Ecclesiastes 7:8 - The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.
James 5:7-8 - Be patient, then, brothers until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near.
The journey of healing takes time. And, unfortunately, there are no shortcuts to the peace and joy awaiting those who travel its path. Therefore, patience is essential. Patience not only with your husband as he grapples and struggles his way toward healing, but also patience with yourself as you explore areas of your heart that may need attention but are not directly linked to the issue of your husband's addiction. It can be a maze of confusion at times, but patience and persistence will lead you to where you eventually want to be.
Patience is also necessary when rebuilding broken trust. Trust is the foundational element of your marriage relationship that will take the longest to rebuild. And it will never be like it was before. But thanks be to God who is able to restore that which was broken and make it wholly new again. Be careful of searching for a trust that existed before in your relationship. You will be disappointed if you do because it will not return. But that isn't necessarily a negative thing. You see, God wants to create a new heart in both you and your husband. This type of spiritual surgery will cause things to be different, both in how you relate to one another and how you see yourselves. This involves patience.
I know this journey is daunting, and you may even wonder if it is worth it. Ultimately, you must make the choice of taking that first step toward healing, but I will offer this encouragement. For every wife who steps forward in faith to begin her journey of healing, and persists, there is a harvest of joy, peace, and wholeness she could never possess apart from such a journey. Not all the situational elements may come together as she expects or hopes, but God is faithful to carry her through and give her the new heart she always desired to have.
Today’s Thought:
I will adopt a long-term approach to my healing journey. I recognize there will be obstacles and disappointments along the way, but I choose to be patient and persistent each step of the way.
I desire peace, joy, and wholeness over anger, fear, and despair. I will move forward, even if it is by inches, knowing that God is faithful to multiply my humble efforts and bless me with his presence and care.
***********
Elaine's "Post-It"
Day 7
At first only believe actions. Do not believe words. The more you catch your husband doing the right thing the more it frees you to try to trust again. I have a checklist in my mind of what I need to see in Jonathan to gauge his purity (Is he defensive about the subject? Is he disconnected and isolated much of the time? Is he starting the day with a quiet time with the Lord? Is he going to an accountability group? Is he laying himself vulnerable? Is he being accountable with his time? Etc...)
.jpg)
.jpg)
