Marriage: It Was God’s Idea

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D. Leading the Way

I think God must love weddings. Consider this: Jesus performed His first miracle at a wedding by turning water into wine (see John 2:1-11). At the beginning of history, the first man wed the first woman when God presented Eve to Adam (see Genesis 2:21-24). And at the end of history, there will be the wedding feast of the Lamb when Christ and His bride, the Church, are joined together forever (see Revelation 19:6­-9).

Read Genesis 2:21-24. If God loves weddings, just imagine His feelings toward marriage. For a wedding is only a beginning, but the marriage that follows lasts a lifetime. God instituted marriage before there was sin in the world. It was part of His good and perfect plan for humanity, meant to reflect His relationship to His Church (see Ephesians 5:32).

A creative force, marriage produces families, homes, and ultimately whole societies. If you want to see where a culture is heading, just look to its marital relationships. Are husbands and wives committed to their relationship? Or is divorce all too common? Is there an effort to redefine marriage? Is God’s original design for families being twisted and destroyed? A culture that treats marriage like this cannot last.

Ultimately, marriage is one of the means at God’s disposal to make us more like Him. It is God’s intention that husbands and wives grow more like Christ as they grow closer to one another. Of course, this isn’t easy; there are challenges in every marriage. That’s why our wedding vows talk about richer and poorer, sickness and health. Add to the mix our own sinfulness, and you’ll understand why I say that my marriage has only lasted because of the grace of God—and the grace of my wife.

I believe there are three foundational stones to a fulfilling relationship: selflessness, forgiveness, and conversation. You’ll find that in any marriage, any problem—or any potential problem—has at its source a lack of one of these three things.

In the following days, we’ll take a look at each of these to reveal how to have a marriage crafted according to God’s design—a masterpiece that brings beauty and strength to the world and glory to God.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the beauty of marriage. As I consider the foundational stones to a fulfilling relationship, empower me to put them into practice for the good of my family and community. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“Marriage should be honored by all” (Hebrews 13:4).

Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon Crafted: Marriage God’s Way, Part 1: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW

Check out more from Dr. Michael Youssef, here!

About The Author

Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

Even before he was born, it is clear that God had a vision for Michael Youssef. His mother was in poor health when she became pregnant with Michael, and because his life was in danger at the time of birth, the doctor recommended terminating the pregnancy. An abortion was scheduled. But God intervened and sent the family pastor to reassure them that God was involved in this pregnancy. He told them not to be afraid and that the child would be "born to serve the Lord." Michael's parents accepted the pastor's message as a message from God and obeyed. His mother gave birth, and lived to see him give his life to the Lord at the age of sixteen.


Believing that God had called him out of Egypt, Michael sought an exit visa in a time in which no university student was allowed to have a passport or leave the country. God intervened again, and miraculously he managed to acquire a visa. He immigrated to Australia, where he studied at Moore Theological College in Sydney, was ordained as a pastor, and met Elizabeth who became his wife.


The Youssefs came to America in 1977, and in 1978 Michael received a master's degree in theology at Fuller Theological Seminary in California. Then he earned a doctorate in social anthropology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. Michael served nearly ten years in the Haggai Institute, traveling around the world more than 32 times, teaching courses in evangelism and leadership. He rose to the position of Managing Director at the age of 31 years. The family settled in Atlanta, and in 1984, Michael became a citizen of the United States, making his dream of many years come true.


He founded The Church of The Apostles in 1987 with fewer than 40 adults with the mission of "Equipping the Saints and Searching for the Lost". The church has since grown to be a congregation of over 3,000 people today. This church has driven the international ministry of Leading the Way. While it is heard by millions at home and abroad, behind every message preached through radio waves, is the heart of a pastor, willing to nurture and care for these people. Clearly God has uniquely equipped Dr. Youssef to speak to a global audience. The path he has taken has given him an understanding and firm grasp of the Scriptures that transcend cultures. He preaches, teaches and calls with a sincere, based on the authority of the inerrant, inspired Word of God. With his personal knowledge of the Holy Land, its history and culture, Dr. Michael Youssef transmits life to listeners all over the world.

More Posts by Dr. Michael Youssef, Ph.D.:

  1. Asking for God’s Vision
  2. Praying the Will of God
  3. He Can Open Your Eyes
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