What Did You Expect? (Redesign): Redeeming the Realities of Marriage

Great book on how your Christian faith has everything to do with a successful and happy marriage. We are studying and reviewing this book as part of a wives bible study group. It is packed full of real life examples, easily understood scripture interpretation, and encouragement for your marriage. While we are studying Mr. Tripp's work as a group of women, this book would be wonderful to study as a couple or for a husband by himself. Several of us have already said, "where was this book when I got married?" It only takes a few pages to realize that this information is invaluable to any marriage. Looking back, I can already see how if I had placed my faith in front of my tongue, I would have handled things in my marriage very differently. It doesn't bring you shame, just things to think about and pray about, so that you can get it right from this point forward. A few things from early on in the book that really stuck with me: Your marriage will not escape brokenness because we live in a broken world. You are married to a sinner, and so is your spouse. We don't like to hear that one, but its true! Marriages are fixed VERTICALLY before they are ever fixed horizontally. You and your spouse's relationship with God has to be in a good place in order to save a failing marriage. Take a chance on this book. I doubt you will regret the decision to strengthen your marriage.

Paul David Tripp writes this book from a place of humility and transparency, as he shares what he has learned from God about the marriage relationship and how it has gone in his life (good & bad, failures & wins) with his wife. Throughout the book we are introduced to various couples who are used as examples for chapters and sections, with the word of God and biblical principles being clearly laid out and made applicable as it relates to the couple specifically and also to each Christian marriage. There is much to reflect on, with each spouse looking to Christ first and then honestly assessing themself in light of Jesus's life and teachings. This book is helpful to any Christian wanting to improve a marriage, whether it be the individual couple or a Christian counselor.

Fabulous book about how to live biblically and love your mate in a way that is glorifying and honoring to God. Tripp makes an extremely salient point about how we are called to build God's kingdom and not our own. He challenges readers to seek out God's kingdom in their marriage rather than looking to it to fulfill their own needs, desires, and their own kingdom goals. This is the one of the best marriage books I have read so far. Would HIGHLY recommend if you are preparing for marriage, are newly married, or even been married for a long time!

This book is amazing. Hubby and I have been married 25 years. We went through the book together just as a 'let's make sure we are doing things the right way so we get another 25 years together' self help project. We loved it so much and learned so much that our pastor asked us to lead a small group from our church. Nine couples join us each week. I'll be honest some of the Bible truths are not always easy to plug in. Looking at yourself honestly is not always pretty, but WOW when you follow the ideals in this book, Getting yourself right with God so that you are able to be the spouse you should be is right on target. A great book for premarital counseling, a newly married couple or a couple working on 40 years....Just do it. I promise you won't be sorry!

Great book so far. If your are married, please read. Perhaps your “dreams” did not come true and you need a stirring in the TRUTH of marriage. If you are looking to marry... well this might be the reality check you need. Love at first sight, honeymoon bubbles are wonderful but they won’t last when you go through the valleys of marriage and life. This book helps you remember the TRUTH and look to the TRUTH for security and NOT YOUR husband or wife.

Love the message, love the tips that Tripp gives, love that he goes back to the fundamental root problem in many marriages: it starts with ourselves and looking inward. However in the examples he gives it comes off quite repetitive. Often explaining a concept or idea 10 different ways when just once or twice would’ve sufficed.

Paul David Tripp is one of my most favorite teachers and authors and this book is consistent with his no nonsense approach to the topic of Godly living. He is honest with his own struggles and is honest with what really lies at the heart of dissatisfaction... we love ourselves more than we love God. This is not a Ten Steps to a Better You type of book, nor is it a How To Change Your Spouse Book. It is a book about our own hearts, what we value and who we worship. After I read it, I purchased a copy for my husband as well as the DVD series and we are going through it together. It has changed the way I look at how I love my husband and what love really is. We have been together thirty years and this book has shed light on things in my life that were hidden in the dark corners of my heart. I am grateful to have read this book. I needed it.

Our wedding officiant he recommended my fiance and I get this book. We read it together and discuss it during our pre marital meetings. It is a great Christian book that will smack you in the face with challenges you'll face through relationships, not just marriages. It's been a huge help with strengthening our engagement as we get ready to tie the knot.