10 Steps to Unity in Your Blended FamilyNäide

Step 10: Don’t lose hope.

Blended family life can be challenging. How we respond and act toward one another can either make the situation worse or carry us through our struggles with love, grace, and hope. There may be a time when you feel like hope is lost, and you want to give up. Don’t. You will make it through this with God’s help!

Don’t measure the health of your blended family by what occurs on a day-by-day basis. Instead, look at the big picture. There will be seasons of joy, filled with unity and peace. Enjoy these moments and build off of them as much as you can. Trials will come, but if we are intentional in our relationship with God and guard our hearts and minds daily, we can withstand anything the enemy will try to throw at our marriage and family. Bad seasons do not define your blended family.

Like traditional families, blended families will have their share of ups and downs. There will be days of sadness and disunity; others will be filled with laughter and smiles. When things get tough, keep praying and keep reading the Word of God. Reach out to godly counsel like a pastor or therapist. Stay in community with other Christians who can walk alongside you in that season. Show love instead of anger and frustration. Show grace when it is least expected. Give and serve others freely and without expectation of return. You can be the light the family needs to start seeing its blessings over its challenges. God is with you, and He is for you. He wants your marriage and blended family to flourish. Nothing is impossible with God!

Prayer: Father, may our hope remain in You because You never change and cannot fail. When things seem impossible, remind us that nothing is impossible in You. God, let us lean into and rely on Your faithful promises. Let us not be discouraged when things don't go our way. Our ways are flawed. Your ways are perfect, and You have a plan for our lives. Help us to seek You in everything. We place our hope in You alone. Amen.