Hello…..
What happened? August is over… I feel like deer in head lights. Where in the heck did the month go? I had so much to write about and finish up before September.
So let’s finish up our conversation about conflict. Give you an update from the Chronicles of the Donovan Clan, talk some about Mothers and Daughters and their talk about love on Marriage Monday, and finally prepare for the big launch of “Tune in to Heaven’s Frequency.” This is a 30 day journey that I promise will forever change your marriage. Are you up for the dare? Starts October 1st. Details in mid-September.
Whew, are you tired yet?
Today: Chronicles of the Donovan Clan
First, I want to tell you a story about a young woman I knew a while back. This young wife woke up one morning to the realization that she did, in fact, believe in the God of the Bible. She grappled with the truth that she’d been running from the man, Jesus, who she remembered from Sunday school tales. She knew from that day forward, life would never be the same. Her faith was reborn.
Sitting up in bed, she looked over at her sleeping husband, tears burned. “Oh no, he really doesn’t know Jesus. He will never be part of my life of faith.”
That was the day she began to pray for his salvation.
Years past. Prayers continued. Bible study groups prayed for her husband. The church too.
Nothing.
Still, she prayed.
As I remember that young woman, I swallow a lump in my throat. It was me.
I have prayed for more than 17 years for my husband’s salvation. I have longed for a life where I felt safe to talk about this man, Jesus, within my marriage. I clung to the hope of mutual Christian friends. I was desperate to sit as a family in a church service.
So, why hasn’t God heard my prayer? I know the salvation of my spouse is in His perfect will. Why? I guess the more important question to ask is why didn’t I just give up and stop asking? After seven years? After ten?
Am I a fool to pray for more than 17 years for the same thing?
I know that there are many of you right now, in this very place. You have thoughts, “God I want to give up. He is never going to change his mind. Why aren’t you listening to my prayers?”
Now I am going to tell you why you are not EVER going to give up.
I know our God listens to our heart’s yearning for a believing spouse. The reason I know why is because for the first time ever, my husband is attending church with me. Mind you, he still has not crossed the line to baptism but the man gets out of bed on Sunday mornings, gets ready and our family goes to church together.
Further, this past Sunday, he brought his bible. He followed along with the message the pastor gave, flipping pages, pointing out notes in the margin to me as my heart soared.
Miracle of miracles.
I thought I was going to pass out when I caught a glimpse of the book in the man’s hand as he got in the car.
Now I don’t know where this new interest in God will take him. I have been here before. However, for years this man wanted nothing to do with Jesus. He vehemently fought against all things of faith. Yet, this week I experienced one of my deepest longings fulfilled. He came to church. He talked with two guy friends there. (I had to go find him because he was outside talking away…. To another Christian man…. ) He brought his Bible. He read it. He held my hand as we sat together.
Please hear me. None of this change is because of me. It is all because it is the Lord’s will to save my husband. I only prayed along the way. Nonetheless, God delighted me in the process and granted my heart’s desire.
How undeserved am I, but so humbly thankful.
I will continue to pray for my husband’s salvation and during this season of our life. I will pray every day. Every day. For another 17 years if that is the will of God.
So, when you think you can’t utter another word for your husband, because you are disappointed, angry, or perhaps at the end of your rope, I know you can. I have been there too. God listens to every word.
There are three words that I prayed when the hour seems darkest in marriage, in parenting, in life, “Lord, change me.”
He will!
Have a blessed day, Lynn
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