Today’s message is from Bob, who was a prodigal who returned home and was remarried to me for an additional 23 years before the Lord took him home to Heaven. Bob wrote 19 books from the prodigal’s perspective for more than two decades after our divorce and remarriage. – Charlyne
I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2
Despite your spouse being home, there may come a day when they leave the marriage. They may physically move out of the home or emotionally leave the relationship. You have sought the will of God regarding what you should do. God has given you a word of assurance that you are to take a stand again, trusting Him for your marriage to be healed. You’ve started to draw closer to the Lord, allowing Him to be your spouse for this season. You have a closeness with God that you experienced the first time you stood for your marriage. Through all the hurt, you have hope.
Then suddenly, when you least expect it, you’re hit by opposition. The enemy sends someone along to remind you how dark the circumstances appear. They feel they need to remind you of something such as, “He’ll never change,”; “She has her own free will,”; “You’ve tried to make it work before,”; “God doesn’t want you miserable,”; He has someone better for you.” The closer you are to the discourager, the greater the hurt.
The child who has seen and heard so much doesn’t want you to be hurt. A pastor who easily preaches the unconditional love of God for each of us can’t understand your unconditional love for a covenant spouse. Friends turn away when we don’t follow their harmful advice.
Where do you turn? We suggest you turn back to Jesus. The One who led you to stand for your marriage will continue to hold and support you until your marriage is completely healed. When those darts of opposition come, look up to your Heavenly Father for help instead of looking around. God is a majority, so there’s no need to survey everyone around. Your critics will be speechless the day they see your marriage fully restored. Future generations of your family might be spared divorce because of your stand. Don’t give up on what God has called you to do, even when a false start happens.
We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9
God bless,
