I was out to prove that this thing called a “stand” for a restored marriage that my wife was involved in was a hoax. I saw and heard a woman who was so different from the woman I had walked out on, and I was positive this was all simply a front. No person could possibly have changed that much in only a few months. My goal was to keep pushing her buttons until the “old Charlyne” surfaced once again. Then I would be freed, or so I thought, by declaring, “You haven’t changed. I’m marrying the other woman!”
You know what? Charlyne could not be moved no matter what button I pushed, be it a late child support check, children visitation issues, or matters involving the other person. She always reacted to me in every matter with the unconditional and forgiving love of our Lord Jesus Christ. The “buttons” I was attempting to push had been deactivated. Each time this would happen, I would think, “Maybe this is real.” On July 7, 1987, when we suddenly remarried, I decided, “This is real! My wife is a different person.” Little did I know that yours truly was about to be the next person God would change in answer to her prayers.
I do not know a thing about standing for marriage restoration, except what God has allowed me to witness in these past many years of ministry. I have never done it myself. I do not know how people do it, except that it is Christ in them. I admire you for standing, and on behalf of your prodigal spouse.
Charlyne’s sole desire was to live each day as Jesus would, becoming more like Him in every way. She took her directions and suggestions from Him alone. Her goal today is simply to teach you to be like Jesus.
The greatest day on this earth for us will be the day that every person reading this decides to be like Jesus in word, thought, and deed. That will be the day the buttons your prodigal spouse is determined to push will all lock up. My prayer is that is when they realize that God has given them the spouse they desire, waiting right at home!
To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble but bring low those whose eyes are haughty. You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. With your help I can advance against a troop; with my God I can scale a wall. As for God, his way is perfect; the Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him. Psalm 18:25–30
Because He lives,
Thank you for Bob’s perspective! Father help us listen to Your instructions and be transformed like Jesus everyday.
Only One Worthy
Jesus
Lamb of God
The Only One
Worthy
Savior
From cross to grave
Love made a way
Worthy
https://youtu.be/3zFJHzNIuh0
Good morning. It warms my heart when I hear about the standers standing no matter what they see or hear in the natural. God is working on our behalf and all we have to do is continue to stand in His grace. Not only are we standing for our marriages but we are also standing for the souls of our loved ones. God is great, all the time and He will do it! Amen!
-Have I not commanded you, be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, The Lord your God will be with you wherever you go-Joshua 1:9
-Be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord-1 Corinthians 15:58
And the Standers all said, “Yes, and Amen!”