Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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Open Arms – FamilyLife Today –

Hi Everyone, We are psyched to be on the FamilyLife Today broadcast Monday, today, through Wednesday. In the broadcast Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine welcome Dineen, me (Lynn) and another guest,…

Hi Everyone,

FLT-banner
We are psyched to be on the FamilyLife Today broadcast Monday, today, through
Wednesday. In
Regal photo on FBthe broadcast Dennis Rainey and Bob Lepine welcome Dineen, me
(Lynn) and another guest, Darla Stone, to share our stories. I think today is
also when Dennis stops the broadcast to say something to my husband over the airwaves.
I’m still freaked out about it and I will share more on what my husband thought
about that later in the week. But today, Dineen and I just want to welcome listeners
and wrap our arms around you. (To listen to the broadcast online or find a
station, click here.)

My friends, those of you who are part of our amazing
community and all of you who are just finding us today, we love you. Dineen and
I, Lynn, are walking in the trenches with you. We are just ordinary wives
and moms who love our pre-believer spouses, our kids and we love Jesus with all
of our heart, mind, soul and strength.

If you are reading this today, it’s not an accident that you
find yourself here. God has heard your cry to know Him more and to grow in His
love. Some of us have been part of this community for years. I myself, have been
married to my pre-believing spouse for over 20 years. Some of us are relatively
new to this group of amazing believers and some of you may be joining us for
the first time today because you heard Dineen and me on the radio.

All of us who call this little place on the web home, we
want you to know that we are honestly here to pray for you today. So many of us
have come through the fire and are now waiting to take you by name to the mercy
seat of grace in prayer. So my friends find your courage, your Joshua courage,
and leave your prayer request in the comments, click on comments below this
post.

If you are new here, please spend a few minutes here and get
to know us. Click on the links in the sidebar, Join Us, which is a short description
of our ministry. Also, visit the Community Map and see where we are all located
around the globe and add your name.

Please click on the New Here link. There are a ton of
resources to help you take real steps forward in community and in your
marriage. Listen to some of the videos. Join us on Facebook. Visit our book
website, Winning Him Without Words, there are free resources there as well
(resources).

Mostly ask the Lord now to ignite in you a renewed passion
for Jesus and for your spouse. Allow the Lord to begin a new work in you and
then my friends….. STAND BACK and be astonished at all that God is going to do
in your life.

Today I want to remind all of us in this community about one
thing. One truth that changes everything….

Jesus.

The Anointed One, the Messiah

Jesus makes all the difference in every circumstance. When
you feel defeated and so alone in your mismatched marriage that your heart
physically aches. When you feel like there isn’t one soul who knows your pain.
When you are facing tremendous trials and feel that no one in the world is
praying for you, that you are all by yourself, I want you to remember this and never forget it.

JESUS IS praying for you. He is standing before the Father beseeching
His favor, grace, love, joy and comfort for you.

…Christ Jesus, who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

It’s never about, why is
this happening to me. It’s ALWAYS about, what are You showing me in this.

Jesus is always with us.
Jesus never fails. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us. Dineen and I are
living, breathing testimonies to these truths.

So link arms with us
today and defy the enemy and his lies. We are people of God. We have victories
ahead for us, for our marriages, our children and for a world in desperate need
of our Savior.

We love you. We REALLY
love you. Please share a little about yourself with us in the comments and let us know how we can
pray for you this day. Love and hugs, Lynn and Dineen.

Photos from our
adventures with the FamilyLife Broadcast:


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One of my favorites from our trip

 

 

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Darla Stone and Tonda Nations, Research & Guest Relations, FLT

 


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Max Lucado, Lynn Donovan

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Dineen Miller, Max Lucado

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Dennis, Bob and Max (They recorded before us)

 

 

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In the production room

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Family Life


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Joanne Kraft, Dineen Miller, Lynn Donovan: Dinner at Crackerbarrel

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Comments

37 responses

  1. jennifer Avatar
    jennifer

    This morning I got my coffee, kindle and blanket and listened to my new friends on Family Life Today. I am so excited that you are reaching out through the love of Christ and ministering to many women struggling. I am so proud of you! I remember God’s loving arms wrapping around me the first time I visited your site this summer. I felt so lonely and afraid. Now, I see I can’t change my husband, only God can.
    Thank you Dineen and Lynn for your amazing love and words of encouragement! I can’t wait to hear more of your interview.
    love you ladies!

    Reply
  2. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    I am totally stoked to hear the interview today! I cannot wait! I just want to say that through this journey, being married to an unbelieving spouse and learning how to get closer to God and Joe through this ministry, I have also learned more about just living a life of love through Christ. I have grown in more areas than my marriage through this. I am so grateful for the Lynn, Dineen, and this community! I cannot wait to pray for people today! Love you!

    Reply
  3. Ro Avatar
    Ro

    I have been part of this community for a few years now and I’ve gotta tell you that this a wonderful group of people. If you are new here, please please please be encouraged and know that you are not alone. We are here to love on you and support you and encourage you as much as we can. Lean on us. Reach out to us. Let us know you. We are committed to praying for you and your family. Leave prayer requests here, or if you are not comfortable asking for prayer openly, please feel free to email me at lee.rosheeda@gmail.com … no judgement (trust me, there’s no room for that 🙂 …) it all remains completely completely private.
    You are loved loved loved.
    Dear God,
    We thank you for new friends and new brothers and sisters today. Please make them comfortable. Please give them confidence and courage. Help them to form bonds here that will sustain them as you work in their lives, families, and homes. Give them the grace they need to walk in love and boldness and freedom. All these we ask as a community, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.

    Reply
  4. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Amen, Well said.

    Reply
  5. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Lynn,
    What a word of encouragement that was given to your husband! I cannot wait to hear Mike’s reaction!!! I think all of you ladies brought up such great points! A big part of this Journey is learning how to love our spouses for who they are. That is what Jesus has called us to do. Love. I can’t wait to tune in tomorrow!
    Lord,
    I lift up the listeners of this broadcast and I thank you that you have given us a place to go for encouragement, Godly wisdom, and fellowship. We are not alone, even when it feels like we are. Help us all to grow in Christ and to continue to build others up. I thank you so much for your mighty blessings in my marriage, friendships, and relationship with you, O Lord. In Jesus wonderful, powerful name, Amen.

    Reply
  6. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen Heather, Beautiful.

    Reply
  7. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen and Thank you Ro. You are a rich blessing to this community LOVE YOU.

    Reply
  8. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Love you Jennifer. Wrapping you in a bear hug today. Lynn

    Reply
  9. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Love you, Jennifer! Thank you for listening! Hugging you tight!

    Reply
  10. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Love you too, girl! Hugs!

    Reply
  11. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Ro! Love you tons, girl!

    Reply
  12. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Great interview. My mismatched marriage is making me stronger and drawing me closer to the Lord. I am thankful for you ladies and the S U M community that see me through the rough and lonely spots.

    Reply
  13. KS Avatar
    KS

    God is amazing. I haven’t listened to FLT for quite awhile, but it crossed my mind to turn it on today after dropping my boys off at school. I’ll spare the details, but even more is involved with getting to that point even. What a blessing it was to hear your stories, and I am really looking forward to getting connected here and through your book.
    My husband and I will have been married for 13 years later this month. It has pretty much been a struggle for various reasons since the beginning, although some times are better than others. Although my husband does attend church with me and the kids, he does not proclaim Jesus as his Savior, and there’s no fruit. I have often felt just plain tired of praying and waiting for him to come to Christ, but recently realized that that may never be, and I am still to love him, although that is very hard sometimes (like hugging a porcupine, I say).

    Reply
  14. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    I cannot wait to get home from work & listen later today.
    I just wanted to also welcome those that are new.
    When I found this community this past year….after a google search for “new christian & my husband doesn’t believe”….I was so encouraged. God knew exactly where I needed to go, what I need to continue to hear and through this lovely community, he’s worked wonders on my marriage & my life. It can still be a struggle, but when you know that you are not alone in this walk, it is an amazing comfort.
    Lynn & Dineen and all who comment here always seem to know exactly what I need to hear….I too am so thankful & love you all.

    Reply
  15. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Welcome, KS. You have come to a great spot for study and support. I pray that as your husband attends church with you that his eyes and ears are opened and a seed be planted. keep loving on him. I hope to see you back here at S U M often.

    Reply
  16. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I heart you my friend. So, so much.

    Reply
  17. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Love you Jen. God sees your amazing heart for Him. He delights in you. Hugs.
    Lynn

    Reply
  18. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    Dineen and Lynn,
    Just got done listening to the first two broadcasts of your time on Family Life Today and I want to thank both you and Darla Stone for your honest sharing about your situations. The message that came through loud and clear for me was that God wants me to love and respect my husband, and he (God) will do the converting! I’ve read your book, and I guess I need to keep hearing that!! I also appreciate the comments about raising your children and how we can model for them in our everyday lives. I am going to start praying for my girls when I take them to school tomorrow!! I always pray for them in my own quiet prayer time, but not out loud with them. Thank you for your ministry, and may God continue to bless you!
    Judy

    Reply
  19. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Love you Judy, Hang in there. We all need each other. To encourage one
    another. You are loved by us and especially by our Lord. This next year
    promises to be simply amazing. Hugging you tight. Lynn

    Reply
  20. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    PS. Want to hear how it goes with the praying in the car. Write me sometime
    in the near future and share with me. Hugs.

    Reply
  21. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    KS, My friend, so glad you found us. You are stepping onto a path of
    astonishing love and victories in Jesus. And girl, we KNOW how you feel. So
    welcome and receive a giant hug from all of us. Love, Lynn

    Reply
  22. Pamela Avatar
    Pamela

    You girls ROCKED today on air!!! I can’t wait to hear the conclusion tomorrow. I sit at my kitchen table and have a cup of coffee and listen to Family Life Today and pray for all the new men & women who will find this incredible group. God is good….ALL the time!!!

    Reply
  23. Carolyn Avatar
    Carolyn

    Hi there,
    I don’t often comment but I always look forward to receiveing your Emails. I really needed to read a couple of sentences you wrote: “Jesus is always with us. Jesus never fails. Jesus will never leave us nor forsake us.”
    At the moment I’m having more of a personal struggle, kind of seperate from my marriage issues. God kind of told me He was always with me but I wanted a little more confirmation and I found it on your post. I need to be patient, persistent and compassionate with myself at the moment. Thank you for caring.

    Reply
  24. jennifer Avatar
    jennifer

    Judy,
    I am so proud of you that your going to start praying in the car with your kids. Remember what God said to Joshua, ” Be strong and courageous”. I know its hard when our sweet guys do not want us to do that but you will find that your kids will accept it. I was so e couraged the other day when my 11 year old came to me before school and asked me to pray with him. They are also listening to us! Be encouraged my friend!
    Sending hugs to everyone of you ladies!

    Reply
  25. ro Avatar
    ro

    hi Carloyn. thanks for sharing your heart… be encouraged sweet sister.we all hit spots like that… i know i do… God really IS an ever-present help and He will care for you in the lowest of valleys. Proverbs 3:4-6… love you and praying for you…

    Reply
  26. Angela Avatar
    Angela

    Hi, heard you all on the radio yesterday and today just when I needed it most. I had left church Sunday night in tears because I felt so alone and knowing that I could not share another spiritual growth with my spouse. My situation maybe a little different than most. My husband started going to church before I did. Eventually we both went forward to give our lives to Christ and continued to grow in church for 14 years, even working together in the youth department of our old church. 6 months ago, he slowly starts fading from church activities, Sunday school and now church.
    A month ago, he told me that it is not working for him, has done nothing for him, and he can’t do it anymore. It is painful. He gets angry if I make statements that I always have, like “God is in control.” I have learned to be quiet but it is very confusing. He does say that he knows that I have changed for the better and knows that it works for me but he just can’t accept that Christianity is all there is.
    Several people at church have made hurtful comments and I feel so isolated. My struggle everyday is resting in God’s sovereignty. Being one with someone that I cannot share my whole self with is difficult but God is gracious always and I hope to grow in my faith. Thanks for sharing and encouraging.

    Reply
  27. Brie Gutierrez Avatar
    Brie Gutierrez

    Hello Angela,
    I will pray for you and your situation.
    We all are walking with you, holding your hand and HE is holding you in His Arms through this journey.
    I am sorry for other people’s comments – I pray they don’t discourage you or get you down. That’s the enemy trying to defeat you. God IS In Control – He has great plans for your life. Remember in the broadcast how Dennis said we are heroes?
    He said: “Truthfully, I think there’s going to be a lot of heroes in heaven. I think one of the biggest heroes is going to be those spouses who have hung in there, and loved the one they made a covenant with.”
    A Hero keeps on going and hangs on to God’s promises and commitments. Hang in there, you are being prayed for today and it was no coincidence you were listening when you were. I was in the same state of despair when I heard Lynn & Dineen on the radio and following this ministry and God has changed my marriage & life forever.

    Reply
  28. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    You are no longer alone Angela. You can do this crazy marriage thing. With
    God ALL things are possible and that is the truth. LOVE you much. Lynn

    Reply
  29. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen Pamela. Love you girl.

    Reply
  30. Judy Avatar
    Judy

    Jennifer and Lynn,
    Thank you both for your encouragement! I chickened out this morning, but I am determined to do this. My girls are in high school, so I will get rolling eyes, but I will do it!
    I just listened to today’s Family Life broadcast, and I love the “Joe” story — reminds me of the phrase – “Let go, and Let God” I’m actually seeing some results from my attempts to defer to my husband on some decisions, and it is true! Notice I said some, it is work in progress!) Hugs to you too!

    Reply
  31. Rosemarie Avatar
    Rosemarie

    Dear Angela:
    My husband is an unbeliever as is my Mom, brother, sister and nephew. So, I am isolated and when I go to church I frequently feel invisible. An incident occurred between my husband and I that left me stunned and in a state of panic. I didn’t know how or what to pray but I started to plan my escape because I couldn’t take it anymore. The Lord showed me Psalm 4 in a dream two days later and it changed my attitude. It gave me strength to go on and continue in this marriage. I don’t think I am a hero but I know that listening for the Lord’s direction and trusting Him completely is all I can do. I can lay down and sleep in peace because He will keep me safe. Also, Joshua 1:9 is a verse I sleep with under my pillow at night! Angela, He will never leave you nor forsake you! No matter how hard it gets and how down you are never forget that precious promise.

    Reply
  32. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    That Psalm is lovely. I had to look it up. I am trying to be intentional about showing joy.
    I pray you are joyful, safe and courageous.
    Psalms 4:7-8
    You have put more joy in my heart
    than they have when their grain and new wine abound.
    8 I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
    for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.

    Reply
  33. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Welcome KS! I hope you find our SUM community a source of renewed hope and strength for those tired, worn out from waiting kind of days. Stay positive, Jeremiah 32:27 “I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
    I thank You Lord, that You have brought KS to this community to share in encouragement and support. Your ways are so magnificent. You have a plan and a purpose for KS’s marriage. I thank You that her husband is going to church with the family, that he is actively hearing Your truth. I thank You that You are pursuing KS husband, You are calling him to draw near to You. Lord I pray that You will fill KS with your love, that it will overflow out of her and to her husband. That Your light will shine so brightly through her, that her husband will see it and desire to have the peace and joy she has. That he will seek You with all of his heart and You will be found by him. In Jesus’ name amen.

    Reply
  34. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    Angela how I love you.
    Lord,
    Right now we praise you in the good and in the bad. You truly are in control and no matter what, we choose to trust you in Angela’s life and in her husbands life. I ask right now in Jesus name, that Satan’s lies that her husband has believed will be no longer. I ask that eyes would be opened and spirits renewed and restored. I ask for comfort, peace, hope, and love in every situation. Lord, protect Angela from hurtful comments that have been made and give her the strength and wisdom to handle these situations. I ask for chains to be not just broken but shattered, in Jesus most powerful name, Amen.
    Angela, as hard as it may seem and be, it really will be ok. I feel it in my spirit that this is just a moment and you and your husband will be brought through this. Chin up my friend, Jesus loves you!

    Reply
  35. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Love that analogy, KS! LOL! I’m so glad you found us. This community is part of what God wants to give you to keep you strong and full of hope in Jesus. We are walking with you, my new friend! Hugs!

    Reply
  36. Robin Avatar
    Robin

    LOVED the Family Life broadcasts this week – especially Day 2. I was so convicted in the area of respect (or lack thereof) for my husband. Okay, so he’s an agnostic – he’s a loving, caring, hard working, faithful husband and father. I am reminded that no marriage is perfect. We definitely have our issues aside from our spiritual mismatch but I must stop hanging our problems on that hook and do what I can to make our marriage the best it can be. I am on this journey for a purpose, and although its really hard some days and I don’t know the outcome, God is trustworthy and faithful.
    Thanks also for the admonition regarding praying for our kids. I have resolved to not complain when my freshman daughter wants a ride to school and grab every opportunity I have to pray with her. Thankfully, both my children (h.s. & college freshmen) have a personal relationship with Jesus and I can see God moving in their lives.
    Welcome to all the new folks that have found SUM – I will be praying for you! Again and again, Lynn and Dineen, THANK YOU for allowing yoursleves to be used by God. He is making such an impact through you!

    Reply
  37. Julie Avatar
    Julie

    I began reading Winning Him Without Words, a few short months ago, and have seen the hand of God move in my marriage, in our relationship. It’s amazing how much God loves us, and when we realize how important we are to Him, and how important our relationship with Him is everything else falls into place. I’m so thankful for you ladies and all the testimony’s given that fuel my relationship with Jesus, and my husband. Thank you for your prayers as well. Continue to pray for my strength and wisdom.

    Reply

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