Speak Without Words

 

Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. 1Peter 3:1-2 NLT

This week I attended a woman’s Bible study at my church. It wasn’t my regular study group. I was surrounded by new faces. As each one shared their prayer request, slowly they made their way around the table to the young lady sitting beside me. She was an adorable young mother of two, all smiles and sweetness. But, the moment she opened her mouth to speak her voice cracked and her eyes misted over. “Could you please pray for my marriage. With our newest little one, I am finding no time for my husband. And quite frankly, I don’t want any time with him. By the time I go to bed, I am exhausted. Could you please pray for me?” After our meeting I made my way over to her, knowing the Lord was sending me to her for encouragement. As the mother of four, I knew exactly what she was talking about.

When I went home that afternoon I emailed this young mom and encouraged her to attend a marriage study in our home. What I thought were originally tears from an exhausted mother, ended up being much more.

I would love with all my heart to do this study with my husband and maybe someday we can. But you see, one thing I didn’t tell you today is that he’s not (yet) saved.

Not the answer I’d expected. My heart hurt for her. But, I was grateful she typed the word “yet”, she still had faith. She was believing God for a miracle. I knew how she felt. I was once the only Christian in my marriage. Thankfully, it was a season of less than a year. I know of many who suffer much longer in a relationship where the Lord dwells in only one spouse. I shared with my new friend, the words of encouragement given to me when I was walking the same road. The verse I shared with her was 1Peter 3:1-2 NLT, In the same way, you wives must accept the authority of your husbands. Then, even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives. I went on to add:

And, if I can share just one more thing with you…don’t talk to your husband about Jesus, show him Jesus. Remember, Jesus loved and served the undeserving. On those days you want to scream or cry, or throw in the towel, or throw the towel at your husband (something I’d want to do), ask Him to give you the strength to get through one more minute, one more hour, one more day. He will. He is the one true and living God, and He lives and dwells inside of you. When you call on Him for help, stand back, because girlfriend, He will help.

If you feel like you are standing on solid ground alone, reach out for Him. He is there. And remember, He desires to live inside your husband more than you will ever know. Release your worries, anger, frustrations, disbelief, and impatience to the One who can bear it. Then show your husband the merciful, grace-filled love of Jesus Christ.

Lord, I pray for each woman hurting today without a spouse to share in the saving grace of your son Jesus Christ. I ask that you would dry their tears and fill their hearts to overflowing. Remind them of the days when they too walked alone and ignorant of your love. Place Godly people in the path of their loved one so they will feel their burden lightened. Remind them Holy Spirit, that only you can turn hearts toward Christ. Remind them it is your work alone, and that you are working even now as they read these words.

Blessings friends,

Blessed…

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10 thoughts on “Speak Without Words

  1. eph2810

    What a powerful and encouraging post, Joanne. I love that you listened to the Holy Spirit to reach out to this young woman. May God will continue to guide to establish a great friendship between the two of you.

  2. Debbie

    Joann, your words are so true! I echo them completely. I tried speaking of Jesus and talking until I was blue in the face and not very loving. It doesn’t work. Living a life of love is the way to go. The more time I spend with Jesus, the more the fruit of the Spirit is evident in my life. And that’s what my husband notices most and then I get to give God the glory. I’m still praying for that special day WHEN ….

  3. Angie Knight

    Oh dear Sister. This made me miss you more. YOU are such a wise woman of God. YOU are sharing the wisdom HE has blessed you with.
    BLESSED. That word alone conjures up your face in my mind. AND I am blessed to call you friend….and sister.

    I love you–this was a great post. It’s LIFE.

  4. LindaLinda

    Such beautiful, wise words of encouragement Joanne. I pray her husband will be draw to the Lord as he sees His love lived out through her. I know this is going to be a blessing to so many who read it.

  5. Rosy Caesar

    Thanks for the blessings Joanne… For the past 2 days I was full of anger and His Spirit took time to deliver me through one of my friend. Your post is lovely and blessed reminder to walk the God than talk the God. Thank you and love you Joanne.

  6. LynnLynn

    HI Joanne,

    You likely know this post is special to me. I am so glad your were there for that girl. I just want to hold her myself. Thank you for loving her. Love you so very much. Lynn