Jonathan and I were married six years ago. Our home was founded on the understanding that we were both Christians. We loved each other. Oh, we had our occasional fight, but for the most part our marriage was blissful. We had been active members in our home churches since we started dating, were engaged, and then married.
On October 20, 2013 during the commitment portion of the service, Jonathan asked if I would go forward with him to pray. His dad happened to be the deacon at the end of the aisle. He asked Jonathan if he was saved and if he knew where he would go when he died. Jonathan thought for a minute, and said that he has always had the head knowledge, but hasn’t seen any fruit in his life that would bear witness to his salvation. He wasn’t certain that he had ever really made a full commitment or total surrender to the Lord. His mom, who is also a counselor, came over to join us. Jonathan prayed right there, asking Jesus Christ to rule in his heart and our home. It was such a sweet time for all our family to experience together. What a wonderful day that will never be forgotten!
Our home had never changed so drastically, as it did over the weeks following Jonathan’s total surrender to the Lord. In 2 Corinthians 6:14 Paul says, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness?” We truly believed for many years we were equally yoked, but we were not. I am so thankful Jonathan realized his need for Christ. What a difference it has made in both of us! With the Lord’s help and guidance, we are working together to build trust with one another. It is our desire to have a much stronger marriage. We are praying together and connecting on a level we’ve never experienced before. We are enjoying family time with a fresh outlook and a deeper love. I believe we were totally unaware of what was missing in our lives.
Jonathan has begun to meet weekly with a gentleman from church, and we are discussing together what we are learning about the Lord and His word. His quiet times are now very important to him. He is reading scripture to our children regularly, and I can see him growing in his faith on a daily basis. It’s encouraging and challenging all at the same time. He challenges me to be the best mom and wife I can be, and ultimately obey the Lord’s calling in my own life. I’m so thankful for the Lord’s hand in our marriage. We have begun to set boundaries for our family in areas where we want to protect our children, such as time, television, phones, etc. I am grateful our children were young when their daddy was saved. We’ll have many years of growing together to build a strong foundation for their futures, as well as our marriage.
I’m involved in the Secrets Savored ministry at Bellevue Baptist. It was wonderful to share with the ladies in our group how the previous Sunday morning, Jonathan had asked the Lord to be Ruler and King of his life. They rejoiced with us, prayed with us, and are continuing to encourage our family. I’ve learned so much through the Secrets Ministry about the home, cooking and organizing. But, more importantly, I’ve had a chance to grow closer to the Lord and the ladies involved. I’ve grown to love each of them and have true fellowship. Our Bible Studies are encouraging; focusing on women of the Bible, and learning how to be a Godly wife and mother. I’m so thankful for the leaders of this ministry who are pouring into our lives each and every week.
The foundation upon which our marriages and homes are built is very important. I encourage each of you to look at the foundation of your home and make sure it’s founded upon Christ. Think about the legacy you want to leave behind. If your home is not founded on Jesus Christ, then pray and make the changes necessary.
“He will be the sure foundation for your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.” Isaiah 33:6
– Brittanie Golding