Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Line by Line: Do I Divorce An Atheist?

So Gang. Before we leave the verses from Monday’s study. I want to expand upon them. The questions I’m asking you to ponder address a very REAL scenario in SUMite…

image from www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com

So Gang. Before we leave the verses from Monday’s study. I want to expand upon them. The questions I’m asking you to ponder address a very REAL scenario in SUMite homes today. I think we need some honest conversation about the topic. 

Let’s get started. 

On Monday we read: To the rest I say this (I, not the Lord): If any brother has a wife who is not a believer and she is willing to live with him, he must not divorce her. And if a woman has a husband who is not a believer and he is willing to live with her, she must not divorce him.-1 Corinthians 7:12-13 

Let’s place this verse into “real life” today. 

Lisa married her husband twelve years ago. She was raised in church and because she didn’t have a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus, she fell away from church and lived in the bad lands of the Prodigal Nation for an extended time. (ahem, this sounds familiar)

She married her husband who wasn’t raised in church during those years. In fact, Lisa’s husband was highly intelligent and regarded all organized religion as ridiculous, a fantasy, and absolutely the worst thing to happen to an educated society. In the early years of their marriage, Lisa didn’t pay too much attention to her husband’s caustic remarks about believers, God, Jesus, and the Bible. But as the years passed, their marriage was difficult.

Two children arrived. They both held down careers and the pressure to pay bills, manage kids and to work more than eight hours a day was overwhelming. Lisa, like most of us, was wooed back to Jesus because of her great struggles. And she secretly started to listen to podcasts, worship music, and read books about faith, never allowing her husband to catch her or find one of her books. And she absolutely hid her Bible carefully as she knew her husband’s growing atheism would bring his wrath of words down upon her.

Lisa continued to grow in her love for Jesus. But also her fear of her husband’s great hatred of religion paralyzed her. She lived in constant fear to be “found out”. She mentioned God to the kids in the car but they never attend church nor would she ever share anything about God in front of her husband.

 

Okay…… I think I’ve described this marriage enough for you to grasp an understanding. So, my friends, although we are instructed that we are not to divorce our unbelieving spouse, scenarios such as this are very real. If you are a wife and are completely terrified to talk about Jesus to your spouse, is this verse applicable? 

And if so, how do we help this young woman to find a balance between Christ’s presence in her life, home and children and her commitment to her husband? 

Now be very careful with your words my SUMite family because there are many of your SUMite sisters who are currently walking this very path. I’ve been heartbroken for so many of you who live in this very place. Confronting a hostile-atheist husband is a terrifying aspect. Don't be quick to judge but quick to love and support. How can we help women/men living in this unique aspect of the unequally yoked? 

Please, please add to this conversation as I believe the Holy Spirit want to bring some practical help, advice and encouragement to believers walking this path. Also, if you are a man/woman in this place, have the courage to add your story here. Share what you HAVE done to encourage another woman on the road behind you. Even comment anonymously if you don’t want to use your name. 

Lord Jesus, today there is someone who needs to know they are not alone walking this very difficult and painful path. Lord, give courage to have them share their story and to ask for prayer from their SUM family. Lord, I ask you to grant upon them a spirit of Joshua and Caleb courage that they will find a way to be able to express the love of Christ in their home with freedom. 

Father, I ask that you bind the spirit of atheism and the hatred that is directed at Your Children. Lord, free husbands, wives to see that the love of Jesus in their home actually brings, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Lord, release a fresh hope for these spouses and let your Holy Spirit fill them. In Jesus name. Amen.

image from www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com

Comments

44 responses

  1. Claudia Avatar
    Claudia

    I just read this post and recall that this was my life for many years hiding my faith, keeping it in the closet. We will celebrate 20yrs of marriage this October. It is truly a testament to God’s faithfulness we are still married today. My husband is still an atheist, but the hostility is gone. He accepts me and my faith. In the beginning I went slowly and tried as best as I could to respect him and kept my Bible studies during the day so I wouldn’t disrupt evenings with him and family. I got the courage to go to church alone. He was furious, but eventually accepted this. I prayed constantly, putting the marriage in God’s s hand. I tried to explain my faith and why I believe in Christ (so hard for him because he is Jewish) . It has been very slow one day at a time, with lots of respect, prayers. God blessed me during the early years with a new Christian friend who had a similar situation. She was my church companion, prayer partner and a good friend. God is good and always provided. I still put my marriage and husband in God’s hands and trust His timing. Thank you for your ministry!

    Reply
  2. Lynette Duquette Avatar
    Lynette Duquette

    Well, if a woman is that scared of her husband’s anger/hatred over religion and afraid to bring up the fact she has become/or is a christian, something is very wrong in the home in the first place. If her faith will cause her harm, or her children, I would tell her to separate. Obviously he has deeper anger issues that need to be addressed. (as someone involved in recovery circles and abused spouses, religion is often used as a catalyst. At some point, with that amount of anger, they will find other things to get angry about.) Yes, we will all face persecution in our life as christians, and yes, sometimes from our spouses. However, as in this scenario, I have come to believe certain marriages do not in any way represent Christ and the church, especially if believing in Jesus would bring harm to the believing spouse or children. We cannot hide our lamps under a basket, we should not have to hide our faith from our spouse. Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Are people killed/abused for the cause of Christ? Yes, but it should never ever be at the hands of a spouse. Edited to add- in the article it says “But also her fear of her husband’s great hatred of religion paralyzed her. She lived in constant fear to be “found out”. She mentioned God to the kids in the car but they never attend church nor would she ever share anything about God in front of her husband.” I feel there is a difference between general hostility and living in constant fear, hence my views on this.

    Reply
  3. Lynette Duquette Avatar
    Lynette Duquette

    We are all at different levels in our walk also and as a new believer, she may not have the faith to endure staying. It would be heartbreaking to see her walk away from the Lord out of fear of her spouse.

    Reply
  4. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    I pray that my husband will give “our testimony” at some point. Without going into detail, in my personal circumstance, I have found that grown men can be just as much as a bully as a kid who bullies to try to get their own way. Just have to take a stand against it, and eventually they see they can’t bully and get away with it.
    Having said that, every case is different and I would in no way encourage a woman to dismiss any signs of mental, emotional, or physical abuse and live in fear, especially where kids are involved.

    Reply
  5. Karen Avatar
    Karen

    We have been married for 33 years now, and I would like to preface my remarks with the fact that my husband would never be abusive. He would however make comments about my faith in our earlier years.
    It is exactly this kind of situation which has grown my faith.I don’t know what steps to take at any given moment. My walk has been more like Claudia’s.
    I try to keep the perspective that the primary goal is his salvation, not my idea of what should be done. I think that God loves him so much that he sent a personal missionary (me!). Most of my missionary work has been because of my growth in faith, peace, and love. I try to limit the time that my spiritual activities limit our family time (get up early to read my Bible, pray with others on the phone). Also I have recognized that some of the times that I have been submissive have given me the greatest blessings (housework, vacations etc, not spiritual things)
    God has provided me with fantastic prayer partners, Christian daycare provider, books (How to pray for lost loved ones by Dutch Sheets), websites like this. Many times my fear of his response has been worse than the actual response.
    I would encourage this woman to pray and listen to the Holy Spirit for each step, recognizing that for me it has been to personally grow in this marriage. For others it could be different.

    Reply
  6. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    The problem in commenting is that sometimes a short comment, it does not tell the big picture of one’s marriage and its challenges. My above comments may be confusing to some, but it is my story, and not one to be confused with abuse as some women go through. That is just what I have labeled it to sum up the years that far surpass Claudia’s and Karen’s number of years in this situation. (It has been a long time) I used the term “bully” because I see my husband who calls himself an agnostic, is very choleric in personality, and put this all together makes for a very insecure person on the inside. Thus, I can easily become his closest target to work out his insecurities, while at the same time, God uses it to work out the insecurities in me to boldly take a stand for my belief in Him.
    I believe that within the family, particularly marriage, comes our greatest challenge. Jesus, himself, made mention of this in Matt. 10-34-37. (Please read those verses.)
    A book I am reading for the second time is called Honors Reward by John Bevere. It has helped me tremendously with my household challenge. Blessings to all in whatever stage you are traveling at this point in your marriage.

    Reply
  7. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Martha, my husband is the same way. I can see it written all over his depressed face that he is working out his insecurities, sometimes at my and our marriage’s expense. He is however, no longer lying to himself and his family and pretending to be a Christian. He has done a complete 360 and is now reading atheistic books and watching videos searching for answers. He was raised in the Bible Belt, so being a non-believer was almost like being a Christian in a Muslim country. I think he accepts my faith, but only to the point that he knows our marriage will never be “full” for lack of a better word. I have tried to explain to him many times that our marriage can still be great despite our differences.

    Reply
  8. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    Samantha, thank you for replying to my comment and understand where I am coming from. My husband, too, was raised in the Bible Belt. God alone knows why their search turned the other way; but also knows how to turn their eyes back to Him.

    Reply
  9. Lynette Duquette Avatar
    Lynette Duquette

    I think we need to clarify, in the verses posted, what ‘willing’ means. I know some translations say ‘pleased’. A man who is as angry and hostile and has hatred towards his wife’s faith, doesn’t seem ‘pleased’.

    Reply
  10. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    Lynn, again a personal reference only. Your last sentence sort of sums up my husband: he is angry,and has been hostile towards my faith, and is certainly not pleased. Why? Because it interferes with the way he would like for “us” to live our marriage according to his agnostic ways. His answer to me as to why he stayed, though not pleased, was: “I thought you would change and come back to your senses.” Back again to the biggest housewhole challenge we have: taking a stand for our belief in God under pressure and even persecution, while maintaining a “honor” towards the person who God longs to bring back to Him as He did the prodigal son.

    Reply
  11. Olga Avatar
    Olga

    The Lord Jesus, when He was here on earth, healed in so many different ways, by touch, from a distance, by word, by spitting and rubbing, instantly, after waiting, in stages, allowed to die and then raised from the dead, there was no particular formula when He was dealing with people’s hurts. Everybody’s marriage is different and especially difficult if it’s unequally yoked. My only advice would be to stay as close to the Lord as you can, so He can navigate your boat through this storm personally, step by step, sometimes it has to be moment by moment, or even breath by breath when the waves are beating hard, the wind does not seem to slow down and you can’t see a thing.
    Zephaniah 3:15-20
    For the Lord will remove his hand of judgment
    and will disperse the armies of your enemy.
    And the Lord himself, the King of Israel,
    will live among you!
    At last your troubles will be over,
    and you will never again fear disaster.
    16 On that day the announcement to Jerusalem will be,
    “Cheer up, Zion! Don’t be afraid!
    17 For the Lord your God is living among you.
    He is a mighty savior.
    He will take delight in you with gladness.
    With his love, he will calm all your fears.[b]
    He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.”
    18 “I will gather you who mourn for the appointed festivals;
    you will be disgraced no more.[c]
    19 And I will deal severely with all who have oppressed you.
    I will save the weak and helpless ones;
    I will bring together
    those who were chased away.
    I will give glory and fame to my former exiles,
    wherever they have been mocked and shamed.
    On that day I will gather you together
    and bring you home again.
    I will give you a good name, a name of distinction,
    among all the nations of the earth,
    as I restore your fortunes before their very eyes.
    I, the Lord, have spoken!”

    Reply
  12. Olga Avatar
    Olga

    If you are wondering how can I hear the Lord for Him to navigate me:-)?
    Charles Stanley has great sermons on the voice of God.
    http://www.intouch.org/broadcast/today-on-radio
    click search, type “voice of God” and you will see three sermons.

    Reply
  13. Lynette Duquette Avatar
    Lynette Duquette

    Martha, I have experience with and know others who have also been through it, some spouses will use your faith against you. “You’re a christian, you have to forgive, love no matter what, submit, etc”. They may not outright say it, but with some, the nicer and more loving you are as a result of your faith, the worse they get. Been there, done that. There are so many different aspects to be married to an unbeliever…

    Reply
  14. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    Lynette, your last sentence sums it up perfectly: There are so many different aspects to be married to an unbeliever… I totally agree. That’s why it pays to hear from God where your marriage is, and what He wants you to do about it.

    Reply
  15. Merlene Avatar
    Merlene

    This is a topic near and dear to me. My husband was raised in a Catholic home but was hurt by the church. When we got married I was a Christian but not walking with God the way I should have been and we got married 6 months to the day from our first date. I knew I should not unequally yoke myself to him but I was 25 and had never dated or had anyone show me any kind of affection. So I jumped in with both feet. I got better about serving God and was not afraid to show it, but he was never on the same page with me and still is not but I have seen God slowly change this man. Living in fear is not pleasant. Living with an alcoholic is not pleasant. Never knowing if you are going to set off a timebomb is not pleasant. But knowing God is always there at your right hand – Psalm 16:8 I have set the LORD always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
    In 2008 he was transferred back to Iowa and left to get an apartment and I stayed in Illinois to sell our home. The market crashed and I eventually lost my job, he got 2 dui’s in a 13 month time frame and the distance between us became greater and greater. After 15 years of marriage it drove us apart and we divorced. It tore me up. It helped me grow closer to God that is for sure. And over time it also changed my husband. Neither of us would admit it at the time but we made excuses to call each other from time to time over the 3 1/2 years we were divorced just so we could check up on each other. I had a tendency during our marriage to be a very zealous believer. In many ways know I had a part in pushing him away from God because I was also very bitter towards sin (his drinking and smoking) and working a different shift and not being the dad his children (I was his step mom to 4 children of which we had custody of 2) needed him to be and it all was dumped on me. My answer was I would throw God up in his face. It was not my choice to divorce but afterwards I realized that I had as much to do with it as he did.
    I say all that to say this. After 3 1/2 years apart and lots of digging into God’s word and reading some great books on what a Godly wife is I realized I had not loved unconditionally, respected, or kept my vow I made to God to stay in sickness or health. Sin is a sickness. When I came to realize that, I bawled and repented. I had never stopped loving this man. During our time apart God had put an older gentleman in my life that I thought was going to be my Boaz. Well ladies let me tell you, sometimes those men of God that walk around are just as unholy as the ones that aren’t men of God. I decided I would rather be with the man who does not know God yet than with the one that does know God and is very critical and judgmental and unwilling to become the man God wants him to be. Real is better than fake. At Christmas 2013 I stood face to face with the man I fell in love with in 1994 and confessed my part and we sat down and God showed me how he has been working to soften my husband’s heart. We remarried in January and are committed to making our marriage work.
    To this young woman with children I recommend that she not be afraid to share her faith with her husband or her children. I he doesn’t like it then he has a choice to make. Don’t walk in fear – 2 Tim 1:7 says God did not give you a spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. Take small steps and do it in love. But let your light shine. We are all praying for you and know the path you are on.
    A few good books I would recommend is The Politically Incorrect Wife and Love & Respect. Both will give you a new outlook on your role and how to carry it out.

    Reply
  16. jennifer b Avatar
    jennifer b

    Merlene,
    I love your story and praise God he reconciled your marriage. Im praying he will continue to soften your hubbies heart! My husband grew up in the bible belt and was horribly abused verbally and physcially by his mother. She wS very religious and often told him she showed have aborted him. She even placed a gun in his mouth and told him she should shoot his brians out. He grew up with such fear and hatred for his religious mom. He was and is still very broken. I can understand his confusion. For many years, he was angry with God. His anger rolled off on me. Now, he no longer makes rude comments when I speak of Jesus. His heart is softening towards the Lord.
    Linda,
    I encourage you to allow Jesus to carry your burdens.You came to the right place.
    God bless!

    Reply
  17. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    I think this is extremely tough because it’s hard talking to my spouse and family who are at least open to the topic. I couldn’t imagine not having at least the freedom to express my beliefs in my own home, so I feel for those who don’t have that and I am thankful for what I do have. I hope that doesn’t sound bad because it’s not meant to. I think the biggest thing would be to pray about this issue, night and day, day and night. I guess it’s because the verse that says if you deny me, I will deny you comes to mind. That’s a powerful thing. I just know that God will work these situations out for His glory, so seek Him on this the most. Praying for those walking through this!

    Reply
  18. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Also, perfect love casts out fear.

    Reply
  19. Lynette Duquette Avatar
    Lynette Duquette

    I hope no one minds my multiple posts, but this just came to me. We are seeing things all over the news about Christians overseas being beheaded and killed and tortured for their faith, living in constant fear. Everyone is saying we must do something to help them, do more than just pray, get them out, go after the perpetrators, etc. Why should our advice to a situation like Lynn described be any different?

    Reply
  20. Olga Avatar
    Olga

    Hey Lynette, I am with you 1000% on all your posts to this subject. Been there, done that…Not a good situation, but the Lord came to the rescue. Now I find myself in a spiritually unequal marriage again, but this time “the inadequate” part is me, as I am married to the King:-)

    Reply
  21. Kim Avatar
    Kim

    My situation is not quite that severe, however I have suffered much persecution from my husband and my step-children because of my faith. I live in a home filled with many things that are not of the Lord and the morality by which I strive to live by. Early in my marriage, I was very secretive and was quite careful not to even mention name of God. I was afraid to even read my Bible in my husband’s presence. Although I could to attend church on Sunday without much repercussion, I was careful not to spend too much extra time there on Sundays and did not feel like I could go to any additional Bible study or anything else. I lived in constant fear of persecution and that my husband would eventually want to leave me because of it. (The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity but of power, love and self-discipline. – 2 Timothy 1:7) My husband and I also worked together and spent many hours with each other so I longed for the times that he went out with friends or left for the weekend. Even though I knew that when he was gone he was more than likely doing something I wouldn’t approve of, I still longed for that alone time to spend time with the Lord.
    The Lord reminded me years ago that Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his own son to please HIM. Should I not be willing to sacrifice my marriage and trust that HE will take care of me no matter what? Little by little, I have let go of my marriage and let God take care of my husband and my marriage. It has been tough but I know that HE is in charge and will take care of my every need as long as I am seeking HIM ALWAYS! As I do so, HE has given me great grace to endure many things on an emotional level that I would never be able to do without HIM.
    My husband and I have now been married for 10 years. Over the years, my courage in Lord has increased and gradually I have felt more comfortable doing extra “church” things. I get up early every morning to read my Bible and spend time in prayer. I try to do this before my husband gets out of bed, but wouldn’t you know the enemy tries to wreak havoc on my time with the Lord and uses the fear in my marriage to do so. So I don’t always get alone time, but now I take the time anyway. I finally feel comfortable reading my Bible in front of my husband, although he can be very distracting at times. I have to take what I can get. The enemy has learned that certain tactics won’t work with me anymore so the more I grow in the Lord, the more I am able to persevere in this marriage! The persecution is not as bad as it used to be but I still live in enemy territory in my home. While my husband is not physically abusive, he can be cruel in the words that he uses (persecution), he has no moral compass, and he is raising his children up in the same way and perpetuating the cycle. I am saddened and frustrated by the lack of respect they have for my Lord and Savior who gave it all for us!
    The enemy would like nothing more than to destroy each one of our marriages and I am not about to make it easy for him to do so. I will fight tooth and nail for what is sacred in God’s eyes, the sanctity of marriage! I have listed some scripture that has helped me along the way. I know that the Lord uses what the enemy meant for evil and turns it around for good. Without the trials and tribulations of this marriage, I’m not sure I would have sought the Lord as I do. Whether he knows it or not, my husband has had a hand in my spiritual growth.
    “Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” – 2 Timothy 3:12
    “And God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering.” – 2 Thessalonians 1:5
    “That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:10
    All of James 1

    Reply
  22. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I love your story of reconciliation. This should encourage many couples.

    Reply
  23. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    In the scenario, the husband sees himself as too smart to have faith in Christianity. When I face similar people, I ask whether they see themselves as non judgemental and accepting of various life styles. They affirm that. Then I ask them to kindly not judge me and to accept my beliefs. That generally quiets the insults. Every now and then, I just thank them. At least they see something different in me. That shuts them down too.
    I hear comments like Christians judge people and are intolerant of addicts, etc. I ask when they have seen me do that, cause Christ certainly didn’t. These are just stereotypes. I don’t know that my responses have changed non-believers’ minds, but it does bring peace and respect.

    Reply
  24. Merlene Avatar
    Merlene

    Jennifer I cannot even imagine the torment your husband must live with and the apprehension to trust “religion”. My husband was raised with a mother who is very church oriented in the Catholic faith. He was hurt deeply when what he grew up to know suddenly turned on him when he got his girlfriend pregnant and later went through his first divorce. To be shunned rather than loved back into the fold really had an impact on him that he does not speak about. I truly believe the strongest testimony our loved ones will ever witness is our living out our “relationship” with the only one that can change our lives – Jesus Christ. Today as I was reading Stormie Omartian’s book The Power of A Praying Wife all I could do was cry as I truly desire our husbands to know the love the Lord has for them and how they can walk in freedom. If you’ve never read any of her books on prayer I would highly recommend them. Prayer is more powerful than anything our words or actions can do because we are putting our faith in what God can and will do. My prayer is that I stay out of God’s way and do no harm. God bless.

    Reply
  25. Merlene Avatar
    Merlene

    I love this – “Whether he knows it or not, my husband has had a hand in my spiritual growth.”

    Reply
  26. Mara Avatar
    Mara

    Recently, my husband of 4 years has demonstrated new, never-before-witnessed frustrations with me and my faith. Frustrations he couldn’t even explain! They came all of a sudden! He was talking about leaving me, and it broke my heart. He hasn’t left me. He admits that though I love God more, I’m able to love him better, and that we are a happy couple, he just can’t take my relationship with God. In an attempt to appease him I tried to keep my time with God more discreet, but it only kept me from spending any time at all with my God. A wise woman in my bible study exclaimed that his fight isn’t with me, his fight is with God. “So let him fight God,” she said. Who do you think will win that fight?

    Reply
  27. Samantha Avatar
    Samantha

    Ladies, it has been so encouraging to read your stories. We have to believe that God has allowed some of these tragedies for our ultimate good and pray Romans 8:28!

    Reply
  28. Martha Bush Avatar
    Martha Bush

    Amen to that Merlene.

    Reply
  29. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Claudia,
    But a beautiful testimony of the love of God at work in a marriage and a home. Thank you so much for sharing your words. You’ve inspired me and given me great hope as well as hope to all the SUMites. Love you much, Lynn

    Reply
  30. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Hi Lynette,
    Good insight here. I do know that there are women who are living in this very place. But I do know that their marriage can change. I was one of those women who never mentioned God at home, in the early years of my marriage. I was afraid of my husband. My problem was that my faith, I doubted my faith. Therefore I did stand up for what I believed. It was a maturity issue. Often that is the case in these kinds of scenarios.
    That’s why would encourage every young wife to press and grow more confident in your faith and trust that it does get easier with your unbelieving spouse as time goes by.
    Love you girl. thanks for your insight and I SO KNOW your heart is to protect and help women who are taken advantage of by their spouse. Your heart in this shines brightly. Hugs.

    Reply
  31. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Martha I think you’re right. And the word bully probably does apply as I know that does happen.
    Martha, don’t ever stop sharing your authentic life. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Grin. You help all of us to live better. Love and hugs, Lynn

    Reply
  32. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Thought I would look them up and post them:
    Matthew 10:34-37New International Version (NIV)
    34 “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35 For I have come to turn
    “‘a man against his father,
    a daughter against her mother,
    a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law(A)-
    36 a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.'[a](B)
    37 “Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.(C)

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  33. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Karen,
    ABSOLUTELY PROFOUND: I think that God loves him so much that he sent a personal missionary (me!).
    Amen. Wow, if we all could see our unequally yoked marriages this way, what a difference in our lives it would make. LOVE YOU.

    Reply
  34. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Man Martha is that ever true. Maintaining on her towards the person and yet standing on the truth. So, so true!

    Reply
  35. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Amen

    Reply
  36. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Olga,
    So very, very wise: Everybody’s marriage is different and especially difficult if it’s unequally yoked. My only advice would be to stay as close to the Lord as you can, so He can navigate your boat through this storm personally, step by step, sometimes it has to be moment by moment, or even breath by breath when the waves are beating hard, the wind does not seem to slow down and you can’t see a thing.

    Reply
  37. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    I will try to listen to this tonight. thanks.

    Reply
  38. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Merlene,
    This is such a powerful testimony that I think I’m going to post it tomorrow on our website. You bring great glory to Jesus. I’m going to just use your initial. Unless you tell me it’s okay to use your first name.
    Your story will encourage many couples just as Teresa T. has said below in the comments. Wow, and NEAT. Praising the Lord for your life and love. Hugs, Lynn

    Reply
  39. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Jennifer,
    I’m deeply moved for your husband and all that he has suffered under his mother. Such utter evil. I’m so so sorry. I pray that for the rest of your life you can supernaturally demonstrate the love of Christ to this man. And out of that great love you receive profound miracles, provision and great honor. Love you girl. Lynn

    Reply
  40. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Amen Heather. Heather I love your heart for women. God is going to use you mightily in women’s ministry. I just know it. Hugging you.

    Reply
  41. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Oh Kim,
    I just want to reach through the computer and hug your neck. SO much. Thank you for sharing your story. I know it will encourage others. Your faithfulness is a giant strength in the Kingdom. And the verses you share are perfect. thank you. Thank you… Love you girl.

    Reply
  42. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    T,
    Girl, your calm intellect inspires me. I hope to be more like you when I grow up!!!

    Reply
  43. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Wow Mara,
    This is spiritual warfare at a high intensity. And the wise woman from your Bible study is right. Start praying relentlessly for peace over your home, marriage and life. bind the spirit of confusion and anger, discord. Ask the Holy Spirit to cover your husband and to bring peace. In Jesus name.

    Reply
  44. Lynn Donovan Avatar
    Lynn Donovan

    Samantha,
    Amen… AMEN.. AMEN

    Reply

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