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| Image by stempow from Pixabay |
My husband has never attended church services. He’s had too many unpleasant experiences with organized faith during his long career in law enforcement, culminating when his late wife’s pastor came to his home asking for more money. The man drove a beautiful brand-new car, lived in a luxurious house on a hillside outside of town, and wore expensive suits. At the time, my husband struggled to pay for his family’s necessities.
When my husband and I were dating, I worried about pursuing
a relationship with someone who might not support my faith. Through a strange
encounter. (See: ) I was told to read
1 Peter 3:1. It would answer my question.
“In like manner also
let wives be subject to their husbands: that if any believe not the word, they
may be won without the word, by the conversation of the wives.”
A few months after we met, we had a long discussion
regarding my faith. Although he refused to attend services, he vowed to support
my faith, always. He’s never gone back on that promise, even going as far as driving
me to and from services after my surgeries.
My husband admitted he believes in God and prays. Every
Sunday he asks for a recap of the sermons, but still refused to attend.
To my surprise, he announced he wanted to go with me to church
last Sunday. He gets lonely when I’m gone that long. (Forty-minute drive to and
from church and then, of course, the service.)
I was just happy he wanted to go. Unfortunately, that Sunday’s
sermon was on the Biblical principal of tithing. I don’t need to explain his
reaction.
The next day, he brought up the subject of the sermon. He
had gone with an open mind and left with a closed one. However, to my surprise,
he wants to go again, but only as my escort. (His words). I’m touched, and I
know God will use it for His purpose. So, I leave it in His hands.
In my devotions the next day was this blessing in Numbers
6:24–26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you
and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
Peace. Peace about our world, our country, my church, my
family, and my husband’s reasons for attending Sunday services.
Thank you, Lord, again, for your patience and
encouragement. I can’t do this thing called life without you. Amen.
