I entered marriage with the mistaken impression that it would always feel much more joyful than painful.

Ironically, my parent’s marriage should have proven the opposite of that reality for me! 😉

Don’t misunderstand—it’s not as if my marriage hasn’t had plenty of joyful moments. It’s just that the joys have ALWAYS been mingled and tinged with harsh realities to one degree or another.

But what I’ve discovered over the years is that God uses the normal challenges of marriage and life as a way to knock impart some sense, humility and perspective into my heart and mind.

And this gives me so much Hope in life and marriage! Even though the bruising of my ego sure has felt painful all along the way. 😉

We’re continuing our ongoing Marriage Battle Strategies series, which is helping us to know how to navigate spiritual warfare in marriage.

Today, we’re looking at how the sin that Adam and Eve committed impacted them (and us), as well as the serpent (Satan) in Genesis 3:14-15.

6 Ways to Find Hope When You Feel Your Marriage is Cursed

1. Remember that Satan was cursed for tempting humans.

So the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, “Cursed are you above all livestock and all wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. Genesis 3:14

Even though this actually cursed the serpent, it ultimately cursed Satan—marking him as the one whose “head” would be crushed by Christ on resurrection day (v. 15)!

The next time you feel like your marriage is cursed or you simply feel like cursing your spouse, fight back discouragement with this Truth and Hope!

2. Accept the consequences of  ‘the curse’ on your life.

The curse has left its mark on our fallen world, showing itself through various earthly crises, including ongoing human suffering and sin. This means that we all, in a sense, eat dust every single day in the trials and temptations of life.

Instead of being discouraged by this, embrace it!

If I had gone into my marriage, accepting how often it would be harsh and unfair, I would have run to my Bridegroom (Christ) so.much.more. I also would have seen these difficulties as a way for Christ to refine my character, trusting Him to redeem my pain.

Tap into that same Hope, my friend!

3. Remember who your enemy really is. 

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers . . .”  Genesis 3:15a

This verse isn’t just about a mother worrying that a snake might bite her young! It’s about Satan taking on the role of #1 enemy to humans everywhere (1 Peter 5:8).

But so often in the conflicts of marriage, you’ll be tempted to think your spouse is the enemy when your real enemy is Satan.

The devil must laugh with delight when we fall for that lie. Don’t give a hopeless loser like that the satisfaction!

4. Rejoice because the cross crushes the curse.

“. . . he will crush your head . . .”  Genesis 3:15b

Notice how the pronoun shifts from “her” (v. 15a) to “him” in verse 15b? This means that the real battle was eventually fought between Satan and Christ, with Christ coming to earth as the offspring or seed (v. 15a), representing mankind.

So, even in the worst of marriage and life situations, our real Hope comes from Jesus because He crushed the head of Satan. This also means He crushed the curse of sin and death—winning salvation for us when He rose from the grave!

Need something to rejoice about in the middle of your marriage messes? This surely is it!

5. Be grateful that Christ bore the pain and death intended for you!

“. . . And you will strike his heel.”

Satan not only struck the heel of mankind through the curse of sin and death but also struck Christ when He died on the cross. Thankfully, that’s not where Jesus let the story end! #defeatdeath #resurrectionpower

Take time each day to thank Christ for the suffering and death He endured for your sake. Then go on to thank Him for all the ways He has given Hope and joy to you in your life and marriage.

Refocusing your mind on His goodness will surely lift your spirits and give you Hope in the hurtful seasons of marriage.

6. Live each day in the Hope of the cross!

Click here to download a printable of the image above!

If you’ve never received Christ’s salvation, click here to find out how you can!

But if you’re already a Christ-follower, I challenge you and myself to memorize this passage. Then let’s meditate on it in the rocky, messy and unfair moments of life and marriage so that we can find Hope in our times of need!

---

 

Which of the 6 ways to find Hope do you need to apply the most in your life?

 

What harsh reality in your life has God redeemed for you? We’d all love to know!