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Unevenly Yoked and Struggling

“If your husband or wife isn’t a follower of the Lord and decides to divorce you, then you should agree to it. You are no longer bound to that person. After all, God chose you and wants you to live at peace. And besides, how do you know if you will be able to save your husband or wife who isn’t a follower?”

[1 Corinthians 7:15-16 CEV]

Shameika writes:

My husband of 3 years and the father of our two young children (ages 3 & 1 1/2) left 2 months ago saying he wanted a divorce. I am saved and I have had a relationship with God for years now. My husband is unsaved, however struggling to obtain a realtionship with God and to live a holy and separated life.

He believes in His word. He studies and he tries to apply God’s word to his life “with his words”. However, he is hindered with lust of the flesh and the worldly mindset he’s developed. When he left me I was shattered. I found out he’d been seeing another woman that is christian who he claims to have lead him to Christ and that he has developed a “spiritual connection” with her.

I was hurt. So bad. My spirits were broken. My heart was broken. I went on a 7 day consecration with the Lord. I needed guidance. I wanted to be right in God’s sight. I love my husband with Agape love. He was so cold to me. I fell on my face to God and cried out for strength and for wisdom. He showed me myself. He ministered to my spirit and led me to know that I needed to change me first.

I was saved, but I had areas that needed destroying. My flesh. My own will. My pride. My EMOTIONS. And then he dropped in my spirit I Corinthians 7:15-16. I realized through God’s word and then confirmation from my spirit and other men and women of God that there was no need for me to be desperately holding on to my husband. To let him leave.

Recently…he has expressed his apologies and the desire to work things out in our marriage. He is still struggling with salvation. He is still undelivered from his flesh, selfishness and pride. Therefore, this is subject to happen again. I am standing on God’s Word and following his instructions to not be unequally yoked. However, I need to be in the perfect Will of God. I am continuing to pray, fast and see God for direction. It is one day at at time. Please keep me in prayer.

Story posted on Thursday, January 15th, 2009 and is filed under Bible, God's Love, Hope, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Christian Families, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »

Born Into A New Life

“If you try to save your life, you will lose it. But if you give it up for me, you will surely find it.”

[Matthew 10:39 CEV]

Steve writes:

When I reflect on that scripture it helps me put into prospective how my life was, when I was living in sin and how my life is now with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit.

For many years I was living in what I called and created “acceptable sin” as if there was such a thing. I was your typical manager going to work everyday, performing my job with outstanding results and moving up the corporate ladder. But when it came to weekends I was the complete opposite. I was using drugs & alcohol and spending a lot of time watching pornography. I would eagerly wait for Friday to come so I can start my end of week partying. As a result my first marriage failed and my second marriage was very close to divorce. Through it all I was able to hold on to my career and moved away from the New York area, where I slowly began to change my life.

After five years and three states later I moved back to New York where all the sin had started. I was ready to start over again, but was very scared. There had been something inside of me screaming for change and I wanted become a better person. I knew of Jesus, but did not know how I can begin my walk with him. My sister helped me tremendously. She introduced me to some pastors of her church and they invited me to a service. After that day my wife and I received Jesus. We have been water baptized, became members of our church and we have been on fire for The Lord ever since.

God has blessed me by surrounding me with friends that have a positive influence on my life. He has put before me a Pastor that speaks to my heart and a man that understand where I have been. He has given me my old job back. He has given me financial gifts and a great place to live. He has reunited me with my family. This list can go on. The point is when you give it all up to God and for his glory you receive his blessing in multitude. There is no limit to what God can do for you and his grace is endless. I have never been so FREE in my life. I thank God each day for my salvation. By giving my life for him I was able to regain my life and help others come to Christ.

Story posted on Wednesday, January 7th, 2009 and is filed under Drugs & Alcohol, Praise, Bible, God's Love, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Grace, Christian Families, Struggles, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

God Has Always Been There

“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 NIV]

Marie writes:

My life has been a series of struggles and troubles. I grew up in an abusive home with physical, emotional, sexual and mental abuse. I found the Lord when I was 17 at a church camp. After God came into my life, it was never the same, even after marrying an abusive 1st husband,who beat me and was unfaithful, to the 2nd husband who committed suicide, leaving me with 2 young children and no life insurance and lots of debt, to a place of peace and prosperity. Through all the things God brought me through in my life, He has always been there. God is with us before we ask Him into our lives, He is with us through each step we take in our Christian life and He is already there TOMORROW, before we even know what tomorrow will bring. We have to trust God and keep reading God’s Word. All the answers you ever need to know in life, are in God’s Word.

Story posted on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2008 and is filed under Praise, Bible, God's Love, Hope, Drugs & Alcohol, Your Stories, God's Sovereignty, Struggles, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

I'm Finding Joy In The Midst Of The Storm

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins”

[Matthew 6:14-15 NIV]

Lisa writes:

My life took a drastic change when my 55 year old father died on February 6, 2006. Even though I was married I lived in the family home to help my mother take care of my elderly grandparents suffering with late stage althzimers. I did everything I could to help my mother get through the loss of my dad.

On February 13, 2007 my husband broke into my family home totally out of control. I had never seen him this way and I had known him since I was 4. He began beating and choking me. At that point I yelled for my mother. She told Randy that if he didn’t leave she would call the police. Before we got to the phone he attacked me again. My mom tried to stop him and then he started beating her. I noticed him taking something out of his pocket and it turned out to be a gun and in an instant he shot and killed her.

I ran to my grandparents room hoping to protect them someway. I then told my grandpa that I had to go next door and get my brother Travis for help and call 911. I told him to keep the door locked and make him bust it down. I went out the window and told him I would be right back. I had promised him that I would be right back.

Once over at my brothers Travis got his gun and I called 911. Travis went out back and at that point a gun battle ensued between my brother and Randy. It ended with my brother being shot ten times, Randy fleeing to Laredo, Texas where has was caught 24 hours later and my mother and grandparents all three shot in the head. Since then I have lost my business, my home and at times have lived in my truck. I’m financially ruined and my family has no ideal how to get over this. Right now I’m living with my attorney and his wife.

In a year I had buried everyone that lived in my house. I had always been very close to my family and losing them in such a manner was more than I could take at time, but I kept praying and begging God to give me the peace and forgiveness that I desperately needed. I wanted God to somehow bring glory to his name out of this situation. And now it’s been 19 months and God did finally give me the peace and forgiveness I needed. I now talk and share my testimony to church’s and women’s groups. It hasn’t all been highs through this, but God never left my side.

I have truly forgiven Randy. It was God’s grace that has given me the peace and forgiveness that I needed. My goal is to help others that have been through a tragedy like this. And let them know that even though life will never be the same. You can still find joy in the middle of the storm. I’m also trying to help Randy get through this. I believe that is my Christian duty to do this. God allowed me to no longer see people through the eyes of the flesh, but to see them through the eyes of the spirit. I realized that he was a lost and broken soul that needed prayer and forgiveness.

I realized that I had to lay my life down and give it to Christ. And in turn he would take care of all my needs. I praise his sweet and precious name. He gave his only Son to die in my place for all my sins to mark my debt as paid in full, cancelled. And what he has done for me he can do for you if you just believe in Him and give your life to Him.

Story posted on Saturday, November 15th, 2008 and is filed under Sadness, Death, Hope, Your Stories, Prayer, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles. | 3 Comments »

My Marriage Has Fallen Apart

“He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the LORD.”

[Proverbs 18:22 NIV]

Terria writes:

On 4/26/2008 my husband of 9 years left me. In July of 2007 he left for 9 weeks. Saying he was confused and did not want to be married any more. He was in and out staying home some nights and leaving other nights. I was devastated. I moved in Aug 2007 from that house. The next day after I moved he came back home. He has left at least 4 times while in the new house; he finally left for good on April 26 this year. When he left last year I relapse on crack cocaine after being clean for 13 years. I would do ok some times and use other times this is what made him leave. He has never done drugs, smoked or drank and does not understand the disease of addiction. He accused me of cheating instead. He tried to make it work but I continued to sneak, lie in order to use. I am currently seeking help/therapy for cocaine and alcohol abuse and severe depression. I am also on med’s from my dr. for the depression. I want God to restore my marriage and deliver me from drugs. My husband presented me with divorce papers and told me he has found some one else and wants to move on and pursue the relationship. He has been seen twice in the last 4 weeks with a woman be my close relatives. He says he does not want to reconcile with me. We are a saved family who had a strong marriage and happy family. He doesn’t call or come see us. He pays half the rent. This last month he was late. For 7 of our 9 yr marriage I either worked part time or not at all. We have 4 children 1 girl (10 yr) still at home, 2 boys (18 yr) in college, 1 boy (27 yr) i don’t want my family to be fragmented and broken. I want us to be whole again and my marriage restored. I know God can do anything but fail and I am standing on that hope and our vows. Please pray for our healing, deliverance and restoration. I have tried every thing and nothing seems to work.

Story posted on Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Struggles, Prayer, Christian Families. | 2 Comments »

My Husband Had An Affair

“Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ…Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”

[Ephesians 4:15, 25 NIV]

Janene writes:

My husband had an affair and says that he fell out of love with me. He said that he had doubts about our relationship a long time ago but did nt say anything. He has been working overseas. Please pray for us, I believe our marriage can pull through this, he needs to see this too!

Story posted on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008 and is filed under Loneliness, Sadness, Your Stories, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Prayer, Struggles. | 8 Comments »

I Had to Make a Choice

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

[Romans 8:28 NIV]

Davis writes:

Eight years ago this week, my former wife appeared in the doorway to my den/office and said that she wanted me out by sunset. I asked her if it was like in the western movies, you gotta be outta here by sunset. She was not amused. This stemmed from my going to church, reading the Bible, interested in my salvation and her own salvation. What led up to this final dismissal was me offering her a copy of the New Testament. I got it back with a note that said “Thanks but no thanks”. I received a tape in the mail and wanted her to listen to it with me, a devotional tape, she said “that is the biggest turnoff”. I went to church by myself every Sunday; she refused to go with me. Gradually she began to dislike my faith and made it plain in more ways than I have already described. She essentially made me choose between her and God. I asked her if she had the power to save me. She had no answer. I was out of the house by sunset, as requested, trying to get back together via phone and letters, but to no avail.

Sometimes we must choose between God and other things in life, even our own spouse. The choice should not be a difficult one, faced with a choice such as that. All things work together for the good, for those who believe in God. No matter how traumatic, no matter whether we must cut ourselves off from this world, no matter who abandons us, God will never abandon us. Our focus is on Him. It has to stay focused on Him no matter what earthy traumatic events we have to endure. It is all right in the end!

Story posted on Wednesday, October 22nd, 2008 and is filed under Your Stories, God's Love, Hope, Conversions, Divorce & Marital Conflict, God's Sovereignty, Struggles, Prayer, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

His Word Transformed My Life (Spanish) [2:17]

Don’t be like the people of this world, but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him.

[Romans 12:2 CEV]

Omar shares how his life fell apart after living a dangerous life style of partying, drinking and doing drugs. He lost his kids and wife, but because of God\’s grace he is now reunited with them and they are all following Him.

Story posted on Monday, September 22nd, 2008 and is filed under Bible, Praise, God's Love, Hope, Your Videos, Drugs & Alcohol, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Overcoming sin, Grace, Christian Families, Struggles, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

God Worked Through Others to Save Me

“but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

[Isaiah 40:31 NIV]

Lorna writes:

This verse has been very meaningful in my life because my life has been difficult and knowing that God gives me strength so that I can “fly on wings like an eagle” has been so amazing!

I grew up in a home with verbal, emotional, physical, and sexually abuse. I married early to a spouse who continued the same kind of abuse. We had three beautiful children, however my spouse sexually abused them as well. I had been abused for so many years, and so severely in my marriage that I knew I needed to get out, but was so brainwashed I could not think straight. I told everyone who would listen about the abuse and my spouse’s continuous infidelity with prostitutes, friends, and continuous abuse of our babysitters. God brought the most wonderful people in my life. First a wonderful lady who felt called to knock on my door and speak to me. She was a great prayer support and I could call her anytime of the day. I also met a former school friend, to whom I again told my story (I know now what I was doing is with a desperate plea, trying to get someone to listen to me). She happened to be working in a woman’s shelter and introduced me the most wonderful counselor from the shelter. I was so afraid but she helped so much with getting me out of the home, providing counseling, and legal advice, etc. She also provided much needed counseling to my children.

After a couple years of counseling, I ended up going to Bible College and Seminary and became a counselor myself. For years I knew God was my answer however I had a very difficult time trusting Him. Through my counselor’s help and the years in college and seminary God became so real and did so much healing in my life, it was amazing. I learned that God was my strength in every situation including my oldest son continuing his father’s abuse and abusing his little sister. Both of them are living for God and doing well at this time. Sadly my middle son is not living for the Lord - drugs and worldly influences have become too important. I am working as a counselor of teens and am remarried to a wonderful man and have three beautiful stepchildren. All I can say is GOD IS SOOOO GOOD!!!

Story posted on Thursday, September 18th, 2008 and is filed under Bible, God's Love, Hope, Praise, Your Stories, Struggles, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Life Verse. | 1 Comment »

I Learned To Forgive [3:29]

He rescued me from my powerful enemy, from my foes, who were too strong for me.

[2 Samuel 22:18 NIV]

Christina, shares her story and how God’s Word rescued her from a violent situation and she was able to bring her children to a better place.

• Listen to more audio stories.

Story posted on Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 and is filed under God's Love, Hope, Your Audio Stories, Bible, Praise, Christian Families, Loving your enemies, Divorce & Marital Conflict, Life Verse. | 2 Comments »