Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Control (01/30/06)
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TITLE: A Moment of Truth | Previous Challenge Entry
By Joyce Sykes
02/02/06 -
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Somewhat surprised at her question, I glanced up quickly. I rapidly breathed a silent prayer for the right words to share. So many times before, she had refused to talk to me about anything in depth. It had been hard to keep quiet when I saw so much turmoil in her life. For months I had interceded for the Lord to open her heart. Now I simply prayed “Lord, give me Your words of truth.”
“At times!” I knew my answer was short but felt that was all I was to say for now.
Sue looked at me for a long moment and finally took a deep breathe. “I just don’t know how much more I can handle. Tom is driving me crazy. His mood swings are terrible. One minute he seems fine and the next he is mad at me. It seems like everything I say and do is wrong.” She hastily wiped the corner of her eye as the footsteps of another customer passed nearby.
Still I feel the need to wait before replying.
“My marriage is not what I thought it would be. I was so sure my love would win him over to the Lord but now I am not so sure,” the last few words trailed off to a whisper.
“Sis,” I knew I would have to tread ever so lightly in my response. If she thought for a moment I had the attitude of, ‘I told you so’ she would simply walk out the door and I would lose this chance to share with her. As she raised her eyes to look into mine, I started again.
“I have known for a long time you weren’t happy, but did not feel I could say anything. In fact, I really didn’t know what to say, so I have simply been praying for you both.”
Sue dropped her eyes back down to the table top, “I know. I knew you could see right through me. I wanted to prove you wrong just so I could say, ‘See, I told you so!’ But your words about being unequally yoked just kept echoing in my head and my heart. I love Tom, but I really thought I could change him. What am I going to do?” Her chin began to tremble , more evidence she was having a hard time holding her self together.
“Sue, you are my sister and I love you dearly, but the truth of it all is the only one who can change any of this is the Lord. Have you prayed?”
“How can I pray? I knew better! The Lord will never take me back. I have married a man who wants no part of the Lord. How can I every turn back to Him now?”
“You are so wrong! He has promise to never leave nor forsake you. You need to acknowledge your sin before the Lord. He promises to forgive you if you repent.”
“But…”
“There’s no but to it! Simply repent! It still won’t be easy, but allow the Lord to deal with your rebellion; He will give you the wisdom and strength to deal with the situation at home. You have to trust Him no matter what. Give the Lord your marriage. You can’t fix it and neither can Tom, but the Lord can change you both. The Lord will help you be the godly wife He desires, as you seek Him with your whole heart. Allow Him to take control and let Him deal with Tom. You can not change Tom or anything about him, only the Lord can do that. Everyday, we can lift Tom and your marriage up to the Lord in prayer! Trust Him, Sis.” As I shared my heart, I continued to pray that the Lord would keep her open to His Spirit.
She nodded with a brief smile. As we talked just a bit more, I can see a glimmer of hope in her eyes.
Nine months later, the phone rings.
“Alison, Tom says he has seen a big change in me in the last few months. He is coming to church with me tomorrow! The Lord has answered our prayers,” Sue exclaimed excitedly.
I breathed a grateful “Thank you, Lord!” as I listen to her remaining conversation.
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