Need encouragement. Married to unbeliever

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Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
19,191
6,607
113
62
#21
Thank You all for your replies and prayers

I really want fellowship and to be involved in the Church more but at this time I can only go twice a month.

I want to keep the peace so I am submitting to his wishes. am I obeying man over the Lord? I still don’t know.

I tried talking to a Christian friend and he found out and was very angry that I was talking about our personal issues with her.

it’s hard to ask for prayers when I can’t talk about my situation to anyone for fear he will find out and things will blow up again

I do pray that God helps me love him like I should. To focus on his many good qualities. It’s just hard loving someone who rejects Christ and thinks the Bible is all brainwashing. When you’re told being born again is a like a cult and I must of been going through postpartum or too bored in life as a stay at home mom to be interested in reading the Bible. When he tells my family and his that I’m a Christian fanatic or extremist and I’m brainwashing our kids with Christianity.

I know in my heart I pray for his salvation just because I want him to be the spiritual leader of the household and for us to disciple our children together. It would be so much easier.
I want my boys to know the Lord and for them to be saved. It’s already so hard for Christian families to raise children these days with such an anti Christian culture.
I should pray for him not for my life to be easier but that I actually care for his salvation.
I agree that is my sin. My heart is not where it should be.

According to 1 Peter 3 1-6
I am to submit to my husband but not be lead into sin
So when we sit for dinner and I can’t pray out loud with the kids but only in my head, is that a sin?
Or that he doesn’t want me to attend Bible study at church and I don’t go to obey him

And only going to church twice a month..

All of these restrictions make me feel I’m compromising in my faith.
Paul says he was a prisoner of the Lord. Did Jesus physically put him in jail? Of course not. But Paul knew he was there because it suited the Lord's purposes. So, too, does it suit God's purposes that you are in a difficult marriage though Jesus Himself didn't twist anyone's arm to get married. God has you where you are because it pleases Him.
It might help to see yourself submitting to Him by submitting to your husband. In this way, you are both glorifying to God and enjoy obedience.
 
F

FollowingtheWay

Guest
#22
Thank You all for your replies and prayers

I really want fellowship and to be involved in the Church more but at this time I can only go twice a month.

I want to keep the peace so I am submitting to his wishes. am I obeying man over the Lord? I still don’t know.

I tried talking to a Christian friend and he found out and was very angry that I was talking about our personal issues with her.

it’s hard to ask for prayers when I can’t talk about my situation to anyone for fear he will find out and things will blow up again

I do pray that God helps me love him like I should. To focus on his many good qualities. It’s just hard loving someone who rejects Christ and thinks the Bible is all brainwashing. When you’re told being born again is a like a cult and I must of been going through postpartum or too bored in life as a stay at home mom to be interested in reading the Bible. When he tells my family and his that I’m a Christian fanatic or extremist and I’m brainwashing our kids with Christianity.

I know in my heart I pray for his salvation just because I want him to be the spiritual leader of the household and for us to disciple our children together. It would be so much easier.
I want my boys to know the Lord and for them to be saved. It’s already so hard for Christian families to raise children these days with such an anti Christian culture.
I should pray for him not for my life to be easier but that I actually care for his salvation.
I agree that is my sin. My heart is not where it should be.

According to 1 Peter 3 1-6
I am to submit to my husband but not be lead into sin
So when we sit for dinner and I can’t pray out loud with the kids but only in my head, is that a sin?
Or that he doesn’t want me to attend Bible study at church and I don’t go to obey him

And only going to church twice a month..

All of these restrictions make me feel I’m compromising in my faith.
He may not let you go to church but would he allow church teaching to come to you through a screen in the meantime?

https://www.bible.com/app
They have some pretty solid teaching free of cost. The verse of the day makes it into my morning devotionals I do.
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#23
Paul says he was a prisoner of the Lord. Did Jesus physically put him in jail? Of course not. But Paul knew he was there because it suited the Lord's purposes. So, too, does it suit God's purposes that you are in a difficult marriage though Jesus Himself didn't twist anyone's arm to get married. God has you where you are because it pleases Him.
It might help to see yourself submitting to Him by submitting to your husband. In this way, you are both glorifying to God and enjoy obedience.
thank you
Yes that’s very true. God chose this timing for His purposes and according to his Will
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#24
He may not let you go to church but would he allow church teaching to come to you through a screen in the meantime?

https://www.bible.com/app
They have some pretty solid teaching free of cost. The verse of the day makes it into my morning devotionals I do.
Yes I can but not when he’s around me. Like o can’t sit infront of him reading my Bible or listening to anything online.

😊 Bible.com app is also the first thing I look at on the morning and the verse of the day starts my morning prayer as well. That’s funny!

Vernon McGee thru the Bible and Steve Gregg audio teachings have been a huge blessing for my spiritual growth.
I watch sermons online from a few Churches in my area that are true to the Word

I guess it could always be worse
If my husband forbid me to read the Bible I don’t think I could handle that.
 

Karlon

Well-known member
Mar 8, 2023
2,603
1,173
113
#25
Thank You all for your replies and prayers

I really want fellowship and to be involved in the Church more but at this time I can only go twice a month.

I want to keep the peace so I am submitting to his wishes. am I obeying man over the Lord? I still don’t know.

I tried talking to a Christian friend and he found out and was very angry that I was talking about our personal issues with her.

it’s hard to ask for prayers when I can’t talk about my situation to anyone for fear he will find out and things will blow up again

I do pray that God helps me love him like I should. To focus on his many good qualities. It’s just hard loving someone who rejects Christ and thinks the Bible is all brainwashing. When you’re told being born again is a like a cult and I must of been going through postpartum or too bored in life as a stay at home mom to be interested in reading the Bible. When he tells my family and his that I’m a Christian fanatic or extremist and I’m brainwashing our kids with Christianity.

I know in my heart I pray for his salvation just because I want him to be the spiritual leader of the household and for us to disciple our children together. It would be so much easier.
I want my boys to know the Lord and for them to be saved. It’s already so hard for Christian families to raise children these days with such an anti Christian culture.
I should pray for him not for my life to be easier but that I actually care for his salvation.
I agree that is my sin. My heart is not where it should be.

According to 1 Peter 3 1-6
I am to submit to my husband but not be lead into sin
So when we sit for dinner and I can’t pray out loud with the kids but only in my head, is that a sin?
Or that he doesn’t want me to attend Bible study at church and I don’t go to obey him

And only going to church twice a month..

All of these restrictions make me feel I’m compromising in my faith.
when his wishes are ungodly, you are putting man over God. no, not a sin praying in your mind. is it possible to establish a "temporary move out" to regroup in spirit & mind? in situations so immensely tense as this, pain develops in your heart, mind, body & soul that hasn't surfaced yet but will explode later in life. how about family members & a pastor to assist? my wife & i will pray for you! all your CC friends love you AbidingInHim!
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,785
2,068
113
#26
You are truly in a difficult position. My grandmother found herself in the same situation. She had been twice married when she became a Christian, on her third marriage. He husband was an alcoholic. I use to think my grandmother was some sort of saint because of what she endured. But as an adult I understand she lived some very lonely and difficult times. She was able to hold on, and her husband stopped the drinking and became saved before he passed on. Now she did have someone to rely on because my father and mother were both saved. I know that was a great help to her. But God used a rather odd way to help reach her husband, myself and my sister.I hardly recall it, we were so young. But both of us would "preach" to him. I don't think he liked at first but then he thought it was funny. So he would get us started and found it entertaining because we were so young. But he was receiving the Word and didn't know it. My mother told me I started, as the eldest, and then my sister started on him. It wasn't long before his heart began to soften. He wouldn't go in to a service, but he would sit in his car if there was an outdoor service ( churches need to understand how important these are) and listen, or go to the Christian camp and sit in his car and listen. The next thing he was watching on tv. Before he died he gave his heart to the Lord and he and my father were able to heal their relationship. As a young man my father had hated him, but in the end they became as close as a real father and son.

Now I'm not saying this happened overnight, without prayer and fasting, and a lot of tears. I know my grandmother went through hell for many years and wanted to give up. And I'm not saying to use your kids to preach to your husband, that was a God thing. But would your husband go to church if there was a musical group there? Would he go if the children where in a play? An open air service? Little things like that where there is no pressure on them. Have you ever watched the movie "War Room"? It's a Christian movie of how a woman takes to her prayer closet to save her marriage. Try to think of small ways you can expose him to the truth without exposing him to the truth.

Lastly, try to understand if he had been the one that had gotten saved, how would you have reacted? Maybe you would have taken it better than him, maybe not. But try not to be burdened with what he won't let you do. Think of it as what his SPIRIT won't let you do. It isn't really your husband, it's the spirit in him fighting to keep him bound, no matter how free he might wish to be. God may have to bring him to a hard place. Try not to take offense and just down deep say "devil you can try, but you are not getting my family!" See your real enemy and put on the armor of God and fight!! This is 100% spiritual. If you take the focus off him and put it straight on your enemy, that might be a big help. Don't give in, don't give up. Hold fast and stand in the gap for your family. I believe God will give you the desires of your heart. Blessings sister.
 

EternalFire

Well-known member
Jan 3, 2019
659
352
63
#27
Hi everyone
Being married to an unbelieving spouse is so hard. We were both unsaved when married. We had a form or religion but not a saving faith. Now that I’m a born again believer everything has been a struggle. My husband calls me a Bible thumper or an extremist because I’m on fire for the Lord. It’s like he’s holding me spiritually captive. I feel like I’m being shoved into a box and that fire I have is going to turn into a bomb.
I can only go to church with the kids twice a month. And I can’t go to any Bible study groups or basically be involved in the church.

My kids go to a Christian school and I can talk to them about Jesus but that’s all he’s willing to give right now.
(He thinks I’m brainwashing the children)

I want to have fellowship with other believers and going to church twice a month is not enough.

If I challenge him and do whatever I want he will make it difficult for me. He will tell the children Jesus is not real and potentially take them out of christian school.

I want to be angry and hate him because of how I feel. It’s so hard to love those who persecute you.
I pray everyday the Lord gives me strength to love him. He needs Jesus… I fantasize of him being saved and being the spiritual Leader of the household and discipling our children together.

I can’t abandon my marriage because I don’t have grounds for divorce. That would only make things worse for my children. There’s nothing I want more for my children than their salvation.

Please pray for my situation
Your situation is certainly very difficult.

Thankfully, though, there are many resources available to help people in your circumstances.

Below is a link to a site for those who are married to a non-believing spouse.

May God bless you as you obey His Son.

https://www.spirituallyunequalmarriage.com/my_weblog/significant-resources.html
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
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#28
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#29
You are truly in a difficult position. My grandmother found herself in the same situation. She had been twice married when she became a Christian, on her third marriage. He husband was an alcoholic. I use to think my grandmother was some sort of saint because of what she endured. But as an adult I understand she lived some very lonely and difficult times. She was able to hold on, and her husband stopped the drinking and became saved before he passed on. Now she did have someone to rely on because my father and mother were both saved. I know that was a great help to her. But God used a rather odd way to help reach her husband, myself and my sister.I hardly recall it, we were so young. But both of us would "preach" to him. I don't think he liked at first but then he thought it was funny. So he would get us started and found it entertaining because we were so young. But he was receiving the Word and didn't know it. My mother told me I started, as the eldest, and then my sister started on him. It wasn't long before his heart began to soften. He wouldn't go in to a service, but he would sit in his car if there was an outdoor service ( churches need to understand how important these are) and listen, or go to the Christian camp and sit in his car and listen. The next thing he was watching on tv. Before he died he gave his heart to the Lord and he and my father were able to heal their relationship. As a young man my father had hated him, but in the end they became as close as a real father and son.

Now I'm not saying this happened overnight, without prayer and fasting, and a lot of tears. I know my grandmother went through hell for many years and wanted to give up. And I'm not saying to use your kids to preach to your husband, that was a God thing. But would your husband go to church if there was a musical group there? Would he go if the children where in a play? An open air service? Little things like that where there is no pressure on them. Have you ever watched the movie "War Room"? It's a Christian movie of how a woman takes to her prayer closet to save her marriage. Try to think of small ways you can expose him to the truth without exposing him to the truth.

Lastly, try to understand if he had been the one that had gotten saved, how would you have reacted? Maybe you would have taken it better than him, maybe not. But try not to be burdened with what he won't let you do. Think of it as what his SPIRIT won't let you do. It isn't really your husband, it's the spirit in him fighting to keep him bound, no matter how free he might wish to be. God may have to bring him to a hard place. Try not to take offense and just down deep say "devil you can try, but you are not getting my family!" See your real enemy and put on the armor of God and fight!! This is 100% spiritual. If you take the focus off him and put it straight on your enemy, that might be a big help. Don't give in, don't give up. Hold fast and stand in the gap for your family. I believe God will give you the desires of your heart. Blessings sister.
Wow I so appreciate you sharing this story!
I will take it to heart and remember the fight is against the enemy and not my husband. I appreciate the support and prayers, truly.
I will “fight” on my knees in prayer.
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#30
when his wishes are ungodly, you are putting man over God. no, not a sin praying in your mind. is it possible to establish a "temporary move out" to regroup in spirit & mind? in situations so immensely tense as this, pain develops in your heart, mind, body & soul that hasn't surfaced yet but will explode later in life. how about family members & a pastor to assist? my wife & i will pray for you! all your CC friends love you AbidingInHim!
Thank you for your prayers
yes my flesh wants me to leave and to just have that freedom to serve the Lord however I want.
If I moved out it would only create a very unhealthy environment for my children in many ways.
If things stay as they are the kids can stay in Christian school, go to church occasionally and I can disciple them best as I can when he’s not around.

I want to keep the peace but my dilemma was this feeling that I am compromising on my faith because I can’t be more involved in the church and I can’t bring anything around him that has to do with Christianity.

I am confused where the line is when I’m obeying man over the Lord
and when I’m supposed to submit to my husband and when I could be lead into sin
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#31
You are truly in a difficult position. My grandmother found herself in the same situation. She had been twice married when she became a Christian, on her third marriage. He husband was an alcoholic. I use to think my grandmother was some sort of saint because of what she endured. But as an adult I understand she lived some very lonely and difficult times. She was able to hold on, and her husband stopped the drinking and became saved before he passed on. Now she did have someone to rely on because my father and mother were both saved. I know that was a great help to her. But God used a rather odd way to help reach her husband, myself and my sister.I hardly recall it, we were so young. But both of us would "preach" to him. I don't think he liked at first but then he thought it was funny. So he would get us started and found it entertaining because we were so young. But he was receiving the Word and didn't know it. My mother told me I started, as the eldest, and then my sister started on him. It wasn't long before his heart began to soften. He wouldn't go in to a service, but he would sit in his car if there was an outdoor service ( churches need to understand how important these are) and listen, or go to the Christian camp and sit in his car and listen. The next thing he was watching on tv. Before he died he gave his heart to the Lord and he and my father were able to heal their relationship. As a young man my father had hated him, but in the end they became as close as a real father and son.

Now I'm not saying this happened overnight, without prayer and fasting, and a lot of tears. I know my grandmother went through hell for many years and wanted to give up. And I'm not saying to use your kids to preach to your husband, that was a God thing. But would your husband go to church if there was a musical group there? Would he go if the children where in a play? An open air service? Little things like that where there is no pressure on them. Have you ever watched the movie "War Room"? It's a Christian movie of how a woman takes to her prayer closet to save her marriage. Try to think of small ways you can expose him to the truth without exposing him to the truth.

Lastly, try to understand if he had been the one that had gotten saved, how would you have reacted? Maybe you would have taken it better than him, maybe not. But try not to be burdened with what he won't let you do. Think of it as what his SPIRIT won't let you do. It isn't really your husband, it's the spirit in him fighting to keep him bound, no matter how free he might wish to be. God may have to bring him to a hard place. Try not to take offense and just down deep say "devil you can try, but you are not getting my family!" See your real enemy and put on the armor of God and fight!! This is 100% spiritual. If you take the focus off him and put it straight on your enemy, that might be a big help. Don't give in, don't give up. Hold fast and stand in the gap for your family. I believe God will give you the desires of your heart. Blessings sister.
Also I’ll check out that movie war room
thanks!
 

ThereRoseaLamb

Well-known member
Jan 17, 2023
4,785
2,068
113
#32
Also I’ll check out that movie war room
thanks!
You won't be sorry. I'm not one that cries over movies, but I did during this one. It has a powerful message for any marriage, but especially those going through rough patches.
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#33
You won't be sorry. I'm not one that cries over movies, but I did during this one. It has a powerful message for any marriage, but especially those going through rough patches.
looks like it’s from the same directors of the movie courageous … another recommendation from a member on this post. Thanks!
😊
 

justahumanbeing

Well-known member
Mar 25, 2020
466
257
63
#34
Hi everyone
Being married to an unbelieving spouse is so hard. We were both unsaved when married. We had a form or religion but not a saving faith. Now that I’m a born again believer everything has been a struggle. My husband calls me a Bible thumper or an extremist because I’m on fire for the Lord. It’s like he’s holding me spiritually captive. I feel like I’m being shoved into a box and that fire I have is going to turn into a bomb.
I can only go to church with the kids twice a month. And I can’t go to any Bible study groups or basically be involved in the church.

My kids go to a Christian school and I can talk to them about Jesus but that’s all he’s willing to give right now.
(He thinks I’m brainwashing the children)

I want to have fellowship with other believers and going to church twice a month is not enough.

If I challenge him and do whatever I want he will make it difficult for me. He will tell the children Jesus is not real and potentially take them out of christian school.

I want to be angry and hate him because of how I feel. It’s so hard to love those who persecute you.
I pray everyday the Lord gives me strength to love him. He needs Jesus… I fantasize of him being saved and being the spiritual Leader of the household and discipling our children together.

I can’t abandon my marriage because I don’t have grounds for divorce. That would only make things worse for my children. There’s nothing I want more for my children than their salvation.

Please pray for my situation
Your belief is yours. Feel free to go for worship, Bible study and keep believing in our Lord. Nothing more wonderful than that.

Don't give up on your husband. You both may not see eye to eye because he believes differently. It's okay. He's your husband so you can get through to him in so many other ways to make up for the things you don't agree on.

I wish you both all the best. God bless you and your family.
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#35
I will be praying for you.

You cannot force him to convert but you have a unique place and position of influence to reach this man where no one else has been able to reach at this point. You cannot go above him but you can call forth his masculinity in appropriate ways. Kinda sounds like he thinks he’s a tough guy, which he’s probably using that façade to hide how hurt, scared and broken he is inside. This is just a Holy Spirit prompting but Does he like to watch crime shows or action movies?
I just want to thank you for this comment/suggestion
when I first read your comment I thought “pfft yeah he will never..”

But by Gods grace my husband has been watching many Christian movies and shows with me. It’s such a positive step and every movie exposes him a little more to the gospel.

Thank you 😊
 

YWPMI

Active member
Mar 31, 2021
267
144
43
72
Midwest, USA
www.YWPMI.com
#36
But by Gods grace my husband has been watching many Christian movies and shows with me. It’s such a positive step and every movie exposes him a little more to the gospel.

Thank you 😊
Hi. For one, Welcome. Secondly, maybe invite your hubby to watch The Chosen with you (on Angel.com). (just click start watching) Mine did and has a closer understanding now even though he is already a believer. It's a beautiful 3 series show.

Season 4 is supposed to come out this year... they are hoping... with the war in Israel and the middle east going on... and one of the main actors, Shahar Isaac is a soldier there we are all in prayer for him.
 

Shepherd

Active member
May 11, 2022
248
82
28
#37
1 Peter 3: 1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 2While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.

"Conversation" is your manner of life. Don't fuss, don't nag, don't argue,. "Subject" and "submit" yourself to him. Constantly show him compassion, courtesy, and love. All you can do is your part. That's how to win him.
 

BillyBob

Active member
Dec 20, 2023
404
173
43
Texas
#38
Everyone has a different opinion of what a church should be! I hope that the church that you attend is teaching sound doctrine without all the added “feel good” activities that have crept into many churches of today! You need a church that teaches both the fact that we are all sinners, while at the same time teaching that Christ is our only hope.

If so, then I would like for you to hear how my wife and I overcame a similar situation!

We were also married as non-believers, but somewhere along our path an event took place which caused my wife to turn to God. At that point we became unequally yoked! My wife began to go to church and even study with a more spiritual lady to help her learn. As for me, I did not in anyway try to prevent this, but had no interest in this path for myself.

Time marched on and I eventually began going to church to support my wife. I still had no desire for myself. However, God has his own plans! You see, faith comes by hearing, and how can you hear unless you are taught.

God has a special message for every sinner. In my case, I believed there was no hope for me. I could never be forgiven for all the things that I had done. But then I heard a message that proclaimed, “Is there any person who is beyond saving, if indeed the axe-head floats?”.

That simple message changed my life. There is also a message for your husband, but he must be made to hear it!

Get your husband into church! Ask him to do it as support for you. It will have a positive impact on your marriage and may change his life forever.
 

BillyBob

Active member
Dec 20, 2023
404
173
43
Texas
#39
I understand, but what I am saying to you is that you more than likely do have the freedom you are seeking legally. If so, then he is literally committing a criminal act against you and your children. Personally, I would check the laws in your area. If you do have the legal rights which I am suggesting that you probably have, then too bad if it does not go over well with him. He is not above the law.
And you call yourself SeekingthemindofChrist? Ha!

You are advising someone who professes to be a Christian to beat their spouse over the head in a legal battle. You should get your act together before advising others. IMHO!
 
Mar 11, 2023
65
28
18
#40
Everyone has a different opinion of what a church should be! I hope that the church that you attend is teaching sound doctrine without all the added “feel good” activities that have crept into many churches of today! You need a church that teaches both the fact that we are all sinners, while at the same time teaching that Christ is our only hope.

If so, then I would like for you to hear how my wife and I overcame a similar situation!

We were also married as non-believers, but somewhere along our path an event took place which caused my wife to turn to God. At that point we became unequally yoked! My wife began to go to church and even study with a more spiritual lady to help her learn. As for me, I did not in anyway try to prevent this, but had no interest in this path for myself.

Time marched on and I eventually began going to church to support my wife. I still had no desire for myself. However, God has his own plans! You see, faith comes by hearing, and how can you hear unless you are taught.

God has a special message for every sinner. In my case, I believed there was no hope for me. I could never be forgiven for all the things that I had done. But then I heard a message that proclaimed, “Is there any person who is beyond saving, if indeed the axe-head floats?”.

That simple message changed my life. There is also a message for your husband, but he must be made to hear it!

Get your husband into church! Ask him to do it as support for you. It will have a positive impact on your marriage and may change his life forever.

Thank you for sharing your testimony
My husband will not go to church (but that doesn’t mean I have stopped praying he will one day or stop me from still inviting him)
He doesn’t even want me to go, but we have agreed on me going with the kids every second Sunday.
I agree with what you’ve said about how important it is to be in a Bible believing church not the worldly or liberal minded.

My husband did not take my conversion well. He tells me I’m boring now and other hurtful things.
Somehow he prefers the wife that can drink a few glasses of wine every night and doesn’t mind people swearing or watching all of the “popular” Netflix shows.

just have to keep being a witness to him and keep praying. It’s so hard being unequally yolked but we all have our cross to carry. Just have to keep trusting in the Lord and his plan/timing.

With that other comment about a legal battle it would only destroy our family and make it much harder to disciple my children.
The kids go to Christian private school and I can read the Bible and our devotions to them nightly.
I hate that I have to compromise going to church only half the time but at this point if I challenge my husband he will just retaliate and start telling the kids the Bible is not true and Jesus is not real etc etc.
I’ve been down that road already.
I just pray for Him and live peaceably as much as possible.