...Hosea and 1 Corinthians 7:12+ spoke volumes to me.
I have to say that Hosea affected me greatly after I decided to stand. 1 Corinthians also played a role in continuing since I think my W is a believer. I know that the Lord has promised to go after His sheep and, while my primary focus is on her relationship with God, I believe that God will continue working on the both of us (and boy do I need work, lol).
Originally Posted By: Ilikemenow
But I have always said.....WHAT IF, all of those in this country and around the world would not give up and kept praying for they husband or wife to come back home .....the numbers would not be so staggering when it came to div.
Your entire post really got to me. So many truths and so very honest. I would like to add that I have met so many people that have long ago put away their spouses and most of them had stated that they felt the decision was right at the time but they wish it hadn't ended. I am talking in and out of the church conversations.
Originally Posted By: GolfGirl1
Just a different perspective...
And is quite welcome.
My mom left my father back in the late 80s. She didn't want to but my dad was one of those people that never learned and wasn't willing to take ownership. He passed away in 1998 alone, for the most part. All my mom wanted, was a man who would love her and show her kindness and respect. He missed out on so much because of his stubborness. Unfortunately, I don't think he was a believer at the time. I pray that he was.
Originally Posted By: Lorie1964
I think we all relate and listen to God in many ways, I too feel God asking me to have patience and to stand for my marriage. I believe He will restore my marriage, when I and H is ready. I too would not want to be in a R as H is now, and I believe my separation from H is God's telling me I would not have been strong enough to live with him during his MLC crisis, but I am strong enough to live without him until he comes out of the tunnel. I try everyday to live as though he is not coming back, because it allows me to live a life that glorifies God and all he has to offer. I don't need a man to live the life God has created for me, I only need God to do that and when God has made the changes in my H I too will be ready for that challenge.
Awesome, Lorie. Stay close to Him.
I am reading a really good book by Linda Rooks called "Broken Heart on Hold". I hope that Michelle and the forum admins are okay with my recommending a book. Linda went through a separation of 3 years and her world was really rocked (not many aren't). What she learned during that time brought her closer to God. It is written from a woman's pov but is ideal for anyone that is going through this. Linda considered this journey through the wilderness as a time to grow closer to God. I cannot encourage the book more strongly.
To everyone else, I am not negating your opinions at all. I am strongly encouraging those that have stopped standing but posting to others here, to be cautious in discouraging others from standing inadvertently. Almost all of the MLCers, WAS, etc are emotionally abusive to some extent. It is easy to encourage someone to "move on".
IMO, while Michele definitely discourages people from staying in a bad relationship where safety is an issue, she is focused on doing what is necessary to save marriages from divorce. A major focus on doing this is to help the LBS to focus on changing things about themself, regardless of the marital outcome, to help the individual leave behind "toxic" personality traits.
This is something that is scriptural as well. My focus is to become more of the man God intended for me to be from the start. I need these changes with or without my W. And He knows that.
