Un-premeditated Test of Love - Would You Love Him Still?

Every family struggles with hard times, broken promises, unmet expectations, financial setbacks and betrayal. When you face such difficulties, call on God's strength so that you and your partner can walk through the pain together and emerge the stronger for it; just like Ben and Maurine.

After twenty - three years in career, Ben was worn out, exhausted from trying to climb the corporate ladder. One morning he happened to catch a television infomercial that promised him all the luxuries of life if he would just attend an upcoming seminar and was promptly overwhelmed with the potential of the program as he watched the video and studied the brochures. He and Maurine had always discussed any expenditure over one hundred dollar. But that day, he caved in to his greed and withdrew all their savings as well as cashed in their retirement fund to invest in this get - rich - quick enterprise. It was such a sure thing. It had worked for so many.

Months later Ben's life was one huge mess. He had quit his job, believing that if he devoted all his time to this new venture, he would surely reap the rich rewards the videos and glossy brochures promised. Unfortunately, that's not what happened. He was out of a job, their credit cards were maxed out, and Maurine had to go back to work full - time for the first time since before they'd had children.

Despite all this, Maurine did not give up on her husband. When she discussed her fear and anger and frustration with her pastor, he told her "Maurine, you've come smack up against one of those 'in sickness or in health' realities. But you are called to love Ben even if ... That's the kind of Love Christ exhibits for us - agape love. It's a real thing Maurine admits come solely come from God, she took her pastor's words to heart.

And Ben responded. He found a new job with a Christian employer and the nature of the work made him feel truly useful for the first time in years. He and Maurine downsized their home, sold their boat, and made serious inroads into paying off their creditors. Ben replaced his desire to get rich quick with a renewed vision and commitment to live and finish life well.