Tag: Marriage

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Happy New Year & Ministry Update

Tommy Larson

Happy New Year from Purposed Marriage! As we step into 2025, we pray this year brings renewed strength and hope to those of you standing steadfast for your marriage. For some, this may even be the year you witness the long-awaited restoration! Our earnest prayer is that, no matter the journey the Lord has planned for you, your hearts will draw nearer to Him as you remain faithful to His will.

Looking ahead, Amy and I are excited to share that Purposed Marriage will be releasing more audio podcasts this year. Our hope is that these messages will uplift and encourage you in your walk. We acknowledge the extended pause in our communication and produced content, largely due to life circumstances and the demands of our home church ministry. As a two-person team, we often find ourselves stretched thin, making it challenging to respond personally to everyone who reaches out.

Though we may not always be able to engage directly, please know that we read every message and take every prayer request to the Lord. Your concerns and petitions are deeply valued, and we lift them up as God places them on our hearts.

The Purposed Marriage community remains open for engagement, and we encourage all visitors to our site, both new and old, to connect through the comments on our posts. We hope this space continues to be a source of Biblically sound advice, encouragement, and support for one another.

May God walk closely with each of you, sustaining and guiding you daily as you seek to honor His design for marriage and Christian living.

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Finding God in the Midst of Trials

Tommy Larson

In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God.

Luke 6:12

Standing for your marriage after abandonment is an incredibly painful journey. The silence from God during this season can feel unbearable, leading to doubts about whether He hears our prayers. But take heart—God is always present. Understanding His ways requires spiritual growth, humility, and an open heart. Even when He seems distant, He is working behind the scenes in ways we may not yet comprehend. His timing is perfect, even when ours is impatient.

Too often, we expect God to move in a specific way, placing Him in a box. When life doesn’t unfold as we envisioned, we assume He isn’t listening. The truth? He hears us. But sometimes, His answers come in ways we don’t expect. His whispers may be woven into everyday moments, urging us to trust Him, even when the path ahead is unclear

During my separation and divorce, I was overwhelmed—balancing single parenthood, work, church, and a spiritual battle. Finding time for God felt impossible. But as I grew in faith, I realized the importance of intentionally seeking Him.

One summer, I took a solo hike in the Smoky Mountains. Unprepared and exhausted, I wanted to turn back. But pressing on, I reached a quiet resting place where the beauty of creation surrounded me. In that stillness, I felt God’s presence. No audible voice, no grand revelation—just peace. A simple reminder that as long as I kept my eyes on Him, my path would be clear. It was a moment of clarity that spoke louder than words, reassuring me that I was never alone in my journey.

That hike became a metaphor for my struggles. The distractions along the way mirrored the choices that could lead me astray. The journey was hard, filled with doubt, but staying the course strengthened my faith. Each step forward, no matter how small, reinforced my trust in God. When the road became difficult, I learned to lean on Him rather than my own understanding.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Jeremiah 29:12-13

God doesn’t always remove the struggles, but He equips us to endure them. He provides strength when we are weak and clarity when we are lost. Even in our lowest moments, He is guiding us, shaping us, and preparing us for what lies ahead.

If you’re searching for God and struggling to find Him, know this: He is near, even when the storm clouds hide Him. Set aside distractions. Seek solitude. Let His presence fill your heart. Take a walk in nature, sit in silence, or pour your heart out in prayer. God promises to reveal Himself to those who seek Him wholeheartedly.

In those quiet moments, may you find the strength and peace to trust Him with your journey. No matter how long the road feels, remember—He walks beside you every step of the way.

In Christ,

Tommy Larson

Prodigals

When Truth is Toxic

Tommy Larson

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“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭ESV‬‬

Have you ever wondered why a spouse determined to leave avoids the truth at all costs? For those standing for their marriage, trying to engage a prodigal spouse in honest conversation can feel frustrating and futile. But when we recognize the enemy’s deception and how deeply it takes root, their resistance becomes clearer.

Those pursuing divorce often avoid difficult conversations because they fear exposure. The last thing someone running from the Lord wants is to be confronted with the truth of Scripture. God’s Word pierces the heart, revealing sin and selfish ambition. This conviction is why so many reject it.

During my separation, but before my divorce, I had a conversation with my wife. When I stood firm on God’s design for marriage and opposed divorce, she accused me of being like a Pharisee—too rigid, too unwilling to see the “spirit” of the law. But I reminded her that the Pharisees were the ones who exalted divorce, and Jesus condemned it. That conversation ended abruptly. She refused to discuss it further and warned that any future communication would go through our lawyers if I brought it up again.

I hadn’t meant to provoke anger, but I realized it wasn’t my words that struck a nerve—it was God’s truth piercing her heart. I was simply the messenger. The Word of God carries authority and power, and when spoken, it challenges the heart. Many who are caught in sin will react defensively, unwilling to face the conviction that truth brings.

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

Hebrews‬ ‭4:12‬ ‭ESV

If you’re standing for your marriage, you will encounter anger and resistance. Take comfort in knowing it’s not truly you they oppose—their battle is with God. Those who stand for truth will always face resistance, but you are not alone. The enemy works tirelessly to deceive and divide, but God’s truth remains unshaken.

It’s easy to grow weary when your spouse continually rejects truth, but remember that your fight is not against them—it’s a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” This battle requires spiritual armor—prayer, faith, and perseverance.

With the help of the Holy Spirit and the support of those God has placed in your life, do not let your spouse’s rejection of truth weaken your resolve. Surround yourself with believers who will pray with you and encourage you. Spend time in God’s presence, allowing Him to strengthen your spirit. Christ has the power to transform even the hardest of hearts.

I have seen it firsthand. If Jesus could redeem my wife, He can do the same for your spouse. It may take time, and the road may be difficult, but God is still in the business of restoration. Stand firm, trust Him, and keep believing. Your faithfulness is never in vain.

In Christ,

Tommy Larson