A few weeks ago I watched my friend Kelly walking through the foyer of our church. In tow, her three children. They passed by me smiling and saying, “Hello” to…
A few weeks ago I watched my friend Kelly walking through the foyer of our church. In tow, her three children. They passed by me smiling and saying, “Hello” to passersby who were heading out to eat or going home after church. But, as I looked into her face, I saw something no one else could see.
I bet you may have experienced what Kelly is living. Join me today at the Internet Cafe, The Marriage Counter for Married and Disillusioned.
This was beautiful. My heart breaks for those of you who experience this. Mine was short lived. My husband came to the Lord fairly quickly. It took only a few years. I have forgotten how blessed I am. My heart cried for your marriages and I pray that those who have not yet come to the Lord will SOON! Hugs to all.
Oh my goodness, this is such a good post. I felt Kelly’s pain so keenly. I’m so glad God has put you in her path, my dear friend. I know you are a balm to her aching heart and spirit, and will speak hope and truth into her life.
My heart broke for Kelly as I read that. So glad you are in her life to encourage her.
I hesitate to say this since my perspective is so different from the norm, but also being “unequally yoked” (although in a different sense from most of you), I feel the necessity of adding my proverbial “2 cents”.
In Judaism, there is a saying that goes, “Everything is under the control of Heaven (i.e. God) except the fear of Heaven”. The one thing God chooses not to control is how (or if) we respond to Him. In other words, He won’t “make” our spouses come to faith in Jesus. He can (and does) provide all unbelievers with an amazing number of opportunities to “see the light”, so to speak, but whether your husband or my wife becomes a believer (in my wife’s case, she was a believer and then rejected Jesus for mainstream Judaism) isn’t up to you or me or even up to God, it’s a decision only our spouses can make.
I know that’s a harsh reality, but talk to Job. He endured many hardships, including the death of his children and his wife even told him to “curse God and die” (Job 2:9), yet he maintained his faith.
I certainly don’t wish that any of us face the challenges of Job, but we do have our own to contend with. God desires that we pray in the name of Jesus and offer up our wants, needs, and desires, but God’s response may be the same one He offered Paul: “My grace is sufficient for you.”
The only soul we can truly be responsible for is our own. Yes, be a witness to your children and your spouses, and as you do that, realize that the salvation of your husbands is a decision only your husbands can make. All we can do is wait, pray, and remember we too have lives that need to be lived in service to God and in ministry to others. Heartache too is something we can offer Heaven.
I feel Kelly’s pain too. Everything for us is so sporadic. I try not to make a big deal out of when he comes to church, or says grace, or joins us for nightly prayer. That way it doesn’t hurt as much when it doesn’t happen the next time. I silently offer my prayers of thanksgiving; and continued prayers for complete conversion. It’s too painful to get my hopes up. It’s between him and God; and will only happen when hubby’s readiness and God’s time intersect.
I read one of your comments, Lynn, about praying the dangerous prayer; and I’m with you. It is a very difficult one because I know the children and I will have to walk the same path. Though typing this, I kinda feel selfish. Isn’t love supposed to cast out all fear? I guess my prayer, for now, can be for my own fear and selfishness.
Martha, Thank you… I sent your comment on to Kelly. Hugs.
Amen… Soon, Lord Jesus. Soon.
Heather,
You so greatly honor Jesus in your marriage. I KNOW you are trying and doing the best that you can. God sees you and knows your struggles. He is so proud of you. Hugging you tight.. Praying with you… Do whatever it takes. Scary but through God’s strength and comfort we can pray with confidence. Hugs.
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