I heard a story about a woman who struggled to support her husband’s ministry. She’d often leave the house when church meetings were happening, and when he tried to talk to her, she’d say, ‘God called you, not me. I have my own life to live.’ Sadly, her lack of support impacted her husband’s effectiveness in ministry. She didn’t realize that marriage is a yoke.
Friend, marriage is a partnership, a yoke (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). The idea of a yoke is often portrayed as negative among Christians. We often speak of being yoked to the enemy, sin, and so on. Yet, Jesus invites us to take His yoke upon us as we follow Him. He says, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matthew 11:29-30).
In agriculture, two animals are yoked together to work the field. This partnership increases productivity and reduces stress on each animal. Similarly, in marriage, God joins a man and woman to fulfil a shared purpose (Genesis 2:18). This partnership eases stress as they support and complement each other.
Marriage is a yoke. Without this understanding, life can be stressful and unproductive (Amos 3:3). God has joined or wants to join you with someone to enhance your life. Missing this partnership can lead to unnecessary struggles. True fulfilment comes when you and your spouse align with God’s purpose (Acts 9:6).
Christians are warned against marrying unbelievers due to the risk of unequal yoking (2 Corinthians 6:14). The Bible compares it to light and darkness, the temple of God and idols (2 Corinthians 6:14-15). Really, marrying an unbeliever or a believer with no shared value and purpose is a misnomer.
Marriage is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured (Psalm 128:1-6). To enjoy marriage, embrace the partnership. Understand God’s purpose. Discern your partner. Walk in alignment with God’s plan. Misalignment leads to pain and struggle (Malachi 2:13-16). Embrace God’s partnership today. Marriage is a yoke.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria