But the man who loves God is known by God.
1 Corinthians 8:3
I admit it, I have struggled with writing from this part of our book this week. to be honest, I don’t know what it’s like to be married to an unbeliever. But I do have a son who is unsaved and it breaks my heart. I suppose it is not on the level with my husband, but it is a heartbreaking situation. I also have other loved ones that are unsaved as well. There are women in our church that come every week without their unsaved husbands and as our women’s ministry head, I need to know how to relate and help them. I know God lead me to this ministry and to this book. As my friend tells me, God is stretching me!
The one thing that really struck me in this part of our chapter today was when Dineen says: Do I want my husband’s salvation more than I want Jesus? WOW!! That speaks volumes. I can apply it to anything in my life, not just my husband. Anytime we desire something, even if it is something we know God is ok with, if it is overtaking our thoughts and life, it is a barrier between us and the relationship we could be having with Him. Wanting our husbands to be saved and to be known by God is a good thing. But when did God step back, let us take over the reigns of our lives and give us permission to be Him? God is a gentleman and will not force himself on anyone.
I struggle with trying to play God in my son’s life. I try giving him books to read, pleading and fretting over his spiritual state. But I also try to do this with my husband too. If I think he is missing something God has given me, I try to spoon feed it to him, ( or shove it down his throat! ), When what God really wants me to do is to grow and learn and enjoy this thing He has given ME to draw closer to him. Let God take care of the rest-Husband, son, and other unsaved loved ones.
My greatest desire is to have ALL if my loved ones saved and on their way to heaven with me. But, honestly, I do want it in God’s timing, then it’s real. I have to know that God is working on them and He will orchestrate the exact right moment in time for them. He loves them so much more than I do. I want to be ready for that. For the time being I need to work on two things: to know God and be known by God-for me. I never stop praying for my son and he knows it. But as I grow and know God the more I reflect that, hopefully they see it and are drawn to it because they see God in me. That’s the only thing I can do. I need to let go of the control, NOT the desire, for the ones I love to come to the Lord. Otherwise, I am making that the forefront and an idol. (OUCH!) That’s wanting my loved ones salvation more than Jesus, and God won’t honor that.
Pg 76 Says: Amazingly, when we put God first in out lives our deepest needs are met. Oftentimes, the needs are ones we didn’t even know we had. and the beauty of it all? In God’s presence we are known from head to toe – our thoughts, our needs and even our dreams.
That says it all!!
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Lets Pray:
Father we know you Know us but we are desiring that our Husband s also be known by you. We also know you want that as well. Lord help us to step back and do your work as only you can do. we love you Lord and are willing to leave them to you. Let our greatest desire, the salvation of our loved ones, be your work and yours alone. Thank you God that you aren’t willing that any should perish either and that you have that right moment waiting for them. Guide us this day to do your will. Thank you for answered prayer. In Jesus name, Amen.Your Assignment:
Search your heart and look at those things, and people, that hold us back from letting go and letting God take over. Name them, if you can, and let us all pray for one another over it. We need each other, and we need to pray for one another; it is a strong bond in the Lord with our sisters in Christ. Let’s collectively reach out to God together and raise the roof of heaven with these desires and God will hear us. Where two or three are gathered in His name………
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About Donna Day
oh, donna…really good admonition!!! thanks! you wrote something that, in my own life, is my constant confession: "He loves them so much more than I do." having that TRUTH centered in my heart keeps me from trying to be in control. God is in control. (and that's that.) <3
Coleen I truly struggle with this too! And I have to remind myself all the time that God loves them more! Thank God He let's me repent and give it back!!
Great message Donna! We could never love our husband as much as God does, nor could we want his salvation as much as God does! <3
🙂 You got that right!
Donna, I, too, have to be zeroed back in to "He loves them so much more than I do." A song that helps me remember this is: "While He was on the cross, I was on His mind." I try to insert my loved one's name there, too. Wonderful job you did on this, even though you have your hubby with you.
Martha what song is that?? I'm trying to recall it. I owuld love to listen to it so I can do the same!! Thank you!
Donna, you can go to UTube and type in the title of it and it brings it up. (What I said in your blog is the title.) There are several people who sing it, but I love the one by John Starnes that was produced by Rob Parsons. It has the words and pictures that just blows me away.
Martha I just went and listened to it and it blessed me so much I posted it on my page!!! Thank you so much. Everyone should listen to it!!
Here is the song on YouTube, that you mentioned Martha.
Thanks Christi!!
thanks for sharing this Donna. I have two brothers who are unsaved. I know all I can do is pray for them and love them unconditionally. It is so hard giving up control, but when we finally do, that is when God has the control to work all things out for GOOD and for HIS GLORY! In the past year the Lord has placed several women along my path with sons who are not saved. I will add you and your son to the list I pray for!
Diane I so appreciate that! I will pray for yours as well!!God can do a miracle if we just step back and let him move! sometimes I just get too anxious for it tho and try to take over. Luckily their salvation doesn't hinge on us but on God! Thankfully!!!
Beautiful, Donna! I can certainly relate to this with other relationships in my life as well. Thanks also for sharing the song, Martha! I am going to post it on our facebook page 🙂
:)) By the way I love your name! Shandy is beautiful!!
Donna thank you for sharing your heart. My heart has been stirred on many levels…….I am now listening to the song "When He was on the cross…I was on His mind"…..boy can't tell you how much I needed to hear that tonight! Thank you…….
Lannette You are so welcome, It's only because of God that I am able to do this. And I also love the song!