your situation, who will you choose? Self or Christ?
Because every day…He choose you.
For Personal Study

• Read Joshua 24:1-28

For Consideration

• List some of the ways this scripture recounts God’s faithfulness to the Israelites. Now, consider the last 5-10 years of your life. In just three minutes, record how you’ve seen God’s faithfulness to you during that time.

As You Reflect

• What is one action step you can take to offer your life as a spiritual sacrifice today?

Please don’t hesitate to let me know how I can pray for you. Intercessory prayer is powerful!
Peace and grace,
Tammy
 
I often link-up with the following wonderful bloggers.
Mondays   InstaEncouragements/ Anita Ojeda, Mandy and Michele, Kingdom Bloggers,
Tuesdays RaRa Linkup /GraceFull Tuesday / Tell His Story/Anchored Abode,
Wednesdays   Worth Beyond Rubies, Recharge Wednesday / Welcome Wednesday /LetsHave Coffee/Porch Stories
Thursdays Heart Encouragement  /  Tune In Thursday  /Salt and Light /  Five Minute Friday
Friday Counting My Blessings, Faith on Fire, Blogger Voices Network, Grace and Truth Linkup,best-of-the-weekend Fresh Market Fridays