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I am recenlty married six months ago. My husband is a great guy, but struggles like any other. When we first started dating, he was not walking with the Lord. He says he was saved when he was 18 at a church, he says he walked down the aisle and prayed with a pastor. He was not raised in a strong Christian home, but they are all good people and believe in God. When we met, his "in" with me was asking for my number so he could come to church with me. He has come to chruch with me every sunday, just about, since we've been togehter. I have made a huge mistake of making him feel like he needs to be a "super Christian" or at least on his way there to be with me or make me happy. He will pray with me on his way to work, at my request- he does a devotion here and there and will usually try to tell me about it, just to keep me happy- and he goes to chruch with me on Sundays, but I doubt he would go on his own. I do have to say that when our pastor at chruch presches (who he has really developed a decent relationship wtih), he is stirred and looks forward to talking to me about it when we get in the car. But, I feel as if he is doing this all for me now, and I don't know what I should do from here to make this about Who it should be about. I made the mistake of marrying a young believer who is not anywhere as intense about his walk as I am. I know God wants me to stay with him, and I am going to- but it gets discouraging and I get upset with myself for falling in love with him. I really do love him and I believe that God has us together for a reason, but this time of "discovery" is so discouraging. I have made him feel like he has to be perfect to be with me. I have caught him hiding little "sins" here and there, like chewing tabaco (he's a baseball player, guess thats what thye do?) and he just seems to shelter me in general from the world. He was very sorry for hiding the chewing issue- but did I just set myself up for failure? I don't know what to do? I try to encoruage him to grow, but he probablly sees it as me molding him into who he needs to be to be married to me. We are trying to get active in a small group, but our chruch doesnt have sunday school so we goto another church for sunday school sometimes. I know he needs male accountability and encouragment, but he works horrible hours and its hard for us to be involved in much consistenly. I will buy him books and remind him to do his devos and ask him to pray- but rarely does he to me. I'm very discouraged and would appreciate some Godly counsel.
Hi elizabethj~
Thanks for sharing your concerns about the differences in where you and your husband are spiritually. I know you're not the only couple to realize this after they got married (see a thread here and here). And, it can understandably present challenges to a relationship. But, on a positive note, it does seem like your husband wants to grow and does have a hunger for spiritual things. Although it may seem to wax and wane at times, it appears the Holy Spirit is working in his life.
However, I know in the meantime it can be hard for you to know how encourage him in his walk with the Lord. So, I thought you might be interested in looking over our article series on building spiritual intimacy in marriage located here. In particular, the section on "Helping Your Spouse Grow Spiritually" may be helpful.
Also, there's some great material out there for spouses in your shoes. I thought specifically of Lee Strobel's Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch and a recent broadcast we did that featured this book. Might be worth getting a hold of!
Well, I think you had some good thoughts about being involved in a small group and maybe looking into a mentor for your husband. However, I know finding the time for these can be challenging. So, I'll be praying that the Lord will bring someone into your husband's life to encourage him to continue to pursue God.
As far as you personally, you might want to consider talking with one of our counselors about your situation. I know they could give you some guidance in navigating this time in your marriage. Just something to keep in mind! Hang in there, elizabethj, and let us know how it's going, OK? Blessings!
Jessica
FOTF Moderator