2 Are Better Than 1: Uncover Your Marriage PurposeSample

Do You Live Problem-Focused or Purpose-Focused?

A Timeless Truth

You find what you are looking for.

All leaders of thought agree that we become what we think about, we get what we expect, and we find what we’re looking for. King Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, said it this way: “As a man thinks in his heart, so he is” (Proverbs 23:7). The key to this profound revelation is applying it to our everyday thoughts and marriage. After all, if King Solomon and every other leader of thought is right, that our outcome begins in our mind-set, then if we constantly focus on our issues, we unwittingly perpetuate the subject of our thoughts—the problem. However, if we harness our thinking to align with God’s, embracing the truth that we are created on purpose for a purpose, we reap the benefits of living fully and powerfully in the design He ordained for our lives and marriage.

Don’t be confused. We aren’t saying problems, adversity, and conflict don’t exist; unfortunately, they’re a part of every relationship. However, the solution, triumph, and victory for our marriage hinges on our ability to shift our focus from our personal Goliaths to the magnitude of God’s power and purpose for our relationship. When couples begin to shift their attention from the problem and focus on living God’s purpose, life happens.

All throughout Scripture, God encourages us to not be conformed to the world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our mind (Romans 12:1), and to put off the old man with all its deceitful ways and be renewed in the spirit of our mind (Ephesians 4:22-24). The Apostle Paul writes, “if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8). As couples, we are not powerless to our thoughts (2 Timothy 1:7). We can demolish every lie opposing who God says we are by capturing our thoughts and making them obedient to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5−6).

Take a moment to ask yourself: Do I live problem-focused or purpose-focused in my marriage? God designed you distinctly for a purpose and equipped you with everything you need to fulfill your marriage purpose (2 Peter 1:3). Today, focus your attention on God’s intention for your marriage and exchange your problems for His purpose.