Spiritually Unequal Marriage

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The Statistics Aren’t Good… But Our God IS.. Thoughts?

So I’ve been pondering Father’s Day that looms on Sunday. I have felt compelled in my spirit to write about Father’s Day and have waited for God to prompt me.…

So I’ve been pondering Father’s Day that looms on Sunday. I
have felt compelled in my spirit to write about Father’s Day and have waited
for God to prompt me. Well, today one of our SUMites posted some statistics on
her FB page which really moved my heart. I want to share it with you and let’s
have a discussion here. 

Before we jump into that discussion however, I think we need
to cover this conversation with love and respect. We must keep it clearly in
our minds that our spouses don’t “get it.” They don’t have the wisdom, the
knowledge, the Holy Spirit to help them in our marriages and in parenting. I
know that a discussion like this can stir up our memories and thoughts to find
every conceivable wrong and short-coming in our husbands. So, let’s just no go
there. 

Let’s remain focused on what believing mothers bring to the
family and faith of our children.

 

Alisa wrote:

Well, it's that time of year again…around Father’s Day we
hear a sermon about how important fathers are, and they are. And inevitably,
the statistics roll…70+% of children who go to church with only their mother
will not stay in church as adults….I remember hearing it one year and
gripping the seat in front of me to keep from standing up in the middle of the
sermon and shouting that it would not be that way for my children, I envisioned
locking eyes of the other women who sat alone in the sanctuary, we would all
rally together, and stand against that statistic…. 

Yet I just sat there in silence. 

I sat there because I know too well that the statistic is
true. I watch as women who have walked this lonely road before me pray for
their adult children who have turned from the Lord. With all the Sunday
mornings, Sunday nights, Wednesday nights, VBSs and youth camps, no matter what
I do I am fighting an uphill battle, with a 30% success rate….the weight of
their father's influence is powerful. So…I will ponder this today….and try
to remember that even with all I try to do, all I really can do is turn them
over to the Lord and trust Him for their best…. – with Dineen A. Miller and
Lynn Donovan. 

This was my response:

Alisa, I'm standing with you today. I dispute that statistic
too. I know that with the love of God lavished through an ordinary mother, all
things are possible. I have watched my children both choose Jesus even in a
spiritual mismatch. The enemy can no longer have our children. They are hereby
declared as God's and we will stand in that faith and truth. Love you girl. 

So, what do you think?
See you in the comments. Signed a Prodigal and Spiritually Single Mom, Lynn

Friend me on Facebook. Join the discussion on our FB Page, Spiritually Unequal Marriage. Follow the SUMite Nation on Twitter #SUMiteNation.

Comments

72 responses

  1. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I personally don’t have much to contribute to this conversation but can say I have friends who are concerned for some or all of their adult children who now do not attend church and those kids had two christian parents attending church. The only contribution I could make in conversations with them about this was that I myself had very little “churching” growing up but it was a seed and that’s all God needs to be able to work. That and people to “water” that seed so just know Sumite family that I will be watering those seeds today!

    Reply
  2. Martha Avatar
    Martha

    Three points to these statistics: (1) Just like Joanne said, I, too, have many friends who have adult children not serving the Lord who was raised in a home with two Christian parents. (2) Serving the Lord is a choice each person (child) must make. (3) Don’t let statistics discourage you in an unequally yoked marriage. Keep on keeping on. God honors faithfulness when we train up a child in the ways of the Lord. They will return if they have left the path.

    Reply
  3. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Matthew 17:20
    He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. ‘”

    Reply
  4. Jen Avatar
    Jen

    Statistic’s can be very frustrating to read…and considering that “statistically” I shouldn’t be where I am today I do not give to much thought to them.
    Our sermon yesterday was about Honoring your Parents, and as our Pastor spoke, he gave us some “bad” news….We cannot control our children’s thoughts. WE cannot “make” them do anything/think a certain way.
    What we as Parents can do,first & formost was to Be Honorable….to be the example, to live how you would expect your kids to live. Timely eh?
    If I want my kids to choose Christ over the World, I need to model that, I need to live like that. Yes, my husband will have an influence as well…but time and time again, they see the struggle in him & the Faith in me. God has a plan <3

    Reply
  5. Cedney25 Avatar
    Cedney25

    For me it comes down to this: I’ve surrendered my kids to the Lord and I trust Him to take care of them. I’ll spend their lives doing my part through prayer and living as Christ teaches but I know that their faith walk may look very different from mine. I refuse to get bogged down by the statistics and the what ifs. I trust God so I know my kids will be more than ok.~Christy

    Reply
  6. Heather Passuello Avatar
    Heather Passuello

    I have to say that these statistics do frighten me a little. But I know that God is much bigger and way more faithful than that. My little girl is only four months old. I am a natural worrier, so I am already freaking out about the choices she may make later on in life, pathetic I know but a very real issue I have. Anyway, I am realizing through a different area that sometimes the only thing you can do is pray when it’s all said and done. God gave us all free will and the only thing I can do is teach my little girl about Jesus, model him, and pray for her. It’s easier said than done, but if I trust Jesus, than I know I have nothing to worry about. I know this will be a long road and I know that my faith will be stretched to the limit many times in this area. Regardless of what happens God will always be good and for that I am grateful.

    Reply
  7. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    I wasn’t even sure what to post on this topic. My son is not a believer and refuses to even discuss anything about christianity with me. He just walks away. I pray very hard for him. I have much guilt because I didn’t force him to go to church when he was younger. I would try and it would just turn into a big argument about how he shouldn’t have to go because his dad doesn’t. So I gave up. This is a difficult subject for me.

    Reply
  8. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I have so much to share on this subject my friends. Love what you have written so far. I’m heading out for my walk n pray but will be back to comment and chat with each of you. Man, I’m fired up about this….. See you in a bit. Love, Lynn

    Reply
  9. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    Just to add, I do believe God can change him.

    Reply
  10. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    TypePad HTML Email
    AMEN and AMEN!! 

    Reply
  11. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Lynette, as a mom myself I can understand why you feel guilty. I am sure you have confessed this to the Lord and laid this burden on his shoulders. It is not from the Lord who is making you feel guilty it is the enemy. The Lord wants to restore you and your son ( and of course your husband as well). Also give you back the years the locust has eaten. So anytime that guilt creeps in which is also rolled up with fear. “The Lord does not give you the spirit of fear but of love, power and a sound mind”( 2 Timothy 1:7). You say Out loud I know this is not from God I have already confessed, recieved forgiveness and gave it to the Lord. I know that you God are bigger then any problem I have. You will work all thing for good and my son will turn to you because your will, your wish is for no one to perish but to have eternal life. And these are the truth I choose to stand on, a righteous prayer avails much. Lynette you are righteous because you are in Christ. You have that precious blood of Jesus over your life and that is what God sees. Ladies we all need to stand together and fight for our children and cover them with prayer. They belong to The Lord period!!!!!

    Reply
  12. Pat Avatar
    Pat

    Hugs to all:)))) sorry I get fired up about things like this. I am so tired seeing the enemy beat up on God people and the unbelievers. We are on the winning side. I don’t have my head in the sand. I know it is tough, and horrible heart breaking things happen to believers and unbelievers ( I have no answer for and to be honest it challenges my faith at times ). But, I look at it like this what are our choice to give up and not fight the good fight of faith ( this spiritual battle we are in) then what the enemy has even a stronger foothold. We serve the God of the universe who is so powerful that our minds can’t even wrap around it. He spoke things into being. He created something out of nothing!!!!!! Surly He can handle all of this. I know something can be scary and I have a long way to go but I am grateful each year I grow stronger ( even with some of the setbacks I have at times, dust off and keep marching forward) you all have a blessed and great day.

    Reply
  13. Gail McKinney Avatar
    Gail McKinney

    My two adult children are not walking with the Lord and it breaks my heart that their father never went to church with us. I raised them both in church and they know who God is and have both walked the aisle. That being said I pray every day that if their salvation experience was real that God will convict their hearts to seek out a bible believing church and experience God’s blessing on those who are faithful. I realized a long time ago is that the most important thing is to make sure of my salvation. Everyone else’s is between them and God. We can plant seeds through testimony and sharing the gospel and prayer but ultimately the decision to be a Christ follower is each person’s alone.

    Reply
  14. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Amen Teresa and patience is huge in this area along with faith and prayers.

    Reply
  15. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Key word for me here hitting home is “model” Jen. Been really striving for that these days. I believe THAT will be what brings people back to the fold at the end of the day. Jesus had a magnetic personality. People are drawn to that.

    Reply
  16. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I agree with you C. Statistics are highly over rated. I question the validity of them at times. God is in control with a plan for good. The best we can do for others is pray and be an example of Jesus’s character to them.

    Reply
  17. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I believe too Lynette and I’m going to say some longs prayers this evening for him as I pray for a lot of my friends and family who are in the dark also. ((HUG))

    Reply
  18. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Dust off and keep marching on! YES INDEED PAT! We can’t give in to human earthly thinking. This is a whole other level that requires redefining our thought pattern and trusting and believing for the unbelievable.

    Reply
  19. Marvie Avatar
    Marvie

    Definitely no matter how much children know about God and are brought up in church with only mother or only father and even with both parents together in church, every single one has to make that personal relationship with the Lord that’s why the scripture states “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it”God honors the part of any parent who raises their children to know Him and know the only way to heaven and a choice all our children will make one day(which everthey decide.) I don’t care how much influence the saved parent has on a child I know without a doubt that the power of our Lord Jesus Christ through the believing parent will outweigh the unbelievers influence because Jesus has already overcome the world.

    Reply
  20. Marvie Avatar
    Marvie

    How much the unbeliever has influence

    Reply
  21. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Pat, Amen and girl, I get fired up too. I don’t care what the stats say… WE SERVE THE ALL-POWERFUL GOD OF THE UNIVERSE. Need I say more…. Love you. 

    Reply
  22. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Ladies,
    I found a good read last night on everystudent.com/features/isthere.html, it has all the amazing scientific proof that anyone should need to believe that God exists especially for those who need concrete data to believe in anything. I believe when shared it is hard to dispute but will probably be met with resistance, which my friends is the ol’ devil jumping right in trying to keep another soul. Once shared, believe me their heart and mind will be restleling with it. Why do I post this? We need to do all we can to arm our selves and our families to have these answers ready when asked. Our children are fighting tougher battles everyday and many or most of them come from outside their homes. I’d like to ask for prayer as I try to present the information(from the website everystudent.com) to my family. My husband and my children believe in God but thats where it ends I think this article may motivate them or at the very least stir something in their souls. Love you all and I am praying for the families who are struggling with spirit war fare. (Including mine)

    Reply
  23. Carie Rolls Avatar
    Carie Rolls

    In the flesh we can allow these statistics to bring us low and feel without hope. I am living proof of these “worldly” statistics right now, as well as many of you. But that’s all they are, worldly statistics, and we have to start now to pray even harder than we have been. My children may be living in this world, walking in the ways of this world, BUT I DO NOT BELIEVE THEY ARE CHILDREN OF THIS WORLD! I reject these statistics and the lies, made to bring us down to the pit of despair and just give up. This momma? No what in H-E-double hockey sticks!!!! God showed me something precious yesterday that filled my heart and soul with joy and hope. I invited my husband to church yesterday for our choir season finale and he brought our #2 and #3 son. (Our #1 son is out of state doing an internship and our #4 boy was staying with friends. My daughter returned from a Mexico missions trip late Sat night and woke up sick, so she stayed at home.) To me delight, as I continued to glance over at my husband repeatedly during the sermon, he did not fall asleep. Not one time like he usually does. He appeared to be alert the whole time, not fidgeting like normal, and our boys appeared to be attentive, too. When service was over my husband said to me, “Did you get it all down?” (I was taking notes like a mad-woman.) He then said, “I think we need to get you a steno machine.” It was pretty wonderful to not have to nudge him over and over to keep his head from falling forward. I left that service feeling so blessed.
    You are right! Our husbands and our children “just don’t get it.” My husband was reluctant to let our daughter go to Mexico with all the crazy things that happen down there, but she felt this was God’s call and she went. While she was sharing some of her stories on the way home with us Sat night, all my husband and boys could say was, “it’s just not safe down there.” Basically ignoring what she was saying. I went to her room later to find her on her bed crying. She looked up at me, and in her own words said, “Mom, they just don’t get it.” She’s right and we need to be praying for our husbands’ and children to get it! Pray, pray, pray that God would breathe on them and open their ears to hear, give them eyes to see, make their hearts supple and pliable. Pray that God would speak to the dead bones and raise them life! SUMmers, my prayer is that no matter how hard or discouraging this journey may become, may we NEVER, NEVER give up. NEVER stop praying. NEVER stop trusting. NEVER stop believing. The day we do is the day the devil wins. And I’m not gonna let that happen. I will continue to intercede until there is no breathe left within me. Bridge the gap. Stand between them and the gates of hell. AND BELIEVE!!!!!
    Love, love, love, love. All of you!!!!!
    The JOY of the LORD is our STRENGTH!

    Reply
  24. Lisa S. Avatar
    Lisa S.

    This is something I live with and struggle with, but I have seen glimpses of hope and His Glory revealed in it and through it. I have four children (17,14, and 12 yr old boys, and a 9yr old daughter). My older boys went with me to church until they reached their teen years, though my 14yr old still goes to youth group. I see them resisting the faith they have been brought up with and choosing a worldly path. My 12 and 9 yr old professed their faith and were baptized in April. My whole family and 15 extended family came to the service. It was an amazing day. My husband said “amen” during the sermon and I was put off because I thought he was mocking God, me, and the church, in church (he often does this to me). I asked him about it later and he said he “felt like it and meant it”. WOW! He talked about the service for a week but hasn’t been back since. The battle for his soul is on 🙂 I was not intentional with the older children (reading Bible, devotions, etc.) I have let go of my guilt and shame for that and moving on, working on doing better with my younger two and the rare opportunity I get with the older two. I def. agree with modeling our faith. Something that has helped me: I don’t know who said it but~ Adam and Eve had the Perfect father, the perfect environment and they still strayed. But our Father is the Great Redeemer and Restorer! Nothing is to hard for our Mighty God, His Strong Arm I pray will soon reach our families!
    Some scripture that I find hopeful and encouraging:
    Acts 16:1-2 ( I found the whole chapter great!) Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.
    Timothy defied the statistic! With God all things are possible!
    1 Corinthians 7:14
    For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
    Our families are set apart for God. Just as He is not done working on/in/through us, He is not done with our husbands and children either.

    Reply
  25. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I don’t know about the statistic but for any Mom who loves Jesus w passion and lives her faith out loud- it can’t help but rub off on those kids… I don’t know how early this issue can begin in a family, but I know my 5 year old gas a love for Jesus that is all his own. 🙂
    As long as they don’t feel forced into it, and mom has strong faith- even IF they walk away for awhile as almost all adult children do, they will eventually ce back. God’s love is powerful!! 🙂

    Reply
  26. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    I LOVE that Adam and Eve example!!! Well said Lisa. Also your husbands response in church sounds promising : )

    Reply
  27. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    You said it in a real way Gil! Most will walk away as a result of friends made in school. So many pressures and influences not of God. Children need to feel His strength and love protecting them daily and they need parents who are an example of that so they can know Jesus in this personal way through example. Imagine the children who have no one to pray for them??

    Reply
  28. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Defy statistics. Love it! Wonderful and encouraging post Lisa!!!

    Reply
  29. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I LOVE that your husband noted you taking notes!
    Relating to “they just don’t get it.”
    I am so with you Carie on prayers to open their hearts and soul. Pierce the darkness with Your Light Jesus so their minds can be redefined!
    I am sure we all have something in our life that we know for fact it was God working. I just had something astounding happen for me today and therefore I know and believe with God ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE. Just TRULY believe what you have prayed for you are about to receive!

    Reply
  30. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Amen Marvie! Jesus has overcome.

    Reply
  31. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I will be praying tonight for your family Heidi as well as everyone here. I am believing right now to include all the children in schools who come in contact with Godly children. Instead of Godly children being intimidated by those who know nothing of God or very little I am praying the “tables” are turned around and the Godly children will now have the heavier influence over the children of “this world.” Let their light be a joyful magnet to the hearts that are unfeeling, cruel and dark.

    Reply
  32. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I keep lovin’ how God is speaking so loud lately. Just prayed for everyone here and the battle we fight to win others without words. I had to pull a promise from my Daily Bread Box and both sides of my scripture card were such amazing confirmations.
    Matthew 18:19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.
    Psalm 17:7 Show me Your strong love in wonderful ways, O Saviour of all those seeking Your help against their foes.

    Reply
  33. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    I had that daily bread box as a kid. I’m not certain what happened to it. It is a good memory. 🙂

    Reply
  34. Liz Avatar
    Liz

    Zech 4:7 “What are you, O mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground…” Statistics are just another mountain, meant to be defied by the power of Christ Jesus. When the odds are stacked against us and those we love, remember it is not our battle but God’s, and He is fighting for us.

    Reply
  35. GeGe Avatar
    GeGe

    Thanks Lisa for bringing up this scripture:
    1 Corinthians 7:14
    For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.
    “They are holy” we need to pray this over our children if he say’s “They are Holy” should we not be calling them as God calls them.
    This gives me the hope & faith I need to carry on. My 3 son’s are believer’s, thank you Lord that they never took their father’s path. They can definitely see the poor choices he has made and have steered in the other direction. They all enjoy church and the values that Christians share vs the world view, for this I am thankful for, I still pray for them as they are adults that they would grab hold of their faith & become fully committed believers.
    Praying for all SUMite children that they would be filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit & that God would be their true Father.

    Reply
  36. Heidi Avatar
    Heidi

    Beautiful!

    Reply
  37. Tamara Avatar
    Tamara

    I agree that the statistiks can be scary – but – let us all never forget:
    God does not manipulate and will not be manipulated ….so:
    He knows what is just and righteous and calls all people to Him –
    we dont need to fret – our children hear just like all other children hear His calling – it is NOT our work that brings our children to Christ, it is Him who is in us, that calls our children – and……it is for each and every individual to decide for themselves: do I say yes or no to Jesus.
    GeGe wrote it very well: They can definitely see the poor choices he has made —– this is it – do we, do our children, does our spouse….SEE the poor choices that we shouldnt make??? or are we blind and continue…….
    I truly, really, from the bottom of my heart, hope and pray for ALL of us that we get OUT of the “our effort-works” mode and experience and believe: it is NOT our responsibility that the other accepts Christ. Our only responsibility is: to accept Christ and walk with Him and to let Christ be known. finished.
    I allowed myself last weekend to be discouraged again from my husband. And today I am angry with myself that I am so stupid. God is here and He is true and He will never stop calling. So why do I fret? It just isnt my problem anymore and we all waste so much time begging God. I am changing now. I am no longer a beggar. Unfortunately I allow satan to throw sand in my eyes……((((.
    I am truly free in Christ and still……I get side-tracked from satan. All I and we all here need to do is testify Christ in our walk: through true love and freedom – that means freedom from whatever **** our husbands do that keeps them from Christ.
    I want and must learn now my important life-lesson: how to live with my husband in true love even when he disgusts me. Today I will have a prayer time with my spiritual mom – I will post in 1pter3 what I am learning –
    So let us keep marching forward to Christ’s Accessension Power! His love is the only one thing that will keep us free from satans darkness.
    be richly blessed in our Lord Jesus Christ.

    Reply
  38. tamara Avatar
    tamara

    Joanne – there are more people coming to faith in China than anywhere else in the world – and most of them never had parents praying for them – but – they and we have: Jesus praying for us – Joh 17 – big smile

    Reply
  39. Teresa T Avatar
    Teresa T

    Don’t get down on yourself for being discouraged over the state of someone you love, as long as you don’t let it rob your joy too long. Even Jesus wept over Jerusalem.

    Reply
  40. Lynette D Avatar
    Lynette D

    Thanks for your honesty Tamara. I too have thought many times I’m not praying enough, believing hard enough, not representing Jesus well enough, etc. and that’s why they haven’t come to the faith yet. So there’s the guilt of not raising my child the way I could have, and now the guilt of feeling I am not doing enough to get them saved…but…what you said really struck me…God won’t manipulate someone, neither should I…it’s not MY job to save them.

    Reply
  41. Becky Avatar
    Becky

    Wow! You ladies are all so encouraging! We recently had a sermon, and the statistic was higher (90 – 95%). However, my brother and I didn’t grow up in the church, and here’s a statistic for us: 50% became a believer from the XYZ family. That number is much better than 5-10% becoming believers, but do you see how easily numbers can get one down or up?
    Both of my kids (14 and 9) have professed faith in the Lord! Hooray! That’s 100% becoming a believer with an unbelieving father. This doesn’t mean that they won’t turn from the Lord in the future, but I feel Philippians 1:6 is very encouraging here: being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. A good work has begun. Jesus does not go back on promises, and I know that His work will be done in the lives of these kids.
    God will hear our prayers for our kids and spouses. He is good, faithful, and just. He will work for the good of us according to His purposes (Ro. 8:28) I thank you all because I went from feeling defeated by a statistic (where does the number come from anyway?) to feeling fired up and excited the God is FOR US! If He is for us, who can be against us? (Ro 8:31) We serve ONE awesome God who loves us immensely! Praise be to Him! Thank you all for reminding me of His promises!

    Reply
  42. Chrissue Avatar
    Chrissue

    I also dispute the statistics. I have 3 sons who went to church primarily with me. All 3 of them take their families to church and worship together. It is only the grace of God that this has happened and faithful prayers. I praise God that He has been so faithful and pray that the example of my sons will guide my wonderful husband to faith.

    Reply
  43. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    Beautifully said Heather and true!

    Reply
  44. Joanne Avatar
    Joanne

    I’ve always, always loved the verse that confirms Jesus is amongst us when two or three are gathered in His name. Power! When the gospel has reached every corner we go HOME! Smiling with you Tamara! 🙂

    Reply
  45. Darla Burdin Avatar
    Darla Burdin

    Faithfulness. I am in the midst of seeing God perform an amazing miracle in my life. God is changing my husband, me, our marriage & our family. The has been faithfulness. Through every trial, I have been faithful to God & my husband. God is faithful too. I am so humbled by what He is doing. I’m not worthy on many accounts, but as His daughter, He sees me as a princess & wants the best for me. I am constantly amazed on a daily basis & in awe of my Heavenly Father. Stay strong & faithful. There is a wave of miracles for marriages & families going on right now in the spiritual realm. So stay Faithful, put God first, love with all your might & PUSH-Pray Until Something Happens.

    Reply
  46. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

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    Darla, I was so inspired by your words and what you said. I absolutely believe what you wrote about the miracles for marriages happening right now. There is a movement in the realms and God is bringing the many home. Marriages redeemed. The prodigals…. So much and we get to be part of it all. Love you and thank you so much. I was so inspired that I shared your comment on our FB page today. Thank you. Love you girl. Lynn 

    Reply
  47. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen, Marvie! Love this! Hugs!

    Reply
  48. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Awesome site and article, Heidi! I’ve saved the link myself. Keep us posted on how it goes, okay?
    Lord, prepare Heidi’s husband and children to hear the truth. Open their hearts, minds, and eyes to see you and put a hunger in them to know you better that grows and grows. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for dying for us and continually pursuing us! We are so thankful! In Your name, amen!

    Reply
  49. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen Joanne… We only need to be the seed or the water. Amen. You have such a beautiful testimony. Love you girl.

    Reply
  50. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Martha,
    Your girls are living proof that the stats aren’t the law. Jesus is Bigger than any ole stats. Love you and your girls.

    Reply
  51. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Amen Jen… God’s plans laugh at the stats. You believe and bring His Presence into your atmospheres and just watch all that He will do. Love you girl.

    Reply
  52. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I refuse to get bogged down by the statistics and the what ifs.. Amen…. Girl, you are brilliant and filled with Holy Spirit fire. Awesome.

    Reply
  53. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Heather,
    You already are light years ahead of where I was with my first child. Keep living in His Presence and just watch all that He will do in your children… (There are more to come) hee hee. Love you.

    Reply
  54. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Lynette,
    Even now you have influence. Your prayers over his life for protection and for God to bring people into his life who can share Jesus are so very powerful. I wasn’t a very good example to my eldest child yet God still worked in my behalf. Your prayers over your son are vital and they fall on the ears of the most loving God. Hugs.

    Reply
  55. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Gail,
    You are always such an inspiration to me. And I know that one day, your kids will have questions about faith and God and you will have the gentle response they need. Don’t feel sadness over the past. Just keep bringing them in prayer to our Papa. He hears you and is reaching out to them ….. always. Love you so much. So glad you are part of our family here. Hugs.

    Reply
  56. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    I don’t care how much influence the saved parent has on a child I know without a doubt that the power of our Lord Jesus Christ through the believing parent will outweigh the unbelievers influence because Jesus has already overcome the world.
    Marvie BRAVO!!! Just Bravo. Love you girl.

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  57. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Heidi, that is a great article. Wow. Sometimes you just shake your head and wonder… Why, why don’t they get it….
    But, its all about an encounter. Keep praying and living your faith before their eyes. I’m so glad you are in the fight and on fire. You have so much ahead that is going to just blow you away. Praying God’s great favor upon you this hour. Hugs.

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  58. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Carie,
    Wow.. wow… and just WOW… This is the reality of a believing mother. I’m standing with you and the gates of hell will NOT prevail against our children. In the name of Jesus..
    Girl, you have me all fired up. What a powerful testimony. I may need to use this int he future. Than you.

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  59. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Lisa… This is powerful. Beautiful and anointed. Thank you. I hope every mother read this. Amen and AMEN..

    Reply
  60. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    ….. any Mom who loves Jesus w passion and lives her faith out loud- it can’t help but rub off on those kids…
    Gill, you really get it… We need only live our faith out loud with passion and love… Jesus will take care of the rest. I love you so much.

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  61. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Joanne,
    I’m praying along with you. Thank you for loving on the families that gather here. One day in heaven, we will all be in a long line to thank you face-to-face for the words of prayer you have spoken over all of us. I love you so much.

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  62. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Powerful… Liz… Such a great scripture. Afterall, He is fighting for us. Amen.. Love you.

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  63. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    we don’t need to fret – our children hear just like all other children hear His calling – it is NOT our work that brings our children to Christ, it is Him who is in us, that calls our children – and……it is for each and every individual to decide for themselves: do I say yes or no to Jesus.
    Tamara… You are so right. So in tune with the spirit. I’m over fretting and worry.. Jesus has got this salvation thing handled. I need only pray protection and for an encounter for my husband and children. Love you girl. So very much.

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  64. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Both of my kids (14 and 9) have professed faith in the Lord! Hooray! That’s 100%
    Becky… This is a real statistic and I share it with you. In this community, we serve Jesus and we are not ordinary moms. We have placed our kids in the Father’s hands. Need we do more…. Amen… Awesome. Love you girl.

    Reply
  65. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Chrissue,
    Another 100%… Your testimony shouts to the enemy the truth… A praying mother who lives out her faith is what matters most. Thank you so much for sharing your life and family here. I can’t wait to meet you one day and all of your sons and their families… And one day your saved husband. Awesome.

    Reply
  66. Karla Oquin Avatar
    Karla Oquin

    Lynette: My first time to post, although I have been following this community for a while. With my daughter, I was just the opposite of you. I forced her to go to church and participate in youth activities. Now she will have nothing to do with church. I continue to pray for her. It’s hard sometimes to know the right thing to do with your kids; I thought I was doing the right thing but it backfired. Karla

    Reply
  67. Dineen Miller Avatar
    Dineen Miller

    Amen! Love what you shared, Tamara. Great reminder. We do our part, the rest is up to God. 🙂

    Reply
  68. Alisa Avatar
    Alisa

    Thank you all for the reminder of God’s promises…I am also learning in this that my children’s faith will not mirror mine, they are young. I can not make them love the Lord more than they currently do. Struggling with my oldest , he is 16 has his first job, and wont tithe. He is a believer…but…finally, I just let it go. Then when his hours were drastically cut, I waited for a quiet moment to ask him if he thought he had honored God with his job…trying to get him to see the big picture, but again his faith is not mine, and it does not have to be…I am in need of so much more molding…

    Reply
  69. Esi Avatar
    Esi

    Wow I am so glad I came to this page today. I have been so blessed and encouraged. Over the weekend I saw the story of the Syrophonecian woman in Matt 15:21-28 in a whole new way…that this woman was an aggressive intercessor, who wouldn’t take No from an answer even from the LORD himself and in the end her determination got her the result she wanted and commendation from the Lord on her faith….So statistics or no statistics..I am a university lecturer and researcher so statistics are a real part of my life. But as everyone has essentially concluded, statistics are not more powerful than our God and Jesus said that ‘men ought always to pray and not to faint or give up’. So I join my voice with everyone and say that we will choose to continue believing and doing what things we can do and leave the statistics to the background… besides statistics are not static!! they can move in the direction we want them to move if we persist as our wonderful example of a mother’s intercession in Matthew 15 clearly shows us. I trust that so long as our appeal is unto the Lord, we can surely rest in hope. Someone said something about planting seeds. I think that is key. Although I went to church with my parents as a child, I, myself had no interest in church and often wished I’d be sick so I wouldn’t have to go to church. But I had family members who were believers who persisted to water my life with prayer and I made a decision for Christ as an adult. So lets keep planting the seeds by modelling our faith to our loved ones…I am grateful for all the posts from this community that are helping me with my own progress with my church going nominal Christian husband.

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  70. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Alisa, aren’t we all. Aren’t we all. Standing with you for our teens. Love you my friend.

    Reply
  71. Lynn Avatar
    Lynn

    Esi,
    You are so wise and I’m inspired by your words. I am TOO so glad you came to our community page today. My friend, you are absolutely correct…. our intercessory prayers availith much… So much. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and insight with this family. Love you. Lynn

    Reply
  72. Gillian Avatar
    Gillian

    I loved that too!!

    Reply

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