Helpmeet--Ch. 6 & 7; Jill

Although I have not been posting regularly I have been reading along and lurking at the blog, keeping up with all the posts and comments. God has used Debi’s book to show me that I have been a contentious wife. Just when I think I’ve got Proverbs 31 down, telling myself “I work hard caring for my family” He led me to Proverbs 21 to see my glaring sin. Both the Blue Letter Bible and 1828 dictionary were useful tools in this study, thanks Jessica for sharing them.

I was so moved by the book that I ordered multiple copies, praying God would allow me to share them with women in need and hoping to form a discussion group like Jan’s with women from my church. By His grace, two reading groups have formed and lives are being changed, including mine.

Our first meeting was Mar 21, one week after the first meeting at Jan’s. A gal in the group, Carrie, called me days before the meeting saying she had read ahead in the book and felt it was placed in her hand by God. She shared that her marriage was going through tough times and that she believed God sent this book to her at just the right time. On the day of our first meeting, a Friday, she was to leave on a trip out of town with her husband for business. She was hopeful the time away together and her recent change of heart might bring recoconciliation. Just as our discussion ended he called and cancelled the trip. Later that weekend he told her he felt they should separate. She was devastated. They are both professing believers, have known each other sixteen years and have been blessed with a three year old daughter.

We have been in constant prayer that the Lord would continue the work He began in her and restore their marriage. There have been up's and down's but she has been trusting and hopeful, eager to show her husband, even if from a distance, how God has changed her from a critical and discontent wife to one whom is eager to please and be his helper. He has kept his distance, denied any unfaithfulness and said he just needed some time apart.

This past Friday we met again to discuss chapters 6-7. She shared that there were still many “unknowns” about his activity since they separated but instead of chasing him around to find out she would wait on the Lord to reveal to her what she needed to know in His time. When we read the section Alone she broke down in tears, pleading that the Lord would allow her the opportunity to practice all she has learned since reading the book. She has even written Debi Pearl a letter asking for prayer.

The following day, which was this past Saturday, she received a phone call from a nineteen year old girl who reveled herself as his ex-girlfriend. She claims to be pregnant, says she’s on Carrie’s side and wants her to know everything that has happened. Carrie called her husband and graciously offered forgiveness. This isn’t the first time she has accepted him back after hurtful sin. He refuses to face her and says he wants a divorce. She is praising God in the midst of this trial for placing her in a close group of friends for support (they had recently moved back here after living out of town for his work) and for gently revealing the truth of the situation, sparing her the torment of being served divorce papers with no explanation.

She is trusting God and praying for wisdom in how to proceed. Weeks ago she gave me permission to ask Jan’s group for prayer. Please pray for her husband’s repentance and for wisdom as they are beginning the divorce process today.