Biblical Encourage for Your Marriage when Life Hurts
This devotional helps married couples to navigate the storms of life together. Working through the book of Job, Sarah Walton (author of Hope when it Hurts) and her husband Jeff reflect on their own experiences in a marriage that has faced chronic illness, baggage from the past, a child with neurological challenges, and financial difficulties–and show how to cling to Christ and each other.
This is not a “how to” guide on having the best marriage, but, rather, a walk alongside you and your spouse, sharing the realities of suffering and the effects it can have on a marriage. It is an encouragement to lift your eyes above your trials, off your spouse, and onto our all-sufficient Savior.
About the Authors:
Jeff Walton is a member of The Orchard Church in Chicago. He is married to Sarah Walton, who co-wrote Hope When It Hurts. Together they have four young children. He grew up in Cleveland (and is still a fan of the Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers), and works in healthcare technology sales. She blogs at setapart.net.
Endorsements:
“Offers sound scriptural wisdom for persevering through the hard things that come to every marriage at some point in the real world. Jeff and Sarah winsomely encourage couples to set a course for long-term joy in spite of sorrow, longterm contentment in spite of disappointment, and longterm hope in anticipation of ultimate restoration. ”
Nancy Guthrie
Bible teacher; Author, Even Better Than Eden
“Sarah and Jeff are writing while life is still hard, and they talk about your storms. The only problem is this: you will not be able to give this book to your friends because you and your spouse will keep going back to the prayers at the end of each chapter. If couples pray those prayers together, they will be transformed. ”
Ed Welch
Counselor, CCEF; Author, When People Are Big and God Is Small and Side by Side
“I can only imagine the number of marriages that will be saved or strengthened by this helpful book. Grief pummels even the strongest marriage. I’ve felt it. My wife and I battled the waves of sorrow that kept crashing on our home, and I wish we had had this book, with its combination of biblical truth and practical counsel, as a resource during our painful journey. ”
Mark Vroegop
Lead Pastor, College Park Church, Indianapolis; Author, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy
“Jeff and Sarah have firsthand understanding of suffering and trials in marriage. Like dear friends, they offer words of deep sympathy and understanding for painful circumstances, yet bring hope through timeless biblical truth. Whether your marriage is in a season of crisis or you’re looking to fortify it for the unknown days ahead, this book is a gift. ”
Laura Wifler
Co-founder, Risen Motherhood; Co-author, Risen Motherhood: Gospel Hope for Everyday Moments
“A large part of marriage counseling is helping couples journey through suffering. The questions, prayers, and suggested Scriptures make this book a ready resource for anyone needing hope when the light seems dim. ”
Jonathan Holmes
Pastor of Counseling, Parkside Church, Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Author, Counsel for Couples
“A beautiful, courageous, and wise book. Whether you’ve had an easy marriage or a difficult one, please read this book! You won’t find easy answers, but something better—the inspiring story of a married couple determined to honor God and love each other through all of life’s hardships. ”
Gary Thomas
Author, Sacred Marriage and Cherish
“Sarah and Jeff invite us into their hearts in the most humbling and helpful way. Be prepared to see yourself in these pages and, more importantly, to see Christ.”
Jon and Quina Aragon
Co-owner, Native Supply; Author, Love Made
“I’ve ministered to hurting wives for many years, desiring to encourage them with the gospel in the midst of painful marital storms. I’ve discussed a variety of books with them, but none have accomplished what Jeff and Sarah have done with Together Through the Storms. They have masterfully shared their story of incredible suffering in a way that leads the reader to feel they are trustworthy friends, wise alongside-you encouragers, and humble followers of Jesus. This book is a gem! Don’t just read it; savor it.”
Ellen Dykas
Harvest USA; Author, Sexual Sanity for Women
“Every marriage experiences storms. For Jeff and Sarah Walton, some of those storms felt more like full-blown hurricanes. How did they, and do they, survive? For Jeff and Sarah forgiveness, humility, and commitment are all important, but it is fundamentally about clinging to Jesus. If you want your marriage to remain strong, and even thrive, amid the challenges life throws your way, you’ll find this book encouraging and uplifting.”
Greg Smalley
Vice President of Marriage and Family Formation, Focus on the Family
“This book does not offer an idealized view of marriage but rather a vulnerable account of failures, fears, and doubts, and a wonderful view of the God who strengthens us through them. This is remarkable wisdom that offers true help and hope for couples walking through suffering.”
Vaneetha Risner
Author, The Scars That Have Shaped Me
“ Honest and transparent, this unique book will support and strengthen any marriage that needs to weather storms.”
Cameron Cole
Author, Therefore I Have Hope
“Biblical. Helpful. Real. These three words describe Together through the Storms by Jeff and Sarah Walton. Whatever stage you are at in your marriage, or whatever state your marriage is in today, this book can help you, since it is biblically balanced, personal without going over the top, and crystal clear on the gospel. Jeff and Sarah have given a gift to the church in Together through the Storms to be treasured and applied by Christian couples for the health and renewal of our marriages today.”
Dave Jenkins
Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries; Host, Equipping You in Grace Podcast
“Jeff and Sarah know what it is to live life under seemingly constant pressure. In this book they apply hard-won insights and biblical wisdom that will encourage you to cling a little tighter, not just to one another but ultimately to Christ. Reading it was a blessing—there was plenty of underlining going on!”
Rachel Wilson
Co-author, The Life We Never Expected