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"Pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:17-18
"My husband has again ended contact with the other person. He has done this before, but I know each time it is one step closer to our restored marriage. He thanked me for not giving up on him. He is in his own battle and the Lord keeps sending him back home. I have faith that my marriage will be restored." (Connecticut) (A Bobservation- Most prodigals who have come home, starting with me, have done the same thing. Each time is indeed one step closer to home.)
"This week I prayed about whether to take my prodigal husband to court on an issue. God asked that instead of going to a judge, I ask my husband to pray with me to lift up the best interest of our children. This morning, for the first time in years, my husband and I joined hands and bowed our heads together in prayer. I praise God for that holy moment and ask that it will be the first of many in the years to come." (Missouri)
“Just a note to let you know about the blessing you have provided for me that is a gift from God. Thursday I had been praying Isaiah 57:18 for my husband. I found the verse as your opening verse when I clicked onto my Rejoice Ministries email when I came home that night and once again I found it on the Saturday Testimonies. This has given me hope. God had so often given me verses or programs on the radio or a letter or email that has met the need for that specific problem. He is so wonderful.” (Maine)
"My husband has attended our home church twice this month after not attending for six years. This week the sermon was on loving your family and wanting God's best for them in their lives. I know my Faithful God is bringing my prodigal home. A lady who was sitting near my husband and praying for him during the service, came to me and told me to get ready and prepare my heart because he is on his way home. She said to keep my eyes on Jesus and continue to let Him work on my heart so I will be ready." (Saskatchewan Canada)
"My husband and I had a court date scheduled for today. All papers were signed ahead of time, because I gave up. I was not required to be there. I felt the Lord told me to go and speak. The first two cases were divorces and were granted within the first ten minutes. God moved in me and I told the judge that even though the papers have been signed, I do not desire this divorce, it wasn't honoring to God and it goes against His Word. The judge didn't grant the divorce but set a trial date in two weeks. Praise the Lord He stopped the divorce. God is working." (Arkansas)
"Last week I was addressing envelopes to send out announcements for our daughter's upcoming college graduation. I obtained as many addresses as I could and was led by the Spirit to put the addresses in a new phone book that I recently found stored away in a box. As I was putting the addresses in the book, the Lord spoke to me and told me that this was really preparation for sending my wedding invitations. This is just an example of the many ways He lets me know I am on the right path and He is going to restore. Praise God for His faithfulness to us." (Illinois)
"I attended a seminar on growing intimate with God. During that time I was revisioned, that is I was renewed in my vision of what God has me here in Kuwait for. I am a US Government contractor and was enticed to come here by a big paycheck following a very painful divorce. During the conference the Lord spoke to me that although it was the money He used to entice me here, I'm not here for the money. I'm here, in a Muslim nation that hosts hundreds of thousands of third country nationals from all over to be an ambassador for Christ. God placed me here legally as a tent maker missionary and I can share the good news of our Lord with all the people of these nations. So while I wait from afar for God to work on my wife's heart, I can be fruitful as I grow closer to God, connecting with so many hurting souls from around the world. What a privilege! This is something I would never have done if I was still married, so God does work in mysterious ways." (Kuwait)
"I was driving home from work, mostly sobbing and asking God’s divine intervention in my marriage. Just as I exited the freeway, a semi-truck pulled right in front of my teary eyes. The sign on it read, in big bold letters, "Jesus loves you, trust in the Lord, the victory is yours." I knew in my heart that God has been with me through it all. I asked Him to replace my anger and hurt with peace to continue to stand in the gap for my husband and pray for his salavation. Thank You, Lord Jesus." (California)
"My boss decided to not renew my contract without reason. As I walked out of my boss' office the Lord gave me Jeremiah 29:11. The Lord promised that he would place me in a more desirable job and restore my marriage. As of Tuesday I got the job of my dreams. Praise God. I know my marriage will be restored." (Florida)
“I have to admit it, but I have been feeling a bit down about my stand. It has been months since I heard from my husband. However, this week, God blessed me unexpectedly. We had a huge ice storm. The tree in my front yard fell down. Taking care of that was another financial burden I wasn't ready for. Monday, there was a knock at the door. A neighbor I hadn't spoken to since my husband left commented that he knows I don't have any help around the house and he offered to clear the tree away for me. Despite today's terrible, cold, rainy weather, when I came home from work, the fallen tree was now cut up and on the side of the road for the trash men. Praise God for His provision and unexpected blessing. Praise God for my neighbor, who was so selfless to perform such a huge favor to me.” (Tennessee)
“My trial was postponed three times. Another appearance was set for last Friday. Three days before, the judge granted another postponement.” (Washington State)
"I understand that the Lord wants my full attention in order to prepare me for my wife’s return. He confirmed the work He is doing in me is during prayer time. I told the Lord that I know that I have only been living this way for a year, but it has been the best year of my life. It was surprising to hear those words come out of my mouth, but so sweet to know that the Holy Spirit lives in me and has made me glad with the joy of His presence." (Florida)
"God has restored my marriage and is changing me into the wife and daughter He wants me to be! Praise Him for being so patient with me and my husband. God has kept His promises and has saved my marriage. My husband came back home and we are living daily on restoration. Praise the Lord and for all of you still standing for your marriage." (England)
"At 1:00 A.M. one night this week, I was awakened by the front door opening and the sound of my husband's voice. I woke up and thought immediately, 'This is it! This is how it happens!' He was there to check on the house because our daughter texted him that she heard noises. But I was not discouraged. Praise God. He is giving me an expectant heart that His promise will be fulfilled." (Texas)
“I have been praying and standing for my daughter who has been away from the family for three months. After work Monday, as I was reading one of my Christian family magazines, there was an article on a project designed to bring a biblical world view to America because of its disobedience. As I read, I came across a reference to a seminary that bore my daughter’s name. At that moment, I knew that the Holy Spirit had been ministering to me and that I should continue to stand on God's promises to restore my family and return my daughter to us. My husband and I visited with her today, and noticed a marked difference in her, praise the Lord.” (Missouri)
"My prodigal and I have gone from separation and bitter anger towards each other to saying I love you and making plans for our future. Last week my husband received the sad news that his dad had passed away. My heart was later warmed to see my name written as his partner when I read his dad's obituary." (Canada)
Praise God, my husband is coming home today. He called last night and we talked for about an hour and said that he is coming back home today. We had minimal contact, almost none. None of my circumstances revealed to me what God spoke to me. No one who truly believed me and I doubted myself. My biggest battle was myself to not try the worldly approaches. My children have been standing with me and many times I leaned on their childlike faith. Pray as we begin the healing process. (State removed to protect a prodigal)
“Our divorce will probably be final next week. This morning, as I looked at the beautiful world about me, instead of remembering God's promises to me, I started to fret about where I would live after the divorce and how I would afford it. At work, I have a tear-off page desk calendar with a daily scripture. The first thing I do on arrival is to remove the previous day's page. The new day’s verse was Isaiah 32:18; 'My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.' I was flooded with the reminder that God knows my needs and my desires, and that He will take care of my housing need.” (Arizona)
“My prodigal and I live over a thousand miles from both our parents. My prodigal decided he was going to visit them and our extended families for Christmas. I was not invited to drive with him. I did not have the funds to fly. A high school friend lives in the same town and her family offered to let me ride with them to our hometown. The Lord provides and here I am in my parent’s home. Today my prodigal asked me to go shopping with him for gifts for our families. He also suggested we sign them as a family. I pray God will touch all prodigals and standers to focus on Jesus and His healing ability.” (Colorado)
"Praise the Lord. My husband returned home after being absent from our family for 2.5 years. We are working things out and we are going to attend a 12 week marriage course at our church. I got my first inclination that divorce was not the answer when I tried to look up information on the Internet about how to get a divorce. When I typed in divorce an error message came back and read, ERROR-BAD REQUEST. Thank You, Rejoice Marriage Ministries, for encouraging me to stand." Maryland)
"Sunday my husband came over to get some tools. He looked at me and asked for a hug. It's the first time he's asked for any sort of affection since he left. My mountains are moving!" (Oklahoma)
"My stand has brought me so much closer to God. I believe he allowed my spouse to leave as a wake up call to me. I have been praying not only for my spouse to realize God's desire for him and return to his family and heal our marriage, but also for some of our other family members to return to church and seek God's face. I was elated when my college-aged daughter announced that her long-time boyfriend has asked to join us at mass on Christmas Eve. God answered this prayer and in His perfect timing, I know he will reveal His influence on my prodigal spouse. God is good." (Arizona)
"My job is physically stressful. At break time I bought a cookie but it got stuck in the vending machine. After a brief minute of frustration, I counted my change and called out loud, 'Lord, I need 20 cents, please.' Three feet away under the coffee machine was a quarter. Thank You, Lord. I was able to buy another cookie and received both. I apologized for my lack of trust. The Lord will restore my family." (Oregon)
"Praise the Lord for He is good. My husband came home days before Easter. Your tapes and books helped me so much, I just had to let you know. I know the hardest work is yet to come but I will not let the Enemy defeat me."
"My husband’s co-workers encouraged him to leave his family, so he left us and began to center his life around his job. This past week he was fired from that job. The friends that he thought were there for him no longer call him. God is restoring and I'm so grateful for it. Since he's lost that job, he's home all the time and he cooks, and cleans. God is so good." (Missouri)
"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will be established." Proverbs 19:21.
“The kids and I had not spoken to my husband in days. Friday night on our way to Bible study we saw my husband. I pulled in and he came out of the store to speak to the kids and me. I thank God for allowing us to see him for a moment." (Maryland)
"I called my husband to wish him a Happy Birthday. We had a great conversation. He told me how he's adopted new healthy habits. He will come for Christmas dinner with us. God is so good and the many years of waiting has resulted in our witnessing God's miracles in action. Praise the Lord and many thanks to the Steinkamps for their support, wisdom and guidance." (Arizona)
"The other woman left a message on my phone that she was putting my husband out and that he was all mine. I haven't heard from him, but I am fasting and praying today." (Louisiana)
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." I Corinthians 1:18
"I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you." Genesis 28:15
“My sister had twins last month. One of them was born with a birth defect and she and her husband where devastated. I continued to talk to them about the Gospel and the power of prayer and how we need to let God be God. I explained to her about salvation. She and her husband have prayed the sinner's prayer. I am praying that they stay in the ways of the Lord and not walk away.” (Tennessee)
"God answered prayer by allowing me to see my husband for the first time in months. It was a very peaceful time and it felt like we connected. To God be the Glory." (Pennsylvania)
"Yesterday was a glorious day. While at church, they passed an envelope for the pastor's Christmas gift. I placed all that was in my wallet, $2. That evening my daughter called from her dad's to ask if I would take them caroling with our church. Of course I was elated that he allowed them to call me. As I was putting on my coat, I reached in the pocket and there was $18. Not only is the Lord allowing me a chance to continue a family tradition, he provided me with funds for the upcoming week." (Pennsylvania)
“I want to praise Jesus for chipping away at my prodigal’s heart of stone. I now hear from him at least once a month and he comes to visit me, and even brings an occasional gift and he has told me he loves me. I’m fixing up the house, cleaning out the basement, getting ready for the restoration. Thanks to Bob and Charlyne for the spiritual guidance.” (Ohio)
"After months of being separated and being at the point of waiting for the judge’s decree in our divorce, my husband wants for us to be together. I was directed to Rejoice Marriage Ministries by God the night I was served with divorce papers. Even our pastor told me if my husband wants to leave the marriage there is nothing I could do. I thought that was so wrong. At that time I did not know what 'standing' was, yet, everything in me fought against those words. Then God led me to your ministries. I was desperate. I have been standing since then. We have been to counseling and are on our way to restoring our marriage. God is an awesome God." (Florida)
"My prodigal phoned me after months of no contact concerning forms. He usually would have just sent them in the mail. This was the day he received my letter letting him know that he is welcome home if or when he would ever want to return. The Holy Spirit must be touching his hardened heart." (Pennsylvania)
“I'm thankful that God doesn't take away the pain, but gives us the grace to go through. There was a time that I would rather have died then to have to continue to endured the pain, yet the Holy Spirit spoke to me and my prayer changed from 'I don't want to hurt any more' to 'help me to go through it all so I may help others.' My restoration is taking baby steps now, but it is moving forward. One believes when the pain is greatest that it will never end but the suffering does end and joy does come in the morning. I now look forward as I watch each step, totally and completely in awe of God and His Love and what He is doing.” (Missouri)
“Unfortunately, I was the prodigal and left my husband for another man. Six months later, the Lord was fighting for my soul and then one day, I received a mysterious promise from the Lord that He would restore my marriage. Since then I have broken all contact with the other man and have started standing for my marriage. My husband says he has moved on and is not interested, but I hold the Lord to His promise for restoration. Since my stand, the Lord is moving mightily in my life and changing me daily. I also pray daily for my husband's salvation. Your daily mails are an inspiration. Since I started standing, Satan has been on a full attack against me and your daily email seems to hit the nail on the head every time.” (South Africa)
"My husband and I have been restored for over two years. I cannot believe how much my husband loves me now. This must be God loving me through my husband, because I have never known this kind of love. This is such a testimony to me about how, when God does something, it is so much better than anything we try to make happen ourselves. I am so blessed." (Arizona)
"My husband and I both still attend the church we met at years ago. It is hard to attend the services. I wasn't going to Christmas Eve service until I read Millie's Christmas. My husband played the part of a son who had to forgive his prodigal father who abandoned their family. He sang a song about his eyes being opened and forgiveness and all he needed was love. Even if no one else in the world is touched by that message, God sent it just for my family." (Texas)
"My husband told me this week that he has been working a lot with his Dad, but that he doesn't do it anymore because he wants to or because his Dad asks him to. He is doing it because he has really started to enjoy working with his Dad. His Father left him and his Mom when he was a young child. My husband has never had a good or close relationship with him. God told me this is an answer to my prayer for healing in my husband's life and that his relationship with his Father has to be healed first before he can be the husband and father we need him to be. My husband also gave me one hundred dollars to put toward our son's tuition. This is the first money he has given me this year. Praise God." (Florida)
"After 16 years of "hanging on" and choosing not to divorce, even under the worst of circumstances, my husband is now on his death bed and only has a week or so to live. Two weeks ago he prayed to accept Christ as his Savior. Last week he prayed for ME! He told me I had been a good wife and we cried and hugged. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. At least I know that my husband will be with the Lord and I will see him again some day. I also know that my "standing" was not in vain. My boys have thanked me for holding on. Thank you so much for your ministry." (Oregon)
"On Sunday my spouse came to the house to tell me Happy Mother's Day. He told me that if God tells him to come back home, he will. He also told me that he still loved me. I am praying and standing strong that God will send him home." (Virginia)
"Toward the end of my prayer time the words to the song 'How Great Thou Art' began to flow through my mind. Then I went to check my email. The title of Charlyne Cares was 'How Great Thou Art.' I listened to the song online as I read your devotional. I found that you had included the words to the song. I thanked and praised my heavenly Father for speaking to me. He has confirmed my stand once again." (North Carolina)
"My husband's birthday was recently. I prayed a blessing over him that morning and I asked the Lord if he could make a way for me to see my husband to give him a birthday hug. He called my daughter and asked her to ask me to drop her off at his Mom's house. As I was about to drive away, my beautiful husband walked up. I gave him a birthday hug. To God be the glory." (New York)
"I was awakened in the middle of the night by a text message from my prodigal, who rarely communicates and lives in another city. He said he could not fall asleep without telling me that he loves me and hoped I was doing okay. I rejoiced to the Lord, who continues to do great things and reminded me through our one flesh covenant, I am in my prodigal’s heart as much as he is in mine, no matter how far he goes." (Texas)
"After months of waiting on my wife to decide to divorce or reconcile, one day after remembering my wedding vows, I put my ring back on. A few people have noticed and ask me why and I have explained that I have made a commitment for good or bad. This is not just a commitment to her but also to God. My wife and I had a talk and decided to start dating again. We are signed up to attend a marriage seminar at our church this weekend. I am not going to say that putting my ring back on magically made any of this happen but I believe that this a step in faith to God and through prayer He is now showing me the fruits of His work on her heart. She has mentioned how different I have become in a positive way. We are not back together yet but we have definitely taken a 180 degree turn. I write this to tell others, don't concern yourselves with what the world advises to do. Listen to God. God has also taught me that in a world filled with so much hate, selfishness, and violence to appreciate what He has given you: Your faith, family, and your friends." (Texas)
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