25-years of Marriage | Three Steps to a Great Marriage

This week, on May 5, 2026, Lisa and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. It has been amazing! I am forever grateful that God blessed me with such an amazing wife and partner in life and ministry. Lisa is the perfect wife for me. We complement each other and make each other better. Lisa often says, “I’m an introvert living in an extrovert family.” :) We are so different, but our differences actually make us better. God knew what each of us needed, and He blessed us beyond our wildest dreams by giving us each other.

Recently, together we gave some Marriage Lessons we have learned on the Every Day Matters podcast. You can listen here or watch the video here.

In addition to those lessons, here are 3 steps to what makes a great marriage and what makes Lisa so special. I hope these will help and encourage you wherever you are in your marriage or dating relationship.

1. Believe God’s best for your spouse. When Lisa and I were married, we made vows to one another, and we made a commitment to uphold these vows. And, we have. But none of us just wants a marriage that survives - we want one that thrives. We want a marriage that grows deeper, stronger and more beautiful every year. This can only happen when you believe the best for one another. The old saying, “Happy wife, happy life,” is true. When your spouse is thriving, then so are you. We are truly better together. Keep believing, hoping and praying for God’s best for one another.

2. Work as a team. Your kids will try to pit you against one another - unknowingly many times, but the old, “Mom said no, but Dad will let us.” The world will pit you against one another - “the grass is also greener somewhere (or with someone) else.” Even parents and in-laws can inadvertently (or advertantly) pit you against one another - “well, when he/she was dating so and so, they were just great together.” But, regardless of what everyone else says, you have to work together as a team. You have to love each other and know that God brought you together for a reason and a purpose. Support each other. Be each other’s biggest fan and cheerleader. You truly are better together.

3. Serve and Grow in Jesus. Marriage is like a triangle with Jesus at the top and you and your spouse at the bottom points. As you individually grow closer to Jesus, you grow closer to one another. I have loved watching Lisa grow closer to Jesus. I have loved serving with her, praying with her and growing deeper in God’s Word with her. She is amazing, and she loves Jesus so much. Planting the church together, serving on mission trips together, reading the Bible with each other and with our children together has been such a joy. Personally grow in Jesus, and if you are not yet growing spiritually together, then start today. Take a next step spiritually together. It is amazing!

I love my wife so much. After 25 years, I can truly say it gets better all the time. It doesn’t mean it is always easy. Life happens. Kids happen. Parents grow older. There are definitely challenges, but we always remember that our God is greater and we love each other. He brought us together, and we want to give our best to Him and to each other. Marriage takes work, but it is truly worth it. I am forever grateful for the gift of marriage and for Lisa. Just know we are praying for you as you pray for us. May our Lord bless you with 25 amazing years of marriage and many more to come.