Well…Yes, Stefan and I are going through this book that was introduced in the new movie Fireproof. By the way, It’s not what I would call “just another ’devotional’ book for husbands and wives", to go through together. It really breaks down the biblical meaning of unconditional love and walks you through practical ways of applying it with this 40 day challenge.
I saw the movie for the first time with Kayla and my Mom. I was really moved by the way God’s truth was presented in the movie. We loved Facing the Giants, it was well done too. Yet, this just seemed to hit home in my spirit to want to change in the many ways that I am not respectful or loving towards my husband. I am not one that really takes what a movie is portraying and walk away desiring to apply it immediately to my life. Though I may enjoy the message or content of the movie in general, and walk away thinking about it some. This was different. I believe the Lord was really using this movie to convict and challenge me to really seek to apply change in my life and marriage.
So I went out and bought roses for my husband, yes roses, (they were a great price at Aldi’s and beautiful). He actually liked them! Along with the roses I bought 2 copies of The Love Dare book-one for him and one for me, along with the Fireproof movie, because he had not seen it yet. I set them out on a little table in our room with a nice lit candle next to it. Long after Stefan arrived home and all was quiet in the house, I told him about the book and movie. I asked if he would please watch it, for the movie would give him a description of the book and how to use it. His response was sure and out of curiosity. So he watched the movie that night on his own. He was very moved and convicted as well, he said. He was really excited and looking forward to begin the book!!
So the next day we both began to go to work on this 40 day journey! Honestly, this is the first time walking through a book on our own, based on a decision that we made together and we are both loving it. It's fun learning how to really show love to your spouse. This book gives you time to exercise biblical principles but I am also seeing what it looks like to really apply God's Word in my marriage. Though we are only on day 4, this is teaching us how to make loving one another truly a part of our marriage-not just "changing" but where loving each other unconditionally becomes a habit and a part of our lives. So even more proof that this is the Lord at work:)!
I have to say Stefan is definitely more on top of reading through-I don't mean hurry like-but he is ready for that next chapter. He loves the challenge! He is reading his chapter way before me during the day! So he surprises me with the daily application that was encouraged in the book. It’s neat!!
It has been a real eye opener for both of us so far. It’s neat to see when the Lord is at work at the same time in the both if us, doing similar things in our hearts. Hearts are being united.
I highly recommend this book-I know all of us have things we can grow and change in our marriages. Good book!
I write this post to remind myself of God at work, for the accountability, and we ask for prayer for God’s grace as we seek to change.
Stefan and I are determined to apply, grow from, and finish this 40 day challenge together. I have faith we will!!
