Dear SUMites, Ann here!

This morning, I read a passage in Exodus that spoke to me precisely of what God does in our SUM marriages. Who knew that the book of Exodus could hold treasures for our marriages!

In this passage, God is speaking to the Israelites and promising them that he will boot out their enemies from the promised land. He says:

And I will send hornets before you, which shall drive out Hivite, Canaanite, and Hittite from before you. I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the wild beasts multiply against you. Little by little I will drive them out from before you, until you are increased and possess the land (Exodus 23:29-30, RSV)

Dear SUMites, I believe this is exactly what God does in our marriages too. He goes before us and defeats what needs to be defeated in order for our spouse to be saved. Specifically, he boots out unbelief and deception, among other things.

But that isn't quite what grabbed me in this verse. What truly grabbed me is the 'little by little' part and the 'I will not drive them out in one year' part. It tells me that sometimes God doesn't pull off a victory all at once. He does it gradually. That way, we can cope with the result.

Like the above scripture, we often do see gradual shifts in our SUM situations, bit by bit. And perhaps, in some strange way, that gradual shift enables us, or our spouse, to cope with any salvation changes more easily. 

In all this we partner with God -- Through our lifestyle, and by praying our heart out for our spouse. Then we wait, stand still, and see him drive out the enemies from the land.

Have you seen gradual changes in your situation? I have. We'll chat in the comments. 

Much love to you all

Ann