Married to a Non-Christian
Page Five
Although saved, that wife had become careless about her attitudes, and lovemaking. Unconsciously she had become nagging, jumpy, cold and ill-tempered. When the pastor explained the husband's appraisal of the situation, she began to recognize her shortcomings. She prayed that her life would radiate God's testimony and that she might be used to lead her loved one to the Lord.
290 A few weeks later, Mr. Blake accidentally broke a beautiful vase in the living room. This time his "explosive" wife calmly went about her tasks, seemingly not even aware that anything unusual had happened. In amazement the husband turned to his wife and asked, "Well, aren't you going to yell at me?" She stepped over to his side and looked tenderly into his eyes. She explained to him how God had convicted her of the criticism in her life.
The husband was deeply impressed. Soon after he decided to go to church with her. In time he accepted Christ as his Savior. Later, the wife told the pastor, "It all started when I got right and got patient!"
The Holy Spirit
300 Today, you may be at a crossroads! You may stand bewildered at your non-Christian companion's indifference to God. But remember, "The Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear" (Isaiah 59:1). God who created the universe promises this.
When problems overwhelm and you feel unable to formulate a prayer, remember, "The Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God" (Romans 8:26, 27).
An outstanding engineer in a large industrial company told me of his experience after a man in the same organization had led him to the Lord. "After I trusted Christ, things at home got worse. My teenage daughter and my wife, both unsaved, got together and decided to put a stop to this Christian nonsense," he said. "First they stayed away from the dining table until I said grace. So I prayed for guidance and for kindness to them, even though it seemed I was being persecuted.This first strategy was followed by the 'silent' treatment. They would come to the table and wouldn't utter one word to me. This went on for a month or two. Finally, they resorted to coming to the table when I did, but they would strike their glasses and plates with their spoons while I bowed my head and prayed. Through it all, God kept me reasonably kind and sweet, even though I was heartbroken and discouraged.
"After about a year, I was at my rope's end when one Sunday evening my wife went to a special meeting with me. As the invitation for salvation was given at the close of the service, that one for whom I prayed so earnestly stepped forward and accepted the Lord.
"Together we are now praying for our daughter. I shudder every time I think what might have happened if I had given up. True, it may seem hard to hold out one day longer for the unsaved mate to find Christ. But one day's delay in taking drastic action may be the day for which God is waiting."
Patience and Trust
One who finds himself the Christian mate of an unbeliever finds a problem that somewhere has a solution: Man's way or God's way.
 But if he would only realize how long
it took the Lord to work with him until
he was saved, he would likely be
more patient and understanding.
The one new in the Lord would have his companion come into the same fellowship immediately. Here is a man, for instance, who accepts Christ as his personal Savior. It is his desire that his wife be saved just as quickly as possible. But if he would only realize how long it took the Lord to work with him until he was saved, he would likely be more patient and understanding.
A wife in Canada was converted in a revival meeting. Her husband was an alcoholic who ridiculed every mention of God. Years of hardship prevailed, and the children in the home often said, "Why don't you leave him, Mom? He's no good!" But her answer was always the same. "He is our Daddy." She was determined to win him to the Lord.
340 Her faithfulness was rewarded when he, one night while watching a religious program on television, surrendered his life to Christ. One of the sons, who saw the miracle-working power of God, later prepared for the ministry and spent years as a missionary in Africa. Reflecting on his boyhood, the son said, "I knew what God could do. I saw it with my own eyes."
Perhaps the natural, logical thing for that mother would have been a separation or a divorce. But hers was a wisdom that led her to realize that a temporary deliverance was not a solution. What a blessing that she waited upon God! She could not see around life's corner. She did not realize God was using hardship and delay to mold a spiritual giant for Africa!
350 You, too, can choose the path of God's blessing. He has shown you in His Word what to do. Committing every way unto Him, He will be your strength. "Delight yourself also in the Lord; and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he will bring it to pass" (Psalm 37:4, 5). We don't know when, but God in His wisdom and sovereignty will bring your mate to faith in His timing. And in the meantime he can provide you the faith, patience and sensitivity to be a supportive mate that makes the gospel even more appealing. "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
As you walk steadily toward life's sunset, may you go hand in hand with the one you have loved into the Kingdom!
Copyright © 2001 by Narramore Christian Foundation
Dr. Clyde Narramore is the Founder of the Narramore Christian Foundation, was President for half-a-century, and is a well-known radio and conference speaker, and author.
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