( A Ministration by Dr. Mike Oluniyi at the International Ministers’/ Leadership Conference of the Men of Issachar Vision, Ibadan Nigeria on 18th January 1925)
“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)
INTRODUCTION
In the journey of life and ministry, marriage is one of the most significant relationships God entrusts to us. Yet, it is often one of the most misunderstood, neglected, and tested.
There are seasons in marriage when:
• The pressure feels overwhelming
• The misunderstandings seem unending
• The emotional weight appears too heavy
At such moments, many are tempted to conclude: “This is too much.”
But the truth we must embrace is this:
There is more in marriage than what you are currently experiencing.
When you begin to see marriage from God’s perspective, you will find the strength to persevere, invest, and build intentionally.
- THERE IS MORE THAN THE PRESENT PRESSURE
Every marriage goes through seasons, some joyful, some difficult.
Challenges in marriage are not signs of failure; they are often:
• Opportunities for growth
• Platforms for maturity
• Tools for refinement
When you understand that there is more beyond the current struggle, you will not give up prematurely.
What looks like stress today may be preparing you for strength tomorrow.
- YOUR FULFILLMENT IN THE EVENING OF LIFE MAY BE CONNECTED TO IT
There is a phase of life when:
• Ministry activities may reduce
• Public applause may fade
• Physical strength may decline
At that stage, what remains most precious is:
• Companionship
• Peace at home
• Shared memories
A well-built marriage becomes:
• A place of rest
• A source of joy
• A reward for years of investment
If you neglect your marriage today, you may suffer loneliness tomorrow.
- YOUR SUCCESS IN MINISTRY MAY BE DEPENDENT ON IT
Marriage and ministry are deeply connected.
A troubled home can:
• Drain your spiritual energy
• Affect your concentration
• Reduce your effectiveness
A peaceful home, on the other hand:
• Strengthens your focus
• Enhances your stability
• Sustains your longevity in ministry
Many great ministries have been weakened—not by lack of anointing—but by instability at home.
There is more in your marriage than companionship, it is a foundation for your calling.
- YOUR ANSWERS TO PRAYERS MAY BE DEPENDENT ON IT
Scripture makes it clear that relationships affect spiritual outcomes.
When there is:
• Strife
• Bitterness
• Unresolved conflict
…it can hinder spiritual flow, including prayers.
A healthy marriage fosters:
• Unity
• Spiritual agreement
• Open heavens
You cannot ignore your marriage and expect maximum spiritual results.
- YOUR ETERNITY MAY EVEN BE CONNECTED TO IT
Marriage is not just about time, it has eternal implications.
• How you treat your spouse reflects your obedience to God
• How you handle conflicts reveals your spiritual maturity
• How you live at home speaks louder than what you preach in public
It is possible to:
• Preach powerfully
• Minister effectively
…and yet fail in personal life.
But God is not only interested in your ministry, He is interested in your life.
Your marriage is part of your preparation for eternity.
- HOW MUCH YOU WILL ENJOY YOUR CHILDREN MAY BE DEPENDENT ON IT
The atmosphere of a home shapes the lives of children.
In a healthy marriage:
• Children feel secure
• Values are transmitted effectively
• Love is modeled daily
In a troubled marriage:
• Children absorb tension
• Emotional wounds are formed
• Relationships are affected long-term
The quality of your marriage today will influence the quality of your family tomorrow.
- THERE IS MORE, A DIVINE PURPOSE TO FULFILL
Marriage is not accidental, it is intentional and purposeful.
It is designed to:
• Reflect Christ and the Church
• Provide mutual support
• Fulfill divine assignment together
Your spouse is not just a partner, they are a destiny companion.
There is more:
• More joy to experience
• More depth to discover
• More purpose to fulfill
- THERE IS MORE, BUT IT REQUIRES INTENTIONALITY
The “more” in marriage does not happen automatically.
It requires:
• Commitment
• Patience
• Forgiveness
• Communication
• Spiritual sensitivity
“Forgetting those things which are behind… and reaching forth unto those things which are before.” (Philippians 3:13)
You must be willing to:
• Let go of past hurts
• Press toward a better future
• Keep building, even when it is not easy
CONCLUSION
There is more in your marriage than:
• The present challenges
• The temporary frustrations
• The visible imperfections
There is:
• More purpose
• More reward
• More joy
• More glory
FINAL CHARGE
Do not give up on your marriage.
Do not reduce it to mere survival.
Do not ignore its importance.
There is more, press into it. Build into it. Pray into it.
Because in that marriage:
• Your future may be hidden
• Your strength may be sustained
• Your ministry may be preserved
• Your eternity may be shaped
