My husband and I went and saw the movie Fireproof  this weekend.  We thoroughly enjoyed it.  Sherwood Pictures has come a long way in the quality of their work since Facing the Giants was released.  There was better character development and dialogue - although, my husband had a few comments about one or two areas of corny dialogue. I enjoyed the balance of humor and seriousness about a very uncomfortable subject - marital breakdown. Marriage relationships were portrayed realistically. 

There was a point in my marriage where I was ready to throw in the towel.  It was over.  I believed divorce was the only way out of our predicament.  I am grateful that God softened my hard heart and created an attitude in me of servanthood and sacrifice.  Marriage could no longer be about me, it had to be about, we.  We, being God, my husband, and myself - working together.

Once our hearts and minds eventually joined together in full surrender to God, things slowly changed in our marriage. We knew divorce was no longer an option if we were going to listen to God’s instruction in scripture.

Are things perfect and rosy all the time?  No.  However, we work at it.  If we are stuck and rehashing an issue over and over again, we seek out help through the perspective of Christian friends or our counselor. 

Tune-ups are necessary in marriage.  There are moments when you find your attitude is acting up and your marriage engine is not idling well.  If intimacy accelerates sluggishly,  words out of your mouth seem to misfire,  and the check engine light has come on, whatever the symptom, seek advice.  Unfortunately, many couples ask around; mostly, advice from other hapless marriage owners who’ve had some similar experience.  That advice is often misdirected, such as: You deserve better. You don’t need to put up with this. Or, Find the happiness you need through somone else.  While the entire time, God  may have been taping you on the shoulder saying: “Tune it up!  I am the great marriage mechanic.  I repair hearts.“

Fireproof is a great movie that provides food for thought.  It was reaffirming to look back and see how far God has brought us in creating a marriage where we have become one.  This is something God desires for every couple.

If your spouse has no desire to see the movie with you, I would encourage you to see it on your own.  And, consider purchasing The Love Dare. 

 It only takes one person willing to do a tune-up.