I just told a friend that I wasn’t sure what God was doing - blogging here isn’t reaching people like it used to. I haven’t posted as much, but that was because of my crazy work schedule. I told this friend that maybe my niche was actually too small. After all, statistically, half of marriages end in divorce, and most people certainly don’t stay in a marriage that has significant issues, let alone biblical reasons to divorce.
That was less than 48 hours ago.
Today I received 3 emails from women at various stages of working through issues, on their way to redemption.
Today I heard fresh hurt, broken hearts, questions - wondering why? and why would God let this happen?
Click this link to fill out the short form for the Facebook group.
I have first hand experience in all of this. I started this blog to encourage others who are searching for redemption in their marriage. So, selfishly, I couldn’t figure out why it’s been so quiet here. Today I realized that it’s quiet here when God is working in other ways - and ultimately, that’s the main purpose here: His glory, His will.
But when I start hearing from people, I know they’re here for a reason. They’re here because of those questions, those hurts. And I fully understand.
It’s one thing to have pain - to lose a loved one, to say good-bye to a dear friend moving away, to feel the hurt from the wound of a friend.
But how do you survive the betrayal of a spouse?
There is no “right way”; there is no prescribed method (though that would make it so much easier).
If you choose to stay with your spouse, then God is going to work in your marriage in the way that He needs to - for the good of both of you.
4 PROMISES FOR A BROKEN HEART:
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High
Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
-Psalm 91:1
Friend, if you are hurting today - whether from a fresh wound or just a fresh wave of grief, take some time to abide in Jesus’ presence.
Never will I leave you;
never will I forsake you.
-Hebrews 13:5b
I know how it feels to watch the world walk out - most of your support system just…gone! They can’t believe what’s happened, but they also can’t believe you’re staying.
…But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.
-Proverbs 18:24
You’ll need that friend - the closer-than-a-brother, understands-your-heart kind of friend.
For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
-Psalm 139:13
That friend from Proverbs 18:24, the one who sticks closer than a brother, He knows your heart. He created your heart and gave you the emotions you feel. He knows the inner-workings of what makes you who you are. And He’s never going to leave you or forsake you.
If you find yourself in need of these promises today, if your heart is broken, hold tight to these promises.
Over the next few days, I’ll be posting more support and encouragement for those of us who know and understand a broken heart.
If you’re looking for some tangible encouragement, these are a few products that have been a tremendous blessing to me. (Click the image for more information.)
This calendar (or any similar calendar) is beneficial because it gives a promise a day. Books can be a little overwhelming to read when your heart is heavy, but this offers a verse to encourage your heart.
While I don’t have this exact mug, I have several favorite mugs. Whether it’s my morning coffee, or a cup of tea through the day, the sayings or images on the mugs remind me to slow down and rest in Jesus.
Throw blankets have become one of my very favorite possessions. On a cool evening, it’s nice to be snuggled under another layer of warmth and security.
I hope you’re able to find some peace among these promises of God. The tangible “extras” are just that - extra. Sometimes it helps, even as adults, to have our security objects in the face of a troubled situation.
Please know that I’m praying for you - for us - for redemption.
I’ll be writing some new posts so be watching for those. If you’ve signed up to get the posts delivered to your Inbox, you’ll have them as soon as the post goes live. (You can use the bar at the top of the page or the pop-up box that comes up to sign up for the emails.)
In the meantime, check these posts for more encouragement for a struggling marriage.
Sharing at Grace & Truth
Dear Rebekah,
There’s a tenderness to this post that ministered God’s love to my heart. I’m sure others will be encouraged as well. Thank-you for writing these life-giving words!
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Thank you for writing this. I wrote the promises down and hope that as I read them, my heart will begin to heal, knowing that I can always trust Him.
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Thank you for such needed encouraging words. Theyve Given me hope and strength to keep believing.
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Your post spoke to me in another way. A few moments ago I was thinking “why am I bothering to write” on my blog. Then I read your words - today I realized that it’s quiet here when God is working in other ways. God has spoken to me in my need. I only have to trust him.
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I sooooooooooo needed this, enough to read it again! Thank you!
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He has been living with a woman for 7 months. I was the fool and followed Ex14:14….be still and I will fight for you. Well….now that I know he is terribly excited and expects me to just roll over and let him go. I have been living alone, no money, no car, no job, recovering from brain surger, (when he sent me away) and nobody prays. My name is Luana and means graceful woman warrior. I am tired. I need prayer.
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