Transformed Women For Christ

Many people are living with the frustrating situation of sharing a house with unbelievers. Multiple women, as of late, have been sharing their experience of living with husbands who are either not believers of the gospel or are men not living the Christian belief they claim. This is a big issue. While you may be married to a man who is strong in his faith, you may have a relative or a friend who does not follow Christ or has gone astray. How can we help them without stoking the fire? What can we say to initiate the conversation?

The influence of Naomi’s faith and culture (and surely her son’s exhibition of faith during their marriage) so influenced Ruth that even though she was free to return to Moab, she chose Naomi’s faith and way of life. How very encouraging to us!

The family dynamic is challenging to address, but it is not hopeless or out of reach. Those who grew up in atheist or agnostic households are well aware of the difficulties faced when trying to reach your unbelieving parents and siblings. The stubborn response or downright hostility received when you share your faith can be quite disheartening. Never forget that it may not be your words that spark the interest in learning about the Bible for your family members. It may not be your Biblical influence from how much you’ve changed that musters curiosity. The Lord may have the actions and/or words from a complete stranger be the change that transforms their lives. Keep praying for them to have softened hearts, open minds, open ears, and for the veil to be lifted so they have eyes to see the Truth of God’s Word.

Stay patient. Years upon years may pass and you may be wondering if the Lord will indeed send your loved ones to Sheol. Let us recall the events of the Old Testament. How many years did Abraham and Sarah wait for the Lord’s promise to come to fruition? Has it been that many years for you? When Sarah was impatient, she had Hagar go in her stead to make a child for Abraham. Even after Ishmael was born, they continued waiting. He was a teenager by the time Isaac was born. Never lose your eagerness to pray and wait for the Lord’s timing.

Think of Habakkuk and his questions to God before Assyria captured God’s people and brought about judgment for their wickedness. He, too, was unhappy with those he was surrounded by and wanted action from God to correct their behavior. The Lord had plans, although Habakkuk was unaware. When God told the prophet these plans Habakkuk was greatly distressed and voiced his concern that these people coming to judge were terrible people. The Lord, being the kind and patient Creator He is, showed the prophet a vision of what would ultimately happen. God left Habakkuk with the understanding that all will receive justice and no sins of the gentiles go unseen or unpunished. Habakkuk realized God’s timing and judgment were right and he was wrong to think otherwise. How quickly we forget that God is sovereign. How quickly we rush to make judgments about God’s plans and timing!

Habakkuk 3 is a prayer psalm that helps us realize that patience is a mark of faith. He was a prophet, a priest, and a man devoted to God and yet he had been worried, fearful, doubting, and frustrated with his situation. Even he had a lot to learn about the nature of God. This final chapter of Habakkuk can inspire us to press forward the same way the prophet did, by understanding the greatness of God. The Lord made us to stand in uncomfortable places, walk in the valleys, and sing in the darkness. God is molding us to face our circumstances. This will help us to fully rely on Him, while changing us to better exhibit our faith to others.

How do you continue to live in a house with people who are far from following the example of Christ? What if they are outwardly against the Bible?

First, always be calm and gentle. Stay firm in your beliefs and seek fellowship with strong Christian friends. Iron sharpens iron and you should always seek to grow in your spiritual maturity. Paul tells us to have answers for the hope that lie within us. 1 Pet 3:15

You may be angered by the words they speak against changing their behaviors, going with you to church, how to raise your children, what friends they associate with, or how they take care of themselves. Praise them for what Biblical and moral behaviors and characteristics they are doing currently. Keep a clear conscience in all you say. Pray for the right words to say at the right time. Be the Bible they won’t read. Pray to be the seed and that another will water that seed. Mind your facial expressions. Know that the Holy Spirit will work, is working, and has been working through the situation and will ultimately glorify the Lord, even when you can’t see it.

Remember this: Whatever man builds without God will not last. (see God’s reply to Habakkuk in 2:12-14) Prioritize the Lord in your life and take comfort knowing God hears your prayers and is acting on your life. There IS a plan. Romans 11:33-36 (NIV) states, “Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!”