It’s Yellow Ball Monday, and Christy has the ball:
My husband, PJ, struggles with me spending time at church. Whether I’m there to fellowship, worship, learn, or volunteer, he doesn’t understand why I’d want to go. He’s a scientific thinker, and the story of God and creation don’t add up in his mind. I think he is jealous when I spend time with God–at home or at church.
Recently we went out for breakfast on a Saturday morning and then stopped at my church’s new building to drop off some things. I took PJ inside and showed him around, feeling so proud that my church finally has a building of its own.
When we got back in the car, he talked about how much he despises churches. We went back and forth about God, the Bible and faith. This is a conversation that has been ongoing for years now–ever since I rededicated my life to Christ, shortly after we married. He asked me, “What would it take for you to stop believing in God?”
I thought for a second and answered, “I hope and pray nothing ever would. My belief in God isn’t based on what other people say, or even just the Bible. My faith is something that lives inside of me. It makes me who I am. Everything good in me comes from Him. After having God come into my heart and life I can’t deny His existence.”
To my surprise, PJ smiled and said, “Good. I like to think that nothing I say will dissuade you. I don’t want to take away something that you believe in.”
Then, he promptly reminded me that he still isn’t interested in going to church, reading the Bible or believing in God. But, he can’t stop me from hoping!
It’s very difficult to be walking one path, while your husband walks another. I totally get why Jesus instructed us not to become yoked with an unbeliever. Marriage is hard enough without adding spiritual differences to the equation. But I’ll tell you, I’ve been given more love, more grace, more patience and more peace in my situation because I truly need to rely on God as my everything. He has loved PJ through me, and given me peace.
This is just a snapshot of a story that isn’t finished… I know I can’t make PJ believe anything, but I pray that I’ll be able to show him Jesus through my words and actions every day.
Christy is a young wife whom I knew when she was a little girl! I recently reconnected with her at an organization where we both serve. I appreciate her willingness to share her story. Christy loves pumpkins, cider, donuts, scarves, sweaters, and boots–all things fall!
If you’re interested in having the Yellow Ball tossed your way, find out more, here.
I prayed for your situation today! And I prayed that PJ would come to know Christ.
May God continue to breath love and breath into your hopes and dreams…Praying for you and your journey! It will not be done in vain…of this I'm sure…