Today 21st February 2024, as I stand together with my wife, Faith Hankuri Gaya, on our 15th wedding anniversary, I can’t help but reflect on the journey we’ve shared. It’s a journey that’s solidified my belief in the power and beauty of marriage, a belief I want to share with each of you.
Marriage, as I see it, isn’t just a piece of paper or a ceremony. It’s a reflection of God’s design for humanity, a sacred union that shapes who we become. Remember, what you believe about marriage will shape what you do with it. And what I believe, with unwavering conviction, is this: marriage is a gift, a path to growth, and a foundation for a life of purpose.
Here are the seven pillars that have sustained my faith in marriage over these 15 years:
1. God’s Masterpiece: Marriage isn’t just a social construct; it’s God’s masterpiece, God’s idea, woven into the fabric of creation. He instituted it as a sacred covenant, reflecting His love and unity. In its success, we glimpse His divine design, a reminder that we thrive when we depend on Him daily. Marrying my wife has revealed a lot to me about God and his work.
2. God’s Refining Fire: Marriage isn’t a walk in the park. It’s a crucible, a forge where God refines our character. It is a growth system. It challenges us to confront our flaws, test our faith, and ultimately, emerge stronger, more resilient versions of ourselves. In the heat of these challenges, I’ve discovered depths of patience, understanding, and love I never knew I possessed.
3. God’s Family Unit: Marriage isn’t just about two individuals; it’s about building a family, a microcosm of God’s love on earth. And with children, it becomes a reflection of His plan for multiplication, where love and faith are passed down, generation after generation. In our family, I see God’s hand at work, creating a legacy that extends far beyond ourselves.
4. God’s School of Servanthood: Marriage strips away our selfishness and teaches us to serve in a way that mirrors Christ’s selfless love. It starts with our spouse, then extends to our children, and ultimately, ripples outward to the world around us. In serving my wife and family, I’ve learned the true meaning of putting others first, discovering joy in giving without expecting anything in return.
5. God’s Anchor in the Storm and Success: Marriage isn’t a fairy tale. It has its storms, moments of doubt and hardship. But in the face of societal rejection or personal setbacks, marriage becomes a God-ordained haven of support and acceptance. In times of success marriage also becomes the place to celebrate it. In my wife and family, I’ve found an anchor in the storm, a safe harbor built on faith and love that weathers any tempest together.
6. God’s Resource Management Lab: Marriage is a practical laboratory where we learn to manage resources with wisdom and responsibility. It teaches us to juggle finances, emotions, time, and human connections, mirroring God’s call to be good stewards of His blessings. Over the years, I’ve learned more about managing resources in marriage than any textbook could ever teach, realizing that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in the love and connections we nurture.
7. God’s Web of Connections: Marriage isn’t an isolated island. It connects us to a vast tapestry of people – family, friends, in-laws, even those with opposing views. It’s a reminder that we’re not meant to walk this path alone, that God uses diverse relationships to enrich our lives and broaden our perspectives. In marrying my wife, I’ve gained a multitude of connections that have deepened my faith and understanding of the world, fulfilling God’s purpose for us to be part of a larger community.
These are the reasons why I hold onto marriage with unwavering conviction. And why I challenge you, dear reader, to consider the power of this sacred union.
You, too, are one of the connections God placed in my life on this 15-year journey. Thank you for being a part of our story, for your support, and your prayers.
May we all continue to strive for a life of love, growth, and service, together with the one we love.
Thank you for being part of our growth journey!
Hankuri Tawus Gaya
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