by Britney Hamm
How do the truths of the gospel shape our response as wives to our husband’s spiritual struggles?
In a previous post I wrote about this topic I shared these three truths:
1) God alone can save your husband.
2) God is the one who sanctifies those whom he saves.
3) God is the one who guards his children against the evil one.
Here is one more encouraging truth to cling to in midst of your husband’s spiritual struggles…
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Even when we might think that God’s sanctifying work is on hold, God’s word says otherwise.
God is constantly working everything together for the good of his children. He works all things together for their good. It doesn’t say that all things are good.
He takes the bad. He takes the ugly. He takes the unspeakable. And he redeems them and works them together for good.
What good? Material gain? Earthly happiness? Self-actualization?
The good God has in mind is his glory and the sanctification of his children. Those two things are “according to his purpose.”
Because God’s purposes cannot be thwarted, we can be assured that God is still working in and through your husband. Even when it’s not the earthly “good” you think it should be.
Periods of spiritual struggle will serve to grow your husband in Christ and bring glory to God, because that is his purpose.
Take heart.
Related Links:
- David Murray’s excellent book Christians Get Depressed Too
ABOUT THE WRITER
Britney lives in Missouri with her campus missionary husband, Travis, and their blue-eyed baby Ambrielle. Brit is a former dancer who had horse jockey aspirations and played street hockey. Her well-rounded interests also include theology, chocolate, disciple-making and ballroom dancing. But her favorite thing to talk about is how God breaks into our lives with His grace.
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Phil. 1:6 and 2:13 come to mind as well, Britney. God works in and through his people for his purposes and for their good. It’s amazing but true, even when we don’t see it happening.
Tim