Pursuing Growth as Couples: A 3-Day Marriage PlanSample

Breaking Out

"God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

Breaking out of comfortable routines can be beneficial for us, but it isn’t always as easy as it sounds. My (Dr. Dobson's) father, for example, hated automatic transmissions on automobiles because he had learned to drive with stick shifts. I’ve fallen into similar patterns. Until 1992, I wrote books on yellow pads with pencils. I worked that way for years despite the availability of word processors. The twentieth century was almost over before I decided to join it.

Rigidity and the force of habit can cause us to do things that make no sense. Yet when we stop learning and growing, we fail to reach our potential. To look at it another way, which companies would you say are more successful in today’s fast‐changing marketplace: those whose motto is “We’ve always done it this way,” or those that continually evaluate their methods and seek improvements?

Some of what succeeds in business also makes sense in marriage. You might ask yourself if any outdated routines and pointless—or even costly—habits are holding you back.

Questions for Today . . .

• Am I stuck in any habits that no longer make sense?
• How are those who are unwilling to change like the Pharisees of Scripture? (See Luke 11:37–44.)
• Do I enjoy learning?
• How can I encourage my spouse to get out of old ruts or discard outdated habits?

Prayer . . .

Lord, I can become so comfortable in my old ways, but comfort can lead to stagnation and retreat. Inspire me by Your Spirit “of power, of love and of self-discipline” to reach for Your creative best. Thank You for the gift of new life I can enjoy together every day. Amen.

(Excerpted from Dr. James and Shirley Dobson’s book, Night Light for Couples. Used with permission.)

Bonus Content: See Your Relationship Grow

One of the best ways to improve your marriage is to ask your spouse about his or her life. This shows that you care and encourages engaging conversation. Asking this question will make you and your mate think more deeply about the Lord and the time He’s given you together. In this reel, Brenen and Morgan Beeler offer ten questions that you can ask to help strengthen your relationship.