In this program, learn about a couple’s marriage that will be sure to inspire you.
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SHAUNA: Welcome to Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Today Joni has a beautiful story about friends whose marriage will really inspire you.
JONI: Titus 2 says “to in everything, set others an example”. And when it comes to marriage, we all need good examples, don’t we? Our adversary hates Christian marriage, and he would love nothing more than to destroy faithfulness in marriage, as well as any love or devotion. One way the devil targets marriages is through disability. I'm sure he figures that a chronic disabling condition is the best way to tear a couple apart; to wear them out, demoralize them, have them throw in the towel. But what Satan intends for evil, God intends for good. It’s why disability can be the very thing that God uses to strengthen a marriage, using a couple’s greater conflict as a way of speaking to couples who deal with lesser conflict. And when I think of great conflicts, I think of my friends Brian and Haley.
They met as teenagers working in the same restaurant. And Brian realized right away that Haley was not your typical girl; she took her faith in Christ seriously. And because of that, they became fast friends, and after really getting to know each other over a few years, Brian asked Haley to marry him.
Five short months later when they were still only engaged, Brian had a life-altering accident. He was working on logging equipment at a tree farm. It was cold, and the workers would often start a barrel fire to warm their hands after using the tools. This particular day, the fire became a bit too high, so in an effort to bring the fire down to a safer level, Brian grabbed what he thought was a bucket of water to throw on the flames. But the bucket was actually filled with gasoline, which caused an explosion and a twenty-foot fireball. Brian's clothes were already saturated with grease from working, and flames burned him terribly.
The accident was devastating. Brian had third-degree burns over 97% of his body, and only a 1 in 10 chance of survival. He was in a coma for a month, after which he endured incredibly painful treatments, the loss of his eyesight, and the amputation of his arms, one leg, and foot. These losses were life-altering, but by God’s grace and with family support, Brian survived it all, carried by God’s own hand. And Haley? Well, she stood by her fiancé, feeling an incredible peace all along. When Brian recovered, he wanted to release Haley from their engagement, but oh no, she was firm in her love. Others might look at his outward appearance but, like God, Haley looked on his heart.
Haley’s “yes” to life with Brian has meant being with him in sickness and in health. She knew their life together would be difficult, but she had faith that God would prove Himself strong. And He has because this happy couple now have three beautiful children, and Brian has even served as camp pastor at one of our Joni and Friends Family Retreats. What an example they are!
SHAUNA: Wow! This couple understands what it means to live by their vows, and to live by God’s Word. Their story reminds us that love isn’t about appearances; it’s a matter of the heart. If you’re married, I pray this story encourages you to do something today to strengthen your marriage. And if you’re single, this example of godly character applies to you, too. And be sure to visit us at joniradio.org today!
© Joni and Friends