Back in June when I was losing control emotionally, physically, and spiritually after two months of separation from my wife I was rescued by Jesus. Initially, when she left my mission and goals centered around saving my marriage, but things never improved, because as she told me, "too little, too late". When God came knocking my path was redirected to reconciling myself to Him. From June onward everything that was broken inside of me was being healed one step at a time. When it came to dealing with divorce, my pastor told me afterwards I "took the high road." I tried my darndest to be obedient to God's word through everything, knowing that even through divorce, reconciliation was possible. I began seeing life as a daily event, learning every breathe was to be cherished, because where I was headed in June, I was simply running out of them. I began seeing being able to love again being a real possibility, whereas before I felt being doomed to an eternally lost heart without my one love. And I also brought to heart God's assurances, which are salvation, answered prayer, victory, forgiveness, and guidance. There have been times, even tonight where God knows every hair on my head, my every need, sometimes before I know about them.<p>For example, when my financial ship was sinking in June, God proved me with a bonus from work, a second part-time job, and a cheaper place to live with old friends.<p>When I promised God I would stand for my marriage no matter what it took and was pondering not signing the divorce papers (which would have dragged the inevitable over two years), He literally kept the papers from getting to me for TWO months, until I was emotionally and spiritually ready to sign. <p>And now, as the New Year begins and I am open to whatever God has in store for me, He is still faithful and just. My question has always been, "Is my marriage ever going to be restored?" I started out with a clear yes, but as time wore on it has turned into "I don't know, the battle is the Lord's" and at times it has been "I really don't feel as if it is going to happen." Could I ever remarry in the future without feeling some sort of guilt and that I was offending God because of the broken promises I already made to another? Would I be breaking a promise to God if I failed to stand for my marriage any longer?<p>So today, after six official days of being divorced I get word from a friend through a third party that my ex-wife is already engaged. Although shocked and hurt, I am not surprised by this news. I knew it would come one day, just not so soon. And that is where I feel God guiding me, saying it's OK to move on. I feel He has released me from the burden of waiting for her with this news. He has done a masterful job of covering my pain and sorrow over my losses over the past year, and He has done a even better job at providing opportunities to live again, especially for Him.<p>The prayer request is that sooner than later my ex-wife gains a saving knowledge and heart fixed in Jesus Christ. I also pray for opportunities, those that are pleasing to God, opportunities to bring others into the same Kingdom. And finally I pray for success, as defined by Ralph Waldo Emerson when he says:<p>"To love much and laugh often,
to win the respect of intelligent persons
and the affection of children,
to find the best in others,
and to know that one person has breathed easier because you have lived...this is to have succeeded."<p>Thank you.<p>Chris<p>Age: 27 next week
Ex-wife: 23
Married 7/29/00, together 4 years
Separated 4/1/01
Divorced 12/28/01

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by cbrixius:
<strong>When I promised God I would stand for my marriage no matter what it took and was pondering not signing the divorce papers (which would have dragged the inevitable over two years), He literally kept the papers from getting to me for TWO months, until I was emotionally and spiritually ready to sign. <p>And now, as the New Year begins and I am open to whatever God has in store for me, He is still faithful and just. My question has always been, "Is my marriage ever going to be restored?" </strong><hr></blockquote><p>Hi, Chris,
I remember you on the boards way back when, as I joined about the same time. My WH is still w/ow, but I wanted to comment on your question above. My friend, it is not over until YOU say it's over!<p>I'm assuming your DW is "engaged" to the person she was "seeing" before your D.? If so, then you know God will not honor this committment. I have seen couples return back together even after one spouse has married someone else, and then been returned when God has allowed them to wander long enough. It truly IS in His hands, but if you are still convinced God will "fix" your M, then continue standing. If not, if you feel He has said you may "move on," then you are ready. No one can tell you what God is speaking to you. This is a very personal relationship. That's one of beauties of it! No one can deny your relationship w/Him, and no one can come between it. NO ONE or nothing will ever be able to separate us from our Lord. How wonderful is that, after the rejection we have all experienced here? [img]images/icons/smile.gif" border="0[/img] <p>Dear Lord,
Please help Chris today to know Your Perfect Will for Him today, this month, this year. Speak to him in your own Voice, in a clear way, and help him follow your steps. Thank you, Lord, that You are the Pilot of our ship. We have seen how far out we can get ourselves, and we know we "sink" when we look at our circumstances. Father, help Chris, myself and the others here to continue to totally lean on YOU for our guidance and direction, cause we know there IS NO OTHER WAY to be assured we are on the path to success!<p>Father, we pray for our spouses today, and ask you to touch them. Bring them back to you. Lord, they are yours, just as we are yours, through sanctification because of our union, and we ask you to honor our union with them, and bring them into a knowledge of yourself in a personal way. If they have given their hearts to you before, remind them of that. Lord, if they have NOT, then we ask you to bring light to them, open their ears to hear and hearts to accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, and repent from sin and come to You. <p>We ask you to bring salvation to OP's involved, too, as we know there is a purpose for all this devastation. If finding the Lord Jesus Christ is the only good that comes out of our spouses' running to OP, then use it for Your Perfect Will, Father, as we cannot know Your ways, they are higher than our ways.<p>Thank you for your continued goodness and mercy to us. Lord, I myself, know what I did to contribute to making my M a place my WH wanted to escape from, and Lord, thank You for opening my eyes to my sin. Continue to work in each one of us, and make us what You want us to be for Your Kingdom. In His Precious Name. Amen.<p>My motto for 2002 is going to be : New Year, New Attitude<p>Use it if you like! [img]images/icons/wink.gif" border="0[/img] <p>God Bless,
Lupo

Dear Lord,
Today I ask that you remain close to Chris. Please comfort his hurt and turn all things to work for your good. He loves you and has asked that save his ex-wife. Please lord make a place for her in your kingdom. Lord thank you for all you have done in his life.