Happy 80th birthday Charlyne!
I celebrate you and the work you have been doing, per your calling ;), and all that the Lord has laid on your heart to see marriages (and families) restored!
My husband and I have been separated for 21 years and I have been standing for my marriage for 21 years! Yes it has been discouraging and yes it has affected me and my children deeply. But I have hope! Join me in praying for my prodigal - he is finally going to counseling and addressing some childhood trauma that has driven much of his behavior, and I continue to pray that he turns back to the Lord and finds his true identity in Him. For years I did not realize MY worth in God’s eyes and with this new found knowledge I have been able to put healthy boundaries in place. Sometimes knowing our worth enables us to do the hard and loving thing and have our husbands become accountable to God and not support poor behavior without consequences.
As any stander knows it can get exhausting and draining on all fronts. Spending time each day seeking the Lord is imperative!! The times I have not, I am driven by my own misdirected intentions and not godly wisdom. I pray through the Bible each year, day by day. Don’t be hard on yourself if you miss some days- get back up and get on the horse again! You will not regret how God begins to speak to your heart and guide your steps. Let the Lord speak into your hurt and help guide you.
I’ve felt I need to continue in prayer for my husband, “let him go” (not try to over suggest or fix him) and leave him in Gods hands. AND work on me!
And I am in the meantime, to rejoice!, knowing God is answering prayer and softening stony hearts into hearts of flesh. (Some may take more time than others!)
How apropos that “Rejoice” is the name of your ministry!
I see it every day now- answered prayers over smaller things reminding me God is working out answers to prayer in bigger things. Rejoice! God is good! And He is at work in each of us!
