As I mentioned yesterday, my dear brother Jacob married our adorable friend, Destiny last Friday. I could fill pages of observations about my amazing brother, but since I was a bridesmaid I was with his bride for the wedding and all that led up to it. So I’m going to talk about her.
Destiny taught me something about being a godly wife before she even walked down the aisle, and that’s what I want to share with you today.
Moments before the wedding, after a frenzied day of preparations, everyone left the bride in her room with the four of us girls attending her. Along with me were my daughters Chloe and Sophie, and the maid of honor, Destiny’s sister, Mariah.
The five of us stood brimming with excitement, trying not to wrinkle our dresses, nervously patting our rained-on hair.
In that still, quiet moment, my thoughts turned to God and the smile he was surely giving us. “Let’s pray for Destiny,” I told the girls. We all laid careful hands on her most beautiful dress and each of us took turns asking God to bless not only the wedding, but the marriage to come.
When we finished, Destiny began to pray in her soft voice. She asked not for an awesome wedding or a trip-free walk down the aisle. Instead, she prayed for her husband-to-be and his family. She asked God that her ceremony would be a witness to those in the audience. Finally, she prayed that their marriage would be a ministry to others and honor God.
On the day when no one would blame her making it all about herself, this sweet girl turned the focus right onto Christ. If all wives woke up each morning and prayed that same prayer, how different would our lives be?
I try to keep a habit of asking God to show me daily what my husband needs from me. Too often, though, I forget. Instead I think of all the ways he could meet my needs.
There is no shortage of marriage books out there, and I am a huge fan of anything that helps me grow. At some point, though, instead of focusing in, we all need to look out and see who we can bless through our marriage.
I’m not suggesting we stop trying to make our marriages better,healthier, godlier. I just want to share a reminder we could all use once in a while. Because even the godliest of wives have their bad days. Or months, or seasons.
Ever since my new sister’s sweet words, I have been reminded to ask God not just to help me get through another day of being married, but to make my very marriage a ministry to others. To look beyond making it work for us and look to making it work for Jesus.
Will you join me?
Related:
30 Day Blessing Your Husband Challenge
When the Spirit Doesn’t Thrill You
Books for Godly Wives
mamala says
Yes my love—your new sis is already following in your benevolent footsteps, by wowing those who love her. Her heart, not unlike your own, is gently, firmly, bent towards the maker of us all. I can only imagine the power that will be unleashed when my two daughters join forces.
What a blessed woman I am.
turtlemomma says
Amazing Love.
Thank you for the story.
Ally says
I know you wrote this a long time ago, but I was browsing your category about being a wife to rush home to. I have been struggling in this department as of lately. This story came to me at the perfect time–thanks for sharing! This is definitely a God moment for me.
Blessings-
Ally
Angela says
I’m so glad! It doesn’t matter that it’s an old post 🙂
Lindsey Silvestrini says
God has certainly answered her prayer for their marriage to be a ministry! I watched the service for Noah and I will never forget the way they ministered to everyone else in their darkest hour. It’s something forever frozen in my mind and I will never forget them or Noah.
carol steward says
I was amazed at Noah’s memorial how Destiny and Jacob held God in the Highest. You could feel their love for Him when you hugged them and looked into their eyes. They are an amazing couple and I keep them in my prayers. I will never forget little Noah. He brought so much love into our community, state and all across the United States. God is Awesome!
Judy Hayden says
My heart was so filled with love and sadness over Noah. Jacob and Destiny are a beautiful blessing. Their wedding photo’s of washing each other’s feet was so touching,to see them humble to one another. My husband and I have been married for Thirty years and I would love to have a do over like this. At my church I always chose to wash the person’s feet that I had a problem with. I will share your beautiful words that you have said about Jacob and Destiny to my daughter’s and family. Thank you.