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![64344: When He Doesn"t Believe: Help and Encouragement for Women Who Feel Alone in Their Faith](http://unequalmarriage.typepad.com/64344.gif "64344: When He Doesn"t Believe: Help and Encouragement for Women Who Feel Alone in Their Faith")
Be Sure
The Bible defines faith as “being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1) This verse has always had special meaning for me. I’ve studied the flow of each word, and the nuances of its meaning. I’ve embraced its truth within my spirit where its lies deeply affirmed. And now I’m coming to see a new perspective from this verse I’ve called “friend” for so long.
I’ve always placed substantial weight on the last part, “certain of what we do not see.” Faith isn’t tangible. Perhaps this is the biggest hurdle to the unbeliever, to have faith in something that can’t be proven by science, by men. Faith, in and of itself, isn’t provable either. It just is.
Many of you know of the journey I’m on, that God shared his plan for my husband’s salvation with me almost seven years ago. That time is almost here, possibly within days, yet I’m somewhat astonished to find myself doubting.
Why?
Is it because I can’t see anything happening? I’ve believed this promise from God for so long. Never doubted. Even when questioned and asked, “What if it doesn’t happen?” I couldn’t answer because the thought had never entered my mind. I just knew.
But my certainty, which has been in place since before I expected to see anything, has become uncertainty in the face of those very same circumstances. Such a paradox!
Are you laughing at me yet? (It’s okay. I am!)
Now moving to the first part—“being sure of what we hope for.” I know what I hope for. I’ve hoped all along for my husband’s salvation. That’s a definite! And I know God desires this even more than I do.
Then my “aha” moment struck. “Being sure” of what I hope for didn’t mean being sure of what I wanted. It’s not like a mother asking a petulant and indecisive child, “Are you sure that’s what you want?”
It means knowing without a doubt that the very thing or “what” you hope for is meant to be, is ordained in God’s will.
In the light of this revelation, I understood my doubting. God gave me that sureness seven years ago. I’d simply lost sight of it. And in that loss, I’d also lost my certainty.
However, (yes, there is a turning point here) today my certainty returned thanks to the prayers of many wonderful and supportive friends who committed to praying for me and my husband yesterday during a set three hour period. A gift I will be eternally grateful for, and I suspect my husband will too.
I believe their prayers are what renewed my certainty and released me from the doubts the enemy had cleverly placed. I believe their prayers are still working in conjunction with God’s will to bring about his plan set in place seven years ago, and before that even. I believe, my husband will be saved.
No, I’m sure of it.
Praying and BELIEVING!
Dineen
My eyes are teary D. I'm so blessed by your friendship and your heart. You are so special. Amazing things are coming...
Posted by: Rosheeda | April 02, 2008 at 08:46 AM
Wow! I know I longed for my husband to be saved. I knew God would answer, I didn't fell my husband and I would be together. I felt I hindered him and I prepared to leave. God was merciful and saved him while we were together, I praise God for that, now we face new challenges. I know God will work in your husband and in you so that the two may become one for the glory of the Lord. Hang on help is on the way! My prayers are with you.
Posted by: Angela | April 02, 2008 at 08:51 AM
Love you, Rosheeda! You bless me in the same way, girl. Huge!
Angela, WOW, sounds like you have a story there. I'd LOVE to hear your testimony. :-)
Posted by: Dineen Miller | April 02, 2008 at 09:44 AM
you're welcome Neen. Love you!
Posted by: Heather Tipton | April 02, 2008 at 10:14 AM
It means knowing without a doubt that the very thing or “what” you hope for is meant to be, is ordained in God’s will. ..
Oh, Dineen, Praying and believing with you.
Posted by: Lynn | April 02, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Dineen, You are always an encouragement! Thank you for your personal encouragement to me. I know how it is to doubt when you don't see anything, or especially when negative things is all you see. Just because we don't see anything good doesn't mean nothing good is happening! My prayers are with you for your husband also. God's already promised it for you in Acts 16:31. Hold on to His promise! He is still in the Salvation Business, and still reigns on the throne!
Posted by: S.Fernando | April 02, 2008 at 11:14 AM
i also felt the same way months ago. but i'm constantly reminded of God's promises for our marriage. i had to refocus my thoughts to Jesus and what He's going to do in our lives together. faith moves God. let's keep believing for our spouses to see God's goodness.
Posted by: pia | April 03, 2008 at 02:53 AM
Lynn, Shehani, and Pia, thank you for your prayers and encouraging words. I'm praying and BELIEVING! :-)
Posted by: Dineen Miller | April 03, 2008 at 01:47 PM
I have lost my faith. My mother prays for me constantly. I have told her, she knows. This really touches home with me. I do hope and I will try to pray for this certainty. Thank you so much. I am sure I was willed here to read this.
Posted by: Auggie4000 | April 03, 2008 at 08:10 PM