♕Today's Promise: "Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” P625
Sylvia, how did your Restoration Journey actually begin?
My restoration began last year. My husband, Kelvin, had been in a few adulterous relationships for nearly 4 years and would come and go promising he was going to change only to leave us again. So I was hesitant to submit a restoration testimony. In the beginning of of my restoration journey, I felt nothing for Kelvin and was sure I never wanted to be in a marriage with him a day longer. God had other plans and led me to this ministry.
How did God change your situation, Sylvia, as you sought Him wholeheartedly?
Kelvin had not left for nearly 6 months now. God brought him home all while leading me to this ministry to show me where I needed change. I have learned so much in this ministry and have found the true love in and through the Lord. I learned that God was in control and trying to get my attention and put Him first in my heart. I desire Him more than I desire a restored marriage.
What principles, from God's Word (or through our resources), did the Lord teach you during this trial, Sylvia?
I learned so many things. Learning how to win without a word was so helpful. I had been trying to do this on my own for a few years and was failing miserable. I have wrote down verses to try to memorize to change my thoughts and give me hope. I have a true desire to get in the Word. Tithing to the storehouse is another principle I never knew how important it was. I love sowing into the ministry to help others who are hurting. God had restored a peace and joy that I have yearned for.
My life was in chaos. I was full of bitterness and hurt. I felt abandoned and rejected. I didn't realize the Lord could be my Husband. These courses have helped me come alive and see Him in a new way. I have a level of trust in Him that I didn't have before. I was a scared, lost woman worn out by Kelvin`s adulterous ways. I was trying to fix it on my own and always thinking of plans of what I thought was safety. I didn't know how to trust or really believe God for more. Since taking these courses I have found the Lover of my soul, the only One who could ever truly love me and the One who gives all. He is blessing me so. My family has been changing and coming together. I have learned how to have a gentle and quiet spirit and to look to my Heavenly Husband for everything. I will forever be grateful for these courses. I have more joy and hope now than I've ever had. I do not fear the future any more and know God is in total and complete control and is such a good, loving God.
What were the most difficult times that God helped you through, Sylvia?
God has strengthened me and rescued me through the dark times Kelvin was with other women. To this day, restoration does not look as I wish but I have a renewed faith that God will finish the good work He started. God is helping me agree quickly with my adversary and to not fear bad news and have a confident hope, trusting in Him. Kelvin is still very unloving and can speak harshly but God has been teaching me how to shake it off so I will be unharmed.
Sylvia, what was the “turning point” of your restoration?
I have been so hesitant to call my marriage restored because of the lack of love but I have a faith and trust in my Lord to see us through. My restoration celebration is that to my Heavenly Husband who loves me more than I ever knew possible. I never want to go a day without Him.
Tell us HOW it happened, Sylvia? Did your husband just walk in the front door? Sylvia, did you suspect or could you tell you were close to being restored?
He came home a couple weeks before I found this ministry but I believe God leading me to this ministry, my applying the principles, and tithing had kept him home now for 6 months.
No, I in fact did not want to be restored any longer and wanted God to rescue me from him, but He had other plans.
Would you recommend any of our resources in particular that helped you, Sylvia?
I would recommend every single resource. The courses were life saving for me. Finding the Abundant Life series led me to really finding my Heavenly Husband and His love and saying: “He Is all I need and want” and learning that my earthly husband just didn't have it. That helped me release my expectations of him and my mistakes of trying to control the situations and my future.
Would you be interested in helping encourage other women, Sylvia?
Absolutely. This ministry leads you to the Lord and I wholeheartedly believe He is our only hope.
Either way, Sylvia, what kind of encouragement would you like to leave women with, in conclusion?
Beloved Bride, I know you are hurting and feel at the end of the road as if things will never change. But this is the time the Lord has appointed for you. He longs to fill you with His love, to heal your broken heart, and give you more than you ever imagined possible. Open your heart and mind to Him. I promise you will not be disappointed. Follow the principles this ministry teaches. You will find love, joy, and peace abundantly and will want to share that with everyone.
