Hi
What happens when 4 out of the 5 Basic Needs are wonderful, but he doubts God Exists. I am a strong believer and want to have the spirit of God felt in the home. We are in the dating stage and he believes that I should just accept and respect his point of view as he does mine. He presently goes to church with me. Watches religious programs, with the eyes closes. We saw the minister and my B friend was told that he will need to come to my side, that I am not able to go to his side since I am such a believer. He was not happy with that and said that he has never felt the presence of God in his life and probably never will. He is very sad as there appears to be no future for us. Marriage vows would only be directed to me not God as he can't say them to something that may not be there. If there would be children he could not lie to them if they asked him about God. I have read every passage in the bible on believers and non believers. Does Dr Hartley cover this topic?
Any advice when the most other basic (4-5) are so good? Dating over a year and nothing has moved his hear, it is a rock! Discussions on God are a debait, and I miss the spirit of connection when talking about God. I am staying in the walk but miss him dearly as we separated to find a way on how to handle this situation that threatens our future.
Thank you
Both Hurting

Dear F. A., as a former pastor and WS, may I ask you to do just what you are doing...seek counsel...<p>It is easy to hear your heart telling you NO in what you have written but your emotions saying YES.<p>You mentioned the word connection. Can you join yourself in the spiritual union of marriage to someone with whom there is no soul connection? <p>These are hard questions that only you can answer before your Lord. Marriage is for life. God wants your life to be FULL, abundant, joyful and progressively deepening in relationship to Him.<p>Hon, I made the biggest mistake of my life starting the spring of 2000. But because I married God's man for me in the winter of 1984, I know now with certainty life would not be so rich without H completing me spiritually. When I'm troubled, I can not only go to God, I can bring my spiritual needs to H and he will love me and pray for me. I can't describe the beauty of that kind of PARTNERSHIP.<p>I don't want to talk you out of what you long for but my prayer is that you will choose God's personal best for you. Don't walk into a marriage that might grow cold and lonely and bring you here in need of recovery...only marry this man if you know undoubtedly he can share EVERY joy in Christ with you. <p>Perhaps you need to surrender him for a time. If he chooses Christ, YES!! But if after a year he cannot share this foundational family value of faith in your God with you, the marriage will never feel equal. <p>I pray God will guide you and that you will choose His best for you.<p>Hugs,

Hugs
I can not thank you enough for your reply. I have read and re-read your message yesterday and today. Your are so right.
Thank you again.
God Bless
F.A.

Hey, F.A. Keep us posted. I have a feeling your story is gonna have an unusual and happy ending..beginning??<p>Choose obedience...you won't regret it! [img]images/icons/grin.gif" border="0[/img]

FA, I had all my needs meet from my Christian Wife and one day none. If it is hard for Christians to have good marriages, why push the issue with a non believer? Your only asking for serious heartache and trouble.
What does light have in common with darkness. What does Christ have in common with the devil? We are not to be yoked with non believers.
If you are serious about this man, Let Him go to God and continue to pray for his soul. God may humble him. It has happened, but you need to seperate yourself from the situation so you can hear God without the influences of your feelings.
I hope and pray you seek God hard on this.
Mark

I can't really advise you but I can say from personal experience that you dont understand unequally yoked until it happens.
I can also say that your views will change drasticly when you have children. That precious little one will need all the guidance and help it can get in todays world. Imagine you worrying about your daughter's soul when her daddy say's there is no God.
There is someone for you. This man will thankyou for your influence someday, and your steadfast hold to your belief will make him wonder what he is missing.