Devotionals by Brian Goins

Thanks, But I Prefer to Wing It When It Comes to Marriage
By Justin Talbert

People will remember the day Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger landed U.S. Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River.

(Or at least they’ll remember Tom Hanks doing it.)

Sully’s plane barreled into a flock of geese—which shut off the engine. He didn’t frantically flip through the manual: “Geese … geese … What do I do?!”

For decades, Sully had memorized the manual for each and every nuanced scenario. His response was second nature. Anything less would have spelled disaster for 155 passengers.

We all took flight in marriage with the best of intentions, desiring a godly, biblical marriage. But life gets busy. Assorted geese screw things up.

And most days, we’re just wingin’ it.

But if Scripture really is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105), then without it, we’re missing something substantial.

But how does one master the Bible even more than a flight manual?

Not easily. There is no shortcut to learning Scripture. Just like there’s no easy way to land a plane on water.

But if your goal is innate knowledge of the marriage flight manual, even five minutes today matters. Stick to it tomorrow, too.

Soon, marriage without constant touch with the Bible makes no sense.

And even when the touches don’t mean survival—your marriage just works better.

I remember driving to our small group Bible study and telling my wife how much I liked her—not just loved, but liked her. I was specific. She beamed (check out Proverbs 16:24).

But an hour later, she honored me in front of the whole group.

She explained, “Sorry, Babe. Romans 12:10 commands me to outdo you in showing honor. That verb is competitive. I had to beat you.”

God wrote the Bible for you: to help and guide and instruct this adventure as husband and wife. He longs to meet with you in it and transform you through it.

Need more on where to start? Read “5 Important Scriptures for My Family.”

The Good Stuff: Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. (Psalm 119:105-106)

Action Points: Develop a plan to study the Bible more than you ever have this year. Choose a book of the Bible, purchase a gospel-saturated commentary, and study verse by verse. Take your time!

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