Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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I Am Convicted & Convinced

When I wrote my post Saturday about BIG FAITH, I had no idea the response it would get. I simply put to the page what God seemed to be saying…

When I wrote my post Saturday about BIG FAITH, I had no idea the response it would get. I simply put to the page what God seemed to be saying to my heart.

Turns out He’s saying it so many right now. There are now 20 people on my list. And as I said in my post, I commit to praying for each one to have BIG FAITH for 2011.

What amazes me even more is that all your comments convicted me that I was not completely embracing what God was asking us and then I was convinced that God really and truly is up to something BIG here.

Really big…

He wants more. He wants us to trust him like we never have before in ALL areas of our lives. But today, I want to address the one that is so critical to us who live with an unbelieving spouse.

Years ago, I did the Experiencing God study by Henry Blackaby. I will never forget the moment I sat there, doing my homework and came across this verse:

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6

God chose this moment and this Scripture to make very clear that I was not in control of when my husband would come to faith-that my husband’s choice to embrace faith (or not) would not be due to anything I had done right or wrong. No, it would be completely up to God as to the how, when, why, what and where.

This was the most liberating of moments. Suddenly I felt released from burden of saving my husband. I can’t. Never could, never will be able to. Only God can do that. And He is more than able!

So here is a first step in our journey to BIG FAITH-BELIEVE God for your spouse’s future, whatever that may be. Entrust your man into God’s hands and just say, “Lord, I believe YOU for whatever you have planned for my husband. I KNOW You are bigger and stronger than his unbelief.”

Now walk forward in the faith that God has this completely under control and enjoy your spouse for who he is and where he’s at right now. Jesus will most definitely be there. You can BELIEVE that.

Praying and believing,
Dineen

Comments

20 responses

  1. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Dineen,
    The words from Lisa of 1P3 just resonates here…. Joshua waited 40 years to get into the promised land. He was denied the fulfillment of this promise for 40 years because of others, not his sin or doubt. Whoa…
    Can I wait 40 years. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen. I can… I can… I can…. Amen.
    40 years is a blip when you think in heaven’s time line. I will never stop praying or trusting or believing. I know you won’t either. What an amazing day that will be. Thank you Jesus.

    Reply
  2. Angela (Ang4him) Avatar
    Angela (Ang4him)

    This is beautiful Dineen. God is bigger than not only my beloved’s unbelief, but mine too at times. I feel Him calling me to step out and not be so tentative in what I believe. Thank you so much for these posts. They are perfect for what I needed to hear right now and for many others as well.
    I BELIEVE!!!!

    Reply
  3. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Nope, will never stop, girlie. Even if we don’t get to see much happen in this lifetime…as long as I know Mike’s eternal destination is secure in Christ, I can be content. But it sure would be AWESOME to see him serve Jesus in this lifetime. And I BELIEVE he will! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    You are most welcome, Ang! I BELIEVE TOO! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Cindy Costello Avatar
    Cindy Costello

    Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. – John 14:6
    Those words are so freeing. I have felt very pressured in the past about my husband’s salvation and I am very thankful that it is not up to me. Thank you for reminding me of that.

    Reply
  6. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    My pleasure, Cindy. It’s a good reminder for all of us. 🙂

    Reply
  7. Justine Avatar
    Justine

    Thank you for those words. We need to be reminded that God is Much bigger and he is the one in control. I put it all in His hands. Thank you.

    Reply
  8. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    You are most welcome, Justine! I need that reminder too. Frequently. LOL! Hugs!

    Reply
  9. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Thank you for this post and this WORD!!! Such truth to it…My husband is in God’s hands and God is in control! I’m NOT… I am not going to bring him to believe, only God can do that! THANK YOU, THANK YOU! SO glad I found you girls!

    Reply
  10. Nicole Neri Avatar
    Nicole Neri

    Sooo True!!! This past weekend I went to a different church with a friend and her husband. Because my husband is friends with them I snagged him into coming. The service was awesome and there even was a man who I thought resembled an older version of my husband that gave his testimony. I can’t tell you how many times during the service I had the battle go on of an intense hope – oh maybe this is it!! – and then I would keep saying – He’s yours, I release it into your hands God! Thank goodness I could do that. Later that night I probed my husband about his thoughts -….He said that he was impressed with the mans courage to tell his story…but He just doesn’t relate to those guys – He’s just not the kind of guy that is going to break and crack.(I can’t wait to hear his testimony one day lol!) How blessed I was to not freak out and go into It’s never gonna happen mode(which I usually do!) – Instead I so comfortably was relaxed – It’s all in God’s hands!!! God is our Rock!!

    Reply
  11. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    I’m glad you found us too, Jennifer! And you are exactly right-you’re hubby’s in God’s hands. 🙂

    Reply
  12. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Oh, Nicole, wish I could have been there! What a moment. I find it so interesting that your husband said “break and crack” in terms of believing in God. He sees it as a battle. Wonder if he’s feeling a nudge in his spirit. The more they resist the more it seems that God’s in there stirring things up. LOL!
    I’m thrilled for your peace and and comfort over this! That’s huge, girl! You’re trusting God and that’s awesome! Hugs!

    Reply
  13. Nicole Avatar
    Nicole

    I totally think he’s feeling the nudge. He’s actually told me “He’s just not there yet.” then, He said that so far all the “Christian” guys I’ve tried setting him up with were weak. I wanted to scream inside It’s not weakness it’s humility! Either way I’m not sure if this is wrong but the whole thing makes me smile and laugh:) I can’t believe the things we come up with to justify not needing God. ((HUGS)) back!

    Reply
  14. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    LOL! Oh my goodness, I’m laughing with you. I just love seeing God in action. Hang in there, girl. God is so definitely working on your man! Wow! (Huge smile…)

    Reply
  15. Nicole Neri Avatar
    Nicole Neri

    OK thanks for writing that nice comment(I am excited God’s working on all of us:) but I was just so gently convicted in my kitchen about a little spiritual pride creeping in over that last comment about my hubby – yuck – sorry Jesus! Where words are many (especially talking about my husbands faith walk:) sin is not far – I think that’s how it goes:) Either way signing off and shutting up for the night!!!!! 😉

    Reply
  16. Nicole Neri Avatar
    Nicole Neri

    PS I love you guys – Ok now I’m zipping it!!!!

    Reply
  17. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Oh, no worries, girl. But I understand if you feel convicted though. Our husbands need our respect whether they are present or not. God asks this of us. You honor your hubby well. 🙂

    Reply
  18. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    We love you too! 🙂

    Reply
  19. Luanne Avatar
    Luanne

    Lynn and Dineen,
    Thank you for the reminder about Joshua. Back when my husband first left our faith for a different one, I read the story of Joseph and his imprisonment for 13 years. I said, “OK, God. If Joseph can endure for 13 years, I can wait 13 years for my husband’s return to the truth.” I was only 26 years old then, so that was half my life! Now, it has been 27 years. Perhaps I will wait for 40 years? I don’t know. Only God does. I will trust Him and wait for Him and hope in Him and keep asking (like a child asks his father for bread???) May God receive glory, His kingdom be advanced, and may we be made more like Jesus in the process!
    In hope,
    Luanne

    Reply
  20. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Luanne! Hugging you! 🙂

    Reply

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