There ARE Victories in our Community, Listen In

Hello Dineen & Lynn! 

I don't know if you remember me writing you asking for prayer regarding my marriage, it's been few months. I just wanted to say I am so thankful for all your prayers and support and blogs of encouragement and direction that helped me so much during my time of need. 

I have fought for my marriage through prayer and God's word. I am just amazed at all that I went through and was able to come this far through the grace of Jesus and support from everyone like you. In July my husband was saying he was still leaving me for another woman and that he COULDN'T love me anymore. I pressed on in God's word. 

During this time I became more aware of the demonic presence that was acting through my husband to destroy our marriage. I became bolder. One night coming home from my prayer meeting, as my husband came to bed, I could feel the thing creep into our room, I started to feel fear and anxiety and the pure evil move over my husband and try to creep over to me. I shouted out Stop! LEAVE ME ALONE IN THE NAME OF JESUS! I literally felt it creep back through my husband and start to leave. At that point I felt as though angels entered my room and removed it. I have not had an ordeal since then. My daughter previously had started having dreams of an evil presence to this also, which is why I became angry and bold. At the beginning of August. I was praising God for being God and doing all that He said He would do. I began to see an image I could not dismiss.  It was an image of a very angry and disgruntled demon being removed by four angels. I believed at that point I was experiencing the deliverance of my marriage. 

A week later my husband said he was not leaving. 

The Lord had told me that 17 would represent my victory. Our 17th anniversary was Sept 24th. My husband did not acknowledge our anniversary but I kept going in prayer. A week later he told me he was no longer talking to the other woman. It has still been a step by step process, as God has continued the healing and deliverance process not only for my marriage but for us as individuals. He gave me a verse a few weeks ago that said He was going to remove the oppression and the aggressor would be no more in my land. It has been awesome as He has begun removing all strongholds of the past and restoring all areas of my life and family (including mother, brothers, and sister). 

I have such a huge testimony and so much new knowledge!  You wrote once that one problem is many people don't want to fight for their marriage. I am so glad I withstood the horrible things that my husband did and said. God's glory has shone through all the circumstances. 

God said He was faithful.  He was. He said He was going to give me new life, new joy, and new memories. He is! He is totally working a new foundation for me and my family. I am so thankful, and so grateful! 

It also took learning to walk in unconditional love. The love of God really does conquer all. I really am standing in awe. Thank you for writing your book and sharing your wisdom and experiences. Thank you for your blogs. Thank you for all our prayer support! I pray for continued blessings and protection over you and your family! 

Happy Thanksgiving with lots of love!!!
Rachael Foushee
Always a daydreamer, always a believer!

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I Re-Sign!

I Re-Sign!

 On October 19, 2012, Karen Williams wrote: I Re-sign! 

Dear Dineen and Lynn, 

I appreciated your post on Monday.  After reading it several times and understanding the seriousness of the commitment I prayed it out loud and mentally signed my name.  I know I am ready for this as God has been leading me down a similar path this summer.  

I had been praying and asking God to show me/teach me how to love my husband as He does, how to see Him as He does.  He answered that prayer by explaining how He saw me and sees me today.  Because He knows the beginning from the end He has always known what my potential is.  He created me with a plan and purpose in mind and sees the end result from the very beginning. If I truly believe this for myself (which I now do) then I have to believe that this is the way He looks at my husband (and all my family members).  He created Andrew (my husband) with a plan and purpose.  And He is in relentless pursuit of my husband, always working to bring that plan to fruition.  He sees my husband in the end result, knows what he is capable of (because He created him that way) and LONGS for my husband to become what He has in mind.  

This really blew me away at the time because I had been so focused for so long on what my husband has been or is.  Things like....narcissistic, catholic, workaholic.  God showed me that these labels I had put on him were like putting him in a jail cell.  Not only was he not free to change, I had been the one to lock him into that place. There was also some work God was doing on forgiveness with me so after time in prayer working on forgiving my husband for not being who I wanted him to be and asking God to forgive me for how I had sinned against my husband all these years He helped me to set him free from the jail cell.  He planted His love in me in a new way that enables me to see my husband as He sees him and love him with the love of Christ.  

I thought that that was an amazing experience but the best was yet to come!  A few days after this time with the Lord was our 30th wedding anniversary.  In the past these were pretty uneventful, often very disappointing, days for me.  I really expected nothing different this time.  My husband was scheduled to be traveling on our actual anniversary so we planned to eat out for dinner after he got back. Other than that I thought it would pass just like it was any other day.  But God!  

First, my husband came home with two dozen roses and a card...three days ahead of time! (Sometimes he would buy a card and forget to sign it and I'd find it later or you knew he stopped on the way home for work as a last minute thing).  His cards up until then were always the funny type, never serious.  Frequently with sexual overtones. But this time it was serious!  The front said "Life isn't perfect but love doesn't care".  That got me right there!  It was as if God was speaking right to my heart...isn't this how He was asking me to live with my husband...to love him despite our differences?  I took it as confirmation I had been hearing God correctly.  

Then the inside said "Thanks for loving me through it all".  You have to understand my husband rarely apologizes for anything and isn't too good at acknowledging others for their contributions so this was VERY big to me!  Then he asked me for 30 more years!  My husband blessed me and God blessed me with that card that day.  He also surprised me with a very expensive piece of jewelry (also very uncharacteristic of him) so I was really blown away by it all.  

There was a dynamic shift in our relationship. When God dealt with me and I changed my thoughts and ways...somehow in His economy....it freed my husband at the same time it freed me.  I know that sounds weird but I think you will understand.  I stopped looking at him as the Unbeliever and more as someone who just wasn't a believer yet. This was just about the time you all were seeing a similar revelation!  God is so amazing and so wonderful!  I just love that you are where you are and I am here but He helps us reach the same conclusion!  

I prayed and fasted with you all back in January and the word God gave me was "expectant".  I have been sitting on the edge of my seat ever since!!  Something IS right around the corner. I felt it then and I still feel it now.  As the year has gone by I have read and heard others saying the same thing...it is very exciting!  

At this point I want nothing more than to be with Jesus.  I long to see His face.  Taking my eyes off of my husband, and my supposed lack, and keeping them on Him has eliminated the stress, the disappointment, the hardship.  I have been set free, free to love my husband and he is free to love me back.  Not sure he is aware there are any changes but I sure see them.  God has brought me to a place where I know I need nothing more than Him, and Him alone.  Everything after that is icing on the cake, the exceeding and abundant life He promises. 

I look forward to the coming days and weeks as you both share what happened at Bethel.   Won't lie, a little jealous, but I will continue to seek Him in my quiet time here and I know He will show up.  Blessing to you both and thank you for all you have done and all you do! Sure wish we lived closer so we could talk in person and I could give you real hugs!  

Love you sisters!
Karen Williams

My Biggest Cheerleader by Martha Bush

It is my profound privilege to introduce to you today another of our long-time community members, Martha Bush. I have come to know Martha and love her deeply. She has a heart for the spiritually mismatched and guides a group of ladies at her home church. Today I' welcome Martha as she has a short sotry to share with all of us. Hugs, Lynn

 

My Biggest Cheerleader 

Dan Brack, children’s pastor at my church, came to me several years ago and said:  “I have got a lot of hurting children in children church.  Can you help me?”  Dan knew that I had taught The Grieving Process to adults for a number of years, and thought perhaps that I could put together a condensed version of it for children church. 

Well, the short of the long is this:  When the first draft was completed, Heather, my daughter, suggested that I have a professional editor in Austin edit it, which I did.  Somewhere along the line, I was re-united with a student I had over 25 years ago in New Orleans.  He is a professional illustrator, and author himself.  So, he became my illustrator. 

And now six years later, what started out as a study course for Dan, I am almost ready to publish my first book, entitled Helping Hurting Children:  A Journey of Healing.  I am so excited, and give God all the glory and praise for bringing me to the place. 

But, there’s more!  Guess who has been in the midst of this and who has been my biggest cheerleader?  You got it - -my unsaved husband, Glen.  He has been my “tech-man” by documenting, filing illustrations in folders, sizing pictures, and whatever else that needed to be done on this computer that I do not know much about.  And yes, he has even read most of it (scriptures included) and given me his opinions on the clarity of it. 

And now about the publishing.  I just kept on writing, not really knowing what I was going to do with it.  But, there was a time when I was out of town, and Glen got on the phone to WestBow Press, a publishing company that we had had a couple of conversations with in the past.  When I got back from out of town, he said:  “I told them how passionate you were about this book for children.  I also told them what was in each chapter, and how valuable the information would be to children.  I also put up the money today for the contract to publish with them.” 

I sat speechless.  Here is a man who calls himself an agnostic and yet------he spends his money on a “God Book” for children?  Where else have you heard of that happening???  Yes, Lynn and Dineen’s atheist husbands are their biggest cheerleaders also. 

I tell you this ladies to say:  I know this is a God thing and that He is working in our husband’s lives when we may not be fully aware of it.  So, let’s be encouraged and continue to support one another in the midst of our SUM.  Together, we can learn to be our husband’s biggest cheerleader, too. 

Does God Have a Ministry For You?

Lynn here: For many, many years I honestly believed that if my husband was not a believer, I could not serve in any ministry. That is a lie from the pit of hell and I want to blow that myth completely out of the water. In fact, today it's my delight to share a new ministry that God brought through one of our long time readers here at Spiritually Unequal Marriage.

Let me introduce to you Courtney Silberman:

 

How Encouraging Women for Christ Encouraged Me
By Courtney Silberman

 

Courtney Silberman

God said, It’s time. I was back from my trip to Israel and finishing my last assignment for seminary. Now what was I going to do? God had given me a vision for an online women’s ministry, but I had no web development company to work with. I had tried two last fall and neither one was the right fit. I began to feel discouraged.  I began to feel despair. But God has a way, at just the right time, of turning things around to show He alone is God.

 

I drove to meet my Bible study group one evening in late May. We had a close group, but I hadn’t really told them about God’s plan for me to build a website. I admitted my discouragement that evening and told them why. Then one of my friends mentioned a web development company she uses for her organization. Almost right away, I knew. I knew this was the one. God said, It’s time.

I was excited, but one thing made me uneasy—my husband. I had thought by now he would have come to faith. I never expected to begin this ministry without him understanding why I would pour my heart into an endeavor he knew little about. I admit I got angry with God and said, rather uncharacteristically, “I’m not doing this until you save my husband.” I fought Him for two days before making the phone call to the web development company. Looking back, He was so kind to me. He sat there, like the Compassionate Father He is, and listened. During my protests, He kept saying, Trust Me.

There were many people God brought alongside me to build the site and get it launched. He brought in each person with the perfect gifts to fill the needed role for the ministry. But no one could fill the role God had designed specifically for my husband—financial planner and resource. Even though my husband has yet to profess his faith, God is using him daily to help the ministry.

I learned something big—God can use our husbands in ways we couldn’t even imagine. Here is a ministry, founded by a woman, whose husband is deeply involved, and he doesn’t even believe (yet)! Does that not show the power of our Lord Jesus Christ?

I want to encourage all of you in a similar situation now—if God is calling you to do something in ministry, trust that He has taken care of your husband as well. If you stay true to His Word and obey Him, He can use you to fulfill His plans in the world. Don’t back down thinking you could never do this without a husband who understands your faith. Our God is way bigger than we think and can do much more than we can imagine. With God, all things are possible.

Ministry Name: Encouraging Women for Christ
Web: http://EncouragedinChrist.org
Email: Courtney@EncouragedinChrist.org
Facebook: Encouraging Women for Christ
Twitter: @EncouragedToday

Sacred Marriage?

Today it's my great privilege to welcome back for a second time Janet.

Janet resides on the East Coast with her high school sweetheart turned husband and their three daughters. She begins and ends her day with God and strives to still be in constant dialogue with Him between. 

Thank you for being part of our amazing community. Hugs, Lynn

*****

I’m often asked the secret to my marriage.  We were the first to marry, and the last still married.  Marriage certainly is not the glass slippered story I read about as a child.  It’s actually hard work.  Those of us in mis-matched marriages know it’s even harder work. 

Our marriage has certainly never always been this easy going.  We have been shaken with such force I can assure you any loose rocks in our foundation ricocheted out.  But the beauty is God filled those holes and crevices of impossible, solidifying them, with His grace and mercy.

Sometimes I’m bold declaring my secret is the “biblical principles of marriage I always keep in the forefront”.  And other times my message, though still honest, yields an eloquent and gentler response.  I considered my answer honest and forward, until I read a recent quote.

"What if God's primary intent for your marriage isn't to make you happy. . . but holy? And what if your relationship isn't as much about you and your spouse as it is about you and God?"—Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas

Could my marriage really not be more about my husband and I, rather more about God and me? Is it less about “biblical principles”?  Should my answer really be “God”?  For days I have pondered this quote.  There is ample to feast on in those two sentences.    

I know God wishes me happy.  Of course a 30’ boat to navigate our local waters every weekend would make me happy.  But I can accept that is not the superficial “happy” God desires for me.  “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit;” Romans 14:17 NIV.  I imagine the “happy” God ordains for us is the result of the Holy Spirit.  “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness” Galatians 5:22 NIV

I have not read the book to reveal how Mr. Thomas defines “happy”.  But I do know and trust God’s plans for me.   “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11   

I know He does, can and will take the bad and transform it with power to exalt and encourage.  “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20  “God of all comfort,  who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:4

Friends, we all have in some form been victim to the ugliness of criticism, harsh repercussions, bitterness and more from our spouse.  Jesus too endured these same reactions and a response to what he also knew was truth.  But through Lynn, Dineen, 1Peter 3 Group, the Facebook page and this site, we have seen, lived through and are carrying out His powers and promises in those three scriptures.   This may not be our ideal vision of happiness, but we are undoubtedly being conformed to the image of Christ, transforming us into His holy children. 

To be His children, His holy children, a response is required of us too.  Isn’t it?  Wouldn’t we need to be in relationship with Him?  “So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” Hebrews 4:16 NLT If we all can agree one of the very fundamental cores of God’s pursuit of holiness within us begins with a personal relationship with Him, then I would have to confess I probably wouldn’t be where I am in my spiritual journey and personal walk. 

If my husband were a believer, and I navigating my personal faith walk, I envision a lot of myself asking him questions.  Not myself seeking God.  Not myself insatiably digesting scripture.  Not myself firmly convicted of my beliefs.  Simply put, I very well may have a shallow, kiddie wading pool of belief and holiness, riding on the coattails of my husband’s faith.

What if this marriage is the valley you are travelling through as you make your way to stand upon His mountain?  Just what if it really isn’t about you and your spouse, but God and His will of relationship and purpose?  I don’t know about you, but I’m rationalizing through scripture and experience that Mr. Thomas just may be onto something good here.  

Janet

God is In The Details Too!

Today it's my great privilege to welcome back Janet.

Janet resides on the East Coast with her high school sweetheart turned husband and their three daughters. She begins and ends her day with God and strives to still be in constant dialogue with Him between. 

Thank you for being part of our amazing community. Hugs, Lynn

*****

We recently received our summer calendar of the events for Busch Gardens, our home away from home.  And I couldn’t help but reflect on how a few years ago God answered the smallest, faintest prayer I have ever prayed.

After checking the mail I stood there in my kitchen reading the list of powerful headliners at the upcoming concert series Glory In the Gardens.  As my excitement and anticipation grew to paramount proportions this will be no easy task I reminded myself.  Indeed, that was an understatement.  To attend this concert not only would we need a hotel room for the weekend, traveling money and, quite frankly, a small miracle.  You see, the concert was scheduled to begin in the afternoon, ending well into the evening.  With a 3.5 hour drive home, that would put our family exhausted and driving during the wee hours of a Monday morning.

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture”—Psalm 37:3 NIV

I had left the park’s mailer on the kitchen island assuming my husband would glance over it later that evening.  I knew he had seen and read it when he mentioned Brandon Heath and tobyMac were coming in concert and did I notice.  Did I notice?  Oh yes dear I did notice!  Not wanting the taste of disappointment on my tongue I didn’t get any hopes up, but casually mentioned how nice it would be to go there. As season pass ticket holders, I knew my one daughter would wait hours and help me brandish my maturity as we rushed the stage ensuring optimal viewing pleasure.

“We will see what we can do” was his response to my little request. Oh God please, for me and for my daughter, please was my faint heart’s prayer.

I imagine God on His throne, hearing my quick arrow prayer shot up reaching His throne and how naïve my faith in Him answering such a silly little prayer must have given Him much to delight as He said to me: My dear child, you wait and see what I, the Great I AM, am about to do.

A week passed when I thought about this concert again.  We were members of a hotel rewards program; though it seemed meaningless as we slowly chipped away, inch by painful inch, the qualifying stays.  Miraculously we had finally achieved enough stays for a free weekend!  WOW!  Could God orchestrate a better argument than a FREE weekend stay?

“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart”—Psalm 37:4 NIV

But there was no need for an argument.  My simple, “hey hon, we finally earned enough points for a free weekend stay to go to Busch Gardens the weekend of the concert” was all he needed to hear.  We were booked!  My daughter and I mapped our stealthy mission plan and smiled knowing we would be front row.  My husband and other daughter decided they would simply enjoy the amusement park while we spent hours in His presence in praise and worship. 

Periodically throughout the concert my husband would text to see how we were doing.  It helped pass the time as we spent a few hours camped out at the gate awaiting entry to the stage.  My man even braved and broke through the massive crowds navigating to the front lines – not an easy task by any measure—to hold our spots so we could leave and use the restroom.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him—Psalm 37:7a NIV

God’s glory does not end there.  After a year of enduring heartbreak and fertility problems, I spent part of the concert in slight cramps with unexpected, light bleeding.  We would later come to find out that Sunday, during the concert, I endured the phenomenon known as implantation bleeding.

How silly of me to think God, in all His mercy and goodness, would not consider the small desires of my heart and delight in answering me.  What was your smallest, faintest answered prayer?  Or do you have a small, faint prayer request we could arrow up to His throne for you?

Janet

Another Open Letter

The following is a letter I received in December from a dear reader who has been part of our community here for a number of years. She speaks frankly about spiritual warfare and I thought it appropriate to share with you today in light of our current series.

My friend is writing to Dineen and I (Lynn) but where she speaks to us personally, I ask that you would think that she is speaking YOUR NAME. Because this encouraging message is for all of us.

An now I give you a letter from one of our long-time readers:

I remember when I came across your site. I was so thankful that I was not alone! I think the most powerful thing that you and Dineen have done lately is to post honestly and transparently. Women in these marriages WANT to have hope but they also don't want to necessarily hear that others in "unequal" marriages are thriving and joyful etc. That may sound strange but for the most part unequal marriages suffer, greatly. 

And truthfully if the marriage is unequal the home has a constant open doorway for the devil. He is always welcome and WE must do battle continually. We may get "breaks” the fog may lift to some degree but the battle is continual. For those of us in marriages where there are serious addictions the battles are that much more intense. The need to cling to the Lord is that much more necessary. I think your honesty lately is revealing more Truth than ever. Because the truth is, we may live our entire lives with our spouse and they may never be saved. The hardest thing to grasp in these relationships is that it is not God's WILL that ALL be saved. It is His desire and He woos and calls people to Himself but He gives them the free will to love Him in return. 

This is so difficult for us who have loved ones who are unsaved. At times, I find myself with a lump in my throat, my spirit crying out, and pain that goes deep beyond description, as I watch my loved ones walk further and further away from the Lord. Yet, at other times, there is great peace and there is a sweet surrender. It is then that I realize the peace that Christ had. He mourned those who are lost but pressed forward into God's will, trusting the entire world to God's sovereign care. Jesus prayed that God would "make another way" but prayed nevertheless, that God's WILL be done. God's will called for Christ to die. This side of the Cross we don't argue with God's decision. On the side of the Cross where Jesus' mother Mary kneeled God probably seemed to be failing His people in more ways than they could imagine. But, He knows what He's doing. We must remember that Jesus said . . .Matthew 7:13-14: 

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it." 

My great peace has not come from giving up hope.
I cling to the Promises and I declare: 

"But I will keep on hoping for your help; I will praise you more and more"
Psalm 71:14

I pray continually for the salvation of my husband and my loved ones but my hope is not in that outcome. If I hope in that I will find myself disappointed. But if I hope in God, trusting that HE knows best even if that means that He must allow some of my loved ones to turn away from Him then, I will not be disappointed. Just as Jesus' Disciples were not disappointed at the resurrection! So, I guess to make a LONG email short, haha. I just think that the more you share your struggles, the more power you will see in your ministry. God will not force ANYONE to love Him. If He did then the love He offers would not be love at all. You can't FORCE someone to love you. Therefore, each person may choose. Though it is difficult for saved spouses to watch, their unsaved spouse may continue to drift back and forth. It is the power of God moving. Yet, in the end it is the decision of their heart and yes, God allows it. Because of His great love. 

A very dear friend advised me, as I was encountering some very difficult times several months ago, 

"It is God's job to judge, Jesus' job to save, the Holy Spirit's job to give us the direction, strength, and power to walk in faith, and our job to love." 

They were the wisest words that I may have ever heard. I keep them close to my heart each and every day. After those words, I find a place of sweet surrender and peace that can only come from Christ. 

Whew . . .  well, I didn't mean to write that LONG of an email. My heart just pours out to you and Dineen. You both have such a special place in the heart of God. Trust Him. He is writing your story for YOUR good and His glory. Don't pay any attention to what you see on the surface. God is behind the scenes of your life working ALL things for good. It's not about where you're going. It's not about the outcome of your circumstances. It's about who you're becoming! AND THAT is God's concern. You have crossed the line of obedience and dependence on Christ and you have set off every alarm in hell! You both have quite a reputation there!!! Praise the Lord! You both are a threat to the kingdom of darkness and because of you both, souls are and will be saved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Know that because of your faith you are a target for the enemy to bring discouragement, despair, and doubt . . . but know this: 

Jesus has prayed for you: 

"Lynn . . . Dineen . . . Satan has asked to have you,
that he may sift you as wheat . . .
But I have prayed for you, Lynn and Dineen, that your faith may not fail.
And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers (and sisters!)"
(Luke 22:31-32) 

Dearest sister(s) you are dearly loved and I too am so grateful that God brought our lives together! You are a blessing. Although I don't always comment, I am reading every post and praying continually! We will fight this battle together in the strength of Christ! 

I will be keeping both of you close to my heart praying that the peace of Christ will consume you and that the joy you find in the Lord will overflow!!!!

Love you sisters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

An Open Letter from Courtney

An Open Letter from Courtney:

Hi Lynn and Dineen, 

I never thought I would say this, but I'm going to miss this season being in a spiritually unequal marriage in some ways. 

It just dawned on me this morning during a very precious and tear-filled quiet time with Jesus. As the Lord has been impressing upon my heart more and more intensely over the past several months, and even more so, over the past ten days or so, my husband's salvation is days away. 

While I have been waiting and longing for this season to be over for four years now, crying and begging for the Lord to save my husband, there is a precious and sweet grace of Jesus being my husband that I will miss when Jesus dwells in my earthly husband. Can you believe I'm even saying that? I could never have known Jesus the way I've known him if it wasn't for this spiritually unequal marriage. As I know you've experienced too, He has been everything to me during this time--the One who made me strong when I had no strength, the One who loved me when my husband seemed to waiver in his love, the One who held me and wiped away my tears when my husband was reluctant to comfort me in my pain. This Jesus I'm going to miss. Please don't misunderstand me. I know His grace is infinite and multifaceted--it's not going away with my husband's salvation. And this is certainly not the best He has to offer--that will be in Heaven when I'm dancing with Him! But this grace, in my loneliness, in my isolation, in my despair, when I literally had no one else, this grace I'm going to miss. 

My husband’s salvation story is going to be too amazing for words. Jesus' glory is going to shine like the sunrise on a clear spring morning. I can't wait to tell you all about it very soon. 

Thank you so much for your obedience to the Lord. Thank you for your courage and strength to carry on this ministry for women like me who desperately needed the comfort of your words every morning in my inbox, to know that I'm not alone in my struggles. I praise God for you. I couldn't have gone through this without your help. I love you both so much. God honors those who put Him first. 

"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing on its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall. You will trample the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day I am preparing," says the Lord of Hosts.

 -Mal. 4:2-3 HCSB 

Love,
Courtney 

Interrupting Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

I'm interrupting our scheduled series on courage, well sorta. Today I want to introduce you to a woman who stepped out in great courage, Heidi.

I've know Heidi for a number of years and she has overcome so much through the transofrming power and love of Jesus. I was priviledged to interview Heidi last fall. And today I bring you her amazing story.

This is a story to encourage all women, join me at Laced With Grace today for:

Triumph After Childhood Sexual Abuse.

 

A Letter from One Unequally Yoked to Another

I want to welcome Adriana today. She recently shared a powerful letter on our 1Peter3Living loop. I hope you are inspired and encouraged as I was ~Lynn

-----

As we step closer to God, the spiritual battle steps up too because the enemy absolutely hates to see us mature as Christians. When you feel deflated and that God is not listening, that's just junk from the enemy. God is listening and welcoming you closer. Rejoice that your moving closer to God has the enemy bothered! 

I've been in my spiritually unequally yoked marriage for 22 years and at times my husband was very difficult and I had close friends asking why I was sticking with it (even got this from his own family members). But I knew that the Lord was doing a work in me and through me was doing a work in my husband as well. 

I love how God always works both sides of an equation. In our unequally yoked marriages, He is maturing us, doing deep steadfast things in us as we walk through the difficulties. In my marriage I have learned and am still learning to depend on God, to look to Him to fulfill (for now) the things I long to be receive from my husband. I have learned to pray more deeply, to trust and believe more deeply. My quiet faithfulness to God benefits my husband even if he is unaware of it. My husband has God's presence in his life just because God is in me and I am with him. He may not yet be surrendering to God but God is at work as I am a light and reflection of God's steadfastness, love, mercy, forgiveness, and even at times correction in his life. I am God's instrument to be used in His way to woo my husband to Himself. And I have seen Him do some amazing things and move in behalf of prayer. 

I know the loneliness you speak of, always doing things solo. I live that too. The thing is to be faithful to God in what he would have YOU do for Him and to trust Him with the working in your husband. Seek to do everything as unto the Lord. When He shows you to love your husband, love your husband for Him. When he shows you to forgive your husband, forgive your husband for Him. When we do things for others for Him and we don't get appreciated for what we have done, we can endure it because our praise and reward is from the Lord, not the person. We can rejoice in that we have pleased our first love. What freedom there is in that! It's difficult at times to live with this attitude (especially with a difficult person) but oh the rewards when we do. 

Love and prayers,

Adriana