The Painful Reality of Waiting

This article deals with the painful reality of waiting for a spouse to come to an interest in the “things of God” —to embrace Jesus as Savior.

“But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

How confident I was that soon “all would be well with my house.” Little did I know that years would go by with little change. My husband was a good moral man. He loved his family and was deeply devoted. He loved and cared for his parents. Plus, he loved and respected his in-laws. And he was a hard worker, responsible, didn’t drink, smoke or chase women.

“What a great Christian he’ll make,” I thought. Sadly, he wasn’t interested in the “things of God.” He didn’t care to socialize with the “church crowd.” He attended church services occasionally, but never talked about God. What was I to do?

The Painful Reality of Waiting

Whatever you do, don’t be a modern day Jonah. Don’t try to run away from your God appointed mission. There will be direct conflict with “your will” over what to do. The prophet Jonah didn’t want to go to Nineveh for many reasons, but not of them was good enough for God. (Your reason won’t be either.)

You must have a genuine love for his soul because he is your husband and that is who will spend eternity with you. When Jonah had pity on the plant more than the inhabitants of Nineveh, God rebuked him. He said, “You have had pity on the plant for which you have not labored, nor made it grow. And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty-thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left?” (Jonah 4:10-11)

Likewise, with regards to your husband, have pity on his soul. Jesus died as much for him as for you. Pray that God will enlarge your gift of compassion towards him. Pray for a “burden for his soul.” And pray for God’s mercy. Someone cared about your soul enough to point you to Christ.

My husband had a “target on his back” and wasn’t aware that GOD had His arrow of LOVE “aimed right at the bulls eye!”

Drawing Life from God

John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He [she] who abides in Me, and I in [her] bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” God’s spirit draws your mate to Himself. Your spiritual fruit is what is visible when you are abiding in and drawing life from God.

Your husband will unknowingly be drawn “to the things of God in you.” He will be completely unaware of God’s sovereignty in all circumstances. Remember, your fruit of the spirit: “love, joy peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23) all serve to point your husband (unaware) to God. He will notice the difference. But he will not be able to pin-point when it happened or why. He might never visualize the change he sees. But he will notice.

Let’s not fool ourselves. We know we don’t live 24 hours a day with spiritual fruit hanging over us —come on. Nonetheless, let us strive to display fruit here and there to pique the lost to curiosity! Proverbs 31:25-27 says, “Strength and honor are her clothing. She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom. And on her tongue is the law of kindness. She watches over the ways of her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Let us strive to be godly women of worth.

Opening the Gate

Another eye-opener is how your obedience to God and His principles are the key to opening the “gate” for your mate into the kingdom of heaven. “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice…” (1 Samuel 15:22). God is not moved by your circumstances, crying, discomfort, whining, pity parties, anger or disappointment. He is, however, moved with compassion by your faith. He is moved by your faithfulness, and your devotion to Him. Your obedient prayers of faith and prayers of intercession for his soul please God.

Your husband lingers in the valley of decision (Joel 3:14). So his decision will be based, in part, on a perception of God and His place in your life. A Godly example is the better teacher. Keep praying for God to reveal Himself more and more to your husband in every area of life, work, leisure, provision, and activity.

There is so much more of the above article that is written in the inspirational book, Mission Possible Spiritual Covering that you would benefit from reading. (We hope you can find a way to obtain it.) It is written by D. L. McCarragher and published by Alabaster Box Publishing. You can read more of the writings God inspired Deborah to write by going to her web site at Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com.

In this book, McCarragher gives you insights the Lord has given her that has helped in her own spiritual journey in an unequally yoked marriage. Also, at the end of each chapter there are scriptures and in-depth questions to better help you in your own journey. We HIGHLY recommend you obtain this book and purchase extras to give to friends. This would also make a GREAT small group Bible study to participate in with other women in similar circumstances.

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