The Power of Partnership in Marriage

The Power of Partnership in Marriage: Celebrating 21 Years of Faith, Growth, and Purpose”

Reflecting on 21 Years of Partnership and Growth

Each year, on my marriage anniversary, I reflect on the power of partnership in marriage and the lessons we’ve learned. The hope is to share ways Leon and I have grown and what keeps us committed to this thing called LOVE. This year marks Year 21, and I’ll just tell you–it’s been different. 

I wouldn’t describe this year’s experience as us being stretched, but rather, somewhat contorted. If you’ve ever seen a contortionist perform, you know that while it can be difficult to watch and even confusing, it somehow ends up being surprisingly beautiful. As we celebrate 21 years of marriage, I am reminded of our early days—full of dreams, but also unmet, and sometimes unrealistic expectations. 

Early in our marriage, Leon and I faced challenges we never saw coming: communication breakdowns, mismatched desires, selfish aspirations, secrets revealed, and our own impractical views of marriage. Still, amidst those early struggles, one thing was constant: our desire to seek God and to model a marriage that honored Him. Yes, our partnership in marriage and faith in God kept us striving for purpose. 

Early Challenges and the Power of Partnership in Marriage

Though our communication today is not always perfect, it’s 80% better than it used to be. I remember those early days when our conversations frequently turned into arguments, each of us holding tightly to our own perspective, driven by the need to be right. Yet even then, surprisingly, we had a strong foundation of faith. It was that faith that nudged us to build on something lasting. Together, Leon and I committed to grow, not just for ourselves but for those who were watching and taking their cues from us about commitment and marriage.

Leon and I were aware that, through both our personal and professional experiences, others admired us. In private, we struggled, but from the outside looking in, we appeared to be individuals striving to progress and become better versions of ourselves. Operating in tandem in ministry only added to that admiration. It reminded us that our marriage was more than a relationship; it was a testimony. Though we never set out to satisfy anyone else’s expectations, we hoped that by being authentic, transparent, and honoring God, we might inspire others to hope.

Finding Faith and Purpose During Life’s Challenges

As I’ve previously shared in the blog “Out to Pasture,” I was utterly exhausted by the end of last year. After years of trying to be everything for everyone–my family, ministry, and, most recently, clients–I felt like I had nothing left to give. There were moments when I simply wanted to disappear—to detach from everything and everyone, including me. The uncertainty was overwhelming. 

I asked myself, “What was God planning to do with me in 2024?” I wasn’t sure He’d do anything, and that space of thought was unfamiliar. However, I knew one thing remained true: 

“God is [my] refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (Psalm 46:1)

I entered into a consecrated fast, turning to prayer as I sought clarity. My mind felt foggy, my heart heavy. And on my 50th birthday—a day that should’ve felt like a milestone—I felt empty. I cried the entire day. Surprisingly, however, Leon, who had just turned 60 four days before and isn’t known for being emotionally astute, recognized my struggle. With both empathy and concern, he suggested I consider going to therapy to help me process through this place.

The truth was, in the years when I had faced my deepest adversity, I had never sought counseling for myself. I had only participated in support of others whose needs at the time were greater than mine. In my opinion, those sessions were a bit biased and usually left me without any personal resolve, conforming instead to coping strategies suggested for someone else. So, for Leon to hear my battle cry and see my need–that moment, I saw his love for me in a new light. 

Lifting the Fog of Life and Marriage Through Psalm 18

During my fast, I tried to keep my mind occupied. Struggling to maintain clear focus, I thought my best strategy was to fill my mind with scripture. As I piddled about, I kept my earbuds in and listened to my Bible app, particularly the Book of Psalms. One Psalm that resonated deeply with me was Psalm 18. 

Finding Meaning in Uncertainty

This psalm helped me grasp that facing adversity is not always due to the enemy’s schemes. No, in fact, Psalm 18 helped me realize that often when we’re in a fog or uncertain about our next steps, God’s plans are at work, sometimes slowing us down so we can listen for His lead.

As a point of reference, think of a GPS. It speaks to us along our route, giving us turn-by-turn directions or redirecting us when we’ve gone off course. However, it ceases speaking when we arrive at our destination or are within the vicinity. At which time, our observation and keen awareness of our surroundings must kick in. Panic and doubt will only drive us away, and when we return we’ll realize we were already where we were supposed to be. We were just unfamiliar with the environment.

Trusting God’s Presence in the Darkness

Let’s take a look at Psalm 18:9-12. This psalm refers to God being a protector and a deliverer when David felt he was in danger and facing destruction. But the way God was described in coming to rescue David astonished me. It says, 

“He tore the sky open and came down

with a dark cloud under his feet.

He flew swiftly on his winged creature;

he traveled on the wings of the wind.

He covered himself with darkness;

thick clouds, full of water, surrounded him.

Hailstones and flashes of fire

came from the lightning before him

and broke through the dark clouds. ”

Psalm 18:9-12

Now, I don’t know your thoughts, but those descriptors don’t scream heavenly, in my opinion. Think about it. We often associate God and Heaven with light, beauty, majesty, or something similar. Darkness, clouds, thunder, or hail are usually not the imagery we go for. But at the beginning of this year, this exact dark and hopeless imagery resonated with how I felt physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  

Understanding God’s Purpose in Uncertainty

The truth is, I had felt this way several times throughout my marriage. However, I had never experienced it in my overall life. This is why I believe God allowed me to be in this place. Feeling like this in the totality of my life gave me reason for caution, pause, and a sense of urgency. 

Previously, when I only felt this way in marriage, I would just keep going. I would have felt more inclined to consider letting the marriage go so that I could move on with MY LIFE.  

Now, I believe God allows us to go into this place of uncertainty to shield us, not just from harm but from rushing ahead of His plans. My inability to see or move forward postured me to receive God’s guidance without interruption. This season was a way for God to realign my spirit and marriage.

Understand, Leon and I have been in a better place from where we started for years now. However, regular maintenance and renewal in our relationship is essential if we’re going to continue to operate well together. Remember, even the best machines, when left unattended, will stop working. 

Strengthening Our Marriage Through Faith and Partnership

Though this season of rest didn’t initially make sense, the slowdown created an opportunity for Leon and me to reconnect and rediscover the purpose of our partnership in marriage. This year, we made more time to date and enjoy alone time. Where I once felt Leon was distant and self-focused, I saw new patience and understanding in him. Despite the growth, however, I still felt we needed special attention on our partnership as ministers.

Deepening Our Bond and Becoming a Reflection

During a conversation with my new mentor, Dr. Burns, she asked what I truly desired spiritually. Initially hesitant, I confided that I wanted Leon and I to grow closer as a ministry team. I didn’t want him to be all about the RROCK Ministries, Inc. and me only focusing on Dawn of a New Day 365. Both are ministries and we’re both ministers. So, I have a hard time believing that God would call us to marriage and ministry and then would want us completely separated in our efforts for the work of the Kingdom. 

The marriage relationship is often the example used to show the affectionate love that Christ has for the Church, seeking after her never to abandon her. The church also then seeks to please Christ and to honor Him. I had always wanted this analogy to reflect my marriage and family that others observed. For the most part, it has been. However, I realized a new level of unity could be cultivated and revealed through shared purpose. Dr. Burns agreed to join me in prayer and solidarity regarding my request for strength and growth in my partnership. 

The Power of Prayer and Partnership

A few weeks later, Leon felt led to initiate a 20-Day Prayer Challenge for our ministry. It seemed spontaneous, but I recognized God’s hand at work. I immediately agreed to assist however needed. Leon shared his vision, and I offered suggestions that he welcomed—something new for us. His proclivity can sometimes be resistant and dismissive; feeling that suggestions negate or devalue his opinion–a defense mechanism. However, Leon was excited to have conversations about what would be the most effective way to approach the challenge. I was wholeheartedly on board. 

Our daughter Anasia even joined the journey; inviting several of her acquaintances to join the prayer challenge based on the enthusiasm she observed from Leon and me. I’m sure it helped to see how openly she saw us working together.  

Building a Ministry Team, Not Just a Marriage

Over those 20 days of prayer, we felt God moving, bringing us closer together in purpose, patience, and love while giving us a clearer insight individually and collectively. Looking back, I can see that each prayer and each conversation was building a foundation—not just for us, but for the ministry God has set before us. Our time in prayer revealed a vision, not just for our marriage but for our ministry together as a fortified ministry team. Each day of those 20 days brought us closer, deepening our understanding of each other’s gifts and solidifying our marriage partnership.

Strengthening the Foundation: Lessons Learned

“The power of partnership in marriage lies not just in staying together but in growing together. Over this year’s journey of growth, love, and prayer, I realize there are lessons God has woven into our story—principles that have proven to strengthen our bond and ministry. For those who want to grow closer to your spouse, find purpose together, or deepen your faith as a couple, here are some guiding principles we’ve embraced that could prove helpful for you; helping to build a partnership rooted in faith.

Guiding Principles for Growing Together 

1. Anchor Your Faith Together

Even in difficult times, make your shared faith the center of your marriage. There is power that comes through prayer. Though your spouse may show faults (like Leon sometimes has in not communicating) or be experiencing a difficult moment in life (like I was around turning 50 and being unsure of myself), know that there is nothing too hard for God. He is rewarder to those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Even in dark times, as was shown in Psalm 18, know that God can still hold a divine presence and purpose for your life and your partnership in marriage. Remember, the GPS may not speak if you’re in the vicinity of where you need to be. Lock in and look closely at what’s around you. Though it may seem unfamiliar, God can reveal how to appreciate the place you’re in.

2. Embrace Rest as a Gift   

Allow God’s command for rest to guide you. Slow down and focus on your needs, and/or the needs of your spouse. Just as God led me into a season of separation from outside things, He may invite you to reconnect, refresh, and prepare for a new chapter with your spouse. Use these times to focus on each other and grow in patience and understanding, trusting that rest is His way of preparing us for a deeper relationship with Him, ourselves, or who we’ve been joined to. If you keep in mind that you’ve been “joined,” you’ll resist the notion of being selfish, unaware, or uninterested in your partner and the marriage partnership you’ve committed to. 

3. Let God Be Your Guide

During difficult times, rely on God to help you communicate the desires of your heart in prayer, even if you feel you can’t fully express them to your spouse. Open your heart to His guidance, trusting that God will align your journey with your spouse beyond what you can see. You’ll find that God will work in ways you wouldn’t have expected for the good of you, your spouse, and His glory. 

The 20-Day Prayer Challenge not only refreshed my marriage but also refueled the spiritual lives of others who committed to consistent time in prayer for their individual needs. Reminding us that God can do exceedingly abundantly above all we could ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Always remember that there are others whose breakthroughs are tied to our obedience and surrender.

4. Model Your Faith for Future Generations 

Know that your authentic walk of faith impacts those who watch you, especially your children. Live intentionally, setting an example of integrity and commitment to God. When our daughter joined us in prayer, we saw firsthand how faith sown into our marriage ripples outward to those we love. When we live out our faith authentically, our children and others see it and are inspired. Our obedience to God is not only for us…but it’s tied to our bloodline. 

5. Be Prepared for the Change

Matthew 6:33 says, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added to you.” Note that the “adding” and the “seeking” are not only correlated but that the “seeking” comes first. What is “added” is also contingent on what we seek. 

Know that as we seek God more deeply our desires will shift to appreciate what is being not just added. . . but changed. Don’t be surprised when through your diligent prayers God begins to reveal to you what you need to change within yourself. Then, as a result of your change, a shift of change will come to those you’ve been praying for, like your spouse. But remember, it starts with seeking God, not in seeking to change your spouse.

Stronger Together

As we celebrate 21 years, our journey has shown that the power of marriage partnership is essential to faith, growth, and purpose. Team Green stands strong, committed to honoring God through our partnership in marriage and ministry. We pray that other couples will be inspired to press forward, finding renewed strength in God and each other. For those of you seeking a closer bond with your spouse or waiting for God to reveal a purpose for your relationship, we encourage you to take heart and keep the faith. Remember, the power of prayer and patience in even the hardest seasons can bring renewed strength and unity for what has already been predestined. 

To my husband, Leon, Happy Anniversary to us! I pray that God continues to bless and sustain us through many years to come. To those reading, continue to pray for us as we pray for you.

Offering you a little bit of Sunshine,

~Dawn

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Join Us In Prayer

Though the 20-Day Prayer Challenge has concluded, we’ve been tasked to continue the opportunity to remain dedicated and consistent in prayer for ourselves and others. Whether it is an individual need or a prayer for someone else, join the RROCK Ministries, Inc. each day at 6:00 AM or 6:00 PM EDT. Save this link to join. Send PRAYER REQUEST and PRAISE REPORTS to rrockminitries2020@gmail.com. R.O.C.K. Ministries, Inc. – where we’re Reaching and Restoring Others for Christ’s Kingdom. 

New Day of Grace Announcement and Promotion

We’re celebrating an incredible achievement! New Day of G.R.A.C.E. has received a 2024 International Impact Book Award in Christian, Devotional Prayer, and Personal Growth & Development. Help us congratulate our award-winning contributing authors: Elder Leon Green, Jr., Pastor Anna Morris Jackson, Minister Gamellia Davis, Minister Ashley Thomas, and Rudolph A. Valentine III! Their voices and ministry gifts have brought encouragement and inspiration to many.

If you haven’t gotten your copy or would like to grab a copy for someone else, it’s 20% Off for November. No coupon code required. Get your copy today. 

Rising Author Academy Invitation 

If you’re a female aspiring author with a message to share, the DND365 publishing arm is seeking 5 new voices to join our 2025 lineup! ​​We’re interested in creators with a passion for children’s books, Christian devotionals, and personal or professional development books. If you’re serious, willing to invest in the process, and do the work with award-winning guidance, visit dawnofanewday365.com/author-academy and schedule your FREE Discovery Call TODAY! Let’s bring your vision to the world and leverage you for what’s next on your journey.