Grace in the Storm: Facing Trials in Marriage with Faith

This post was originally written for the Facebook group, “Encouragement From Women Who’ve Been There,” on January 10, 2025. Check it out HERE. Link to the EFW website

As believers we know trials will come if we are not already in the midst of one or if we have not just come out of one. We understand the strength of our faith – of our relationship with the Lord – will determine how we face a trial. Charles Spurgeon said, “Trials teach us what we are; they dig up the soil, and let us see what we are made of.”

I am convinced the Lord was preparing me for months and maybe years before I received a cancer diagnosis, so He had me exactly where He wanted me to be when I started that journey in September 2021.

But what about our marriage? The same is true – the strength of our relationship with our spouse will determine how we face a trial. Marriage is designed by God as a partnership – a covenant where two people walk through life together, strengthening and supporting one another in the Lord. When trials come, the health and depth of your marriage often determine how well you endure and overcome challenges.

My and Wade’s twenty-fifth wedding anniversary had been celebrated when we faced a trial that was harder than losing parents, raising teens, and any other thing we had so far experienced. We did not know how our marriage would be put to the test, but again, the Lord had us right where He wanted us. There are five things we learned through the last three years with my cancer diagnosis that applies to couples facing any trial.

1. Unity Provides Strength
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 reminds us how two are better than one, and how when spouses stand united, they can face trials as a team. A strong relationship means you can lean on each other emotionally, spiritually, and practically.

2. Communication Builds Resilience
In difficult seasons, open and loving communication is crucial. When you actively listen to one another, share your fears and concerns, and work toward solutions together, you create an atmosphere of trust and understanding. Proverbs 15:1 says, ” A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Speaking with kindness strengthens your bond in tough times.

3. A Foundation of Love and Respect Sustains You
Ephesians 5:33 encourages husbands to love their wives and wives to respect their husbands. This mutual love and respect create a foundation that holds firm in trials. When you value each other, you’re more likely to support rather than blame each other during hardships.

4. Faith Together Brings Peace
A marriage centered on God brings peace in the storm. Praying together and seeking God’s wisdom strengthens not only your individual faith but also your partnership. Philippians 4:13 reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” Together, you can rely on His strength to face whatever comes your way.

5. Trials Can Deepen Your Bond
When you endure trials together, you grow closer. Facing challenges as a team builds trust, resilience, and intimacy. Romans 5:3-4 reminds us that perseverance produces character and hope—not just individually, but also within a marriage.

When we anchor our relationships in God and commit to walking through challenges hand in hand, we reflect His love and faithfulness. Wade and I discovered that while our trial tested our marriage, it also deepened our bond and brought us closer to the Lord and each other. Whatever trial you may be facing—or will face—know that God can use it to strengthen your marriage, refine your faith, and reveal His glory. Trust Him, lean into each other, and let His grace carry you through.