Some Pharisees came to him to test him. They asked, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any and every reason?” (Matt. 19:3)


DO YOU REMEMBER the last time you made a vow or promised someone to do something but let that promise go unfulfilled?

Sandra remembered when she and her husband made promises to each other over forty-seven years ago: “To have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

Her husband had a mini stroke two years ago, and there were times when she became frustrated by certain actions on his part. The daily routines of shopping, cleaning the house, driving her husband to the doctor, preparing meals and doing laundry filled her days. She felt frustrated and alone. The temptation to leave and make excuses was very easy, but then she thought of her vow: “In sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part.”

Sometimes things happen that are unexpected, tragic, and horrifying. We may find that our vows are broken, despite our best efforts, and cannot be mended. It is in those times that we need to call upon the grace and mercy of Jesus in repentant humility. It was by the grace of God that Sandra was able to fulfill her promise and cope on a daily basis.

When you find it hard to cope, call on Jesus.

Rosemary Hagedorn began writing devotions in her later years. She creates picture story books for her grandchildren and is presently working on a fantasy novel.