S4 | Ep. 6 // Desperation to Reconciliation in Marraige Part I (ft. Todd and Mary Bertelson)

There comes a time when every marriage is put to the test. What happens when we think that there is no hope? Whether it’s career, trauma or household pressures, it may seem like you and your partner are up against the world. However, you are not alone. God is with you in every step of your marriage. Reconnecting with your faith and deepening your relationship with Christ can help you see your marriage and your partner in a new, more empathetic light.
In this episode of the Revelations Podcast, Todd and Mary Bertelson shares their story of wanting to give up on their marriage, but through resilience and reconciliation[1] God had a different plan. Through their challenges they were able to find their way back to each other and Christ. Their story of faith inspires and reminds us that marriage is a covenant and a deeply personal relationship between the couple and the Lord. God can help you and your partner love one another, building your marriage stronger than ever.
Tune in to learn more about the power of reconciliation and God’s grace to heal any marriage.
Here are three reasons why you should listen to this episode:
Learn how unhealed trauma can affect your marriage.
Discover the joy of reconnecting with your faith when experiencing marital troubles.
Understand how God can guide your marriage through reconciliation and forgiveness.
Resources
More from the Revelations Podcast: Website | Instagram | Apple Podcast
Connect with Todd and Mary: Facebook | Website
Bible Verses:
Second Corinthians 5:14-20
Romans 5:7-11
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Episode Highlights
[02:26] How Todd and Mary Met
Todd and Mary met when they were 16 and got married when they were 21. Because they married young, they didn’t have all the tools to deal with their unhealed pasts.
They both thought marriage will provide the things they felt were missing from their lives. However, it only revealed how unhealthy they were.
Mary [06:07]: “No one else can do that. Nobody else can make up for the unhealed places in our hearts but Jesus.”
[07:46] Mary’s Healing Journey Inspired by Christ
When Mary realized the enemy’s lies wounded her soul and directed her anger at God, she also realized this is what the enemy does to the world at large.
She then became passionate about letting the world know the truth.
During a rough patch in their marriage, Mary was overcome with rage to the point of tears. But God showed her she was getting angry with the wrong person.
Anger helped her see where she needed healing. Her faith guided her healing journey.
[13:14] Todd’s Past Guided by Christ’s Love
Todd has been independent since he was a child. Even though he was often a troublemaker, people around has shown him grace - even in moments when he felt unlovable.
Todd considers these people as seeds that represent Christ’s grace, a gift that he admits he forgets.
[14:45] The Gift of Reconciliation
They were married for three years, and things were getting difficult in their household and careers. Amid all this stress, Mary’s father also died in a farming accident.
During the funeral, Mary was talking to God because she felt trapped in their situation.
She believed in the enemy’s lies about herself and her marriage.
Mary [22:19]: “It took time. And it took a willingness on my part to be willing to soften my heart to find something good in him when I couldn’t see it. But the Lord helped me with all that.”
[23:12] How Faith Guides Lives
When Todd was 15, he was arrested and put in jail. While sitting outside with his mother, she reassured him they will get through this.
Todd [26:57]: “It was totally a miracle. It was the Spirit changing our eyesight for each other.”
[31:36] How Todd and Mary Continue to Heal
Todd and Mary went to a marriage conference when they were going through another difficult cycle.
During lunch break, Mary had a vision from the Lord. The two of them were in a boat with rocky waves, ready to throw their oars.
This pushed them to make their marriage work. Todd and Mary walked back to the session with softened hearts, willing to make changes to their marriage.
[40:23] The Beauty of Reconciliation and Gospel
Turn to each other and start repentance, and then this will lead to reconciliation.
God has already done the forgiving and reconciliation. We just need to receive it in our lives.
Forgiveness is about your freedom and releasing the other person to God. Reconciliation is about two people doing the work and reconnecting with God to ask for forgiveness.