Sara how did your restoration actually begin?
I was looking desperately for information about how to make my husband return home after I made him leave (I was the one who told him to), after reading a lot of information (mainly psychological content that did not help me at all 🙁
The Lord guided me to look for marriage restoration websites. PTL, I found the RYM ministries and even though I had many doubts at the beginning, I started walking in my RJ holding my Beloved's hand as His bride. First, I got my health restoration (I had cancer and He helped me go through my chemo radiantly!) Then he helped me restore my finances and then most recently my marriage.
I need to say that I was seeking only for my marriage restoration when I started my RJ (because honestly my husband gone was the only thing that occupied my mind!). What I didn't know then, was that He restores EVERYTHING once we understand that His will is to go beyond the marriage to bring us closer to Him. And as I have read in many testimonies, restoration of your marriage comes when you already have given Him the place He deserves in your heart.
How did God change your situation, Sara, as you sought Him wholeheartedly?
He started to renew my mind and change my heart. He transformed me into a woman with a gentle and quiet spirit. He moved me to seek Him every day and to also make sure I also encourage other women along my Journey. I can honestly say that I’m a new person, woman and wife. I can't even recognize today the person I could be in the past and pray the Lord so He guards me and helps me follow His commandments for the rest of my life.
God changes everything, He makes things new but you never imagine to what extent and how serious He is about this once you start receiving His glorious and precious love!
What principles, from God's Word (or through our resources), did the Lord teach you during this trial Sara? *
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To make Him first in my heart.
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To read His word every day.
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To claim His promises for my life.
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To submit to my EH.
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To let go of my EH and my church.
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To submit to all authority.
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To tithe.
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To follow His commandments.
Sara what were the most difficult times that God helped you get through during your Journey?
I can say that the most difficult time was to see my husband so distant and so confident about leaving me. I felt guilty, desperate and felt like there was no solution for my situation. My EH used to say that only a MIRACLE could put us together and that's exactly what He did. All glory to Him for changing my situation in such an amazing way!!!!
He's still helping me, as I’m adapting to my marriage again. He leads me to be quiet when is necessary, to pray and cry to Him when I´m not in agreement or when my EH is wrong. Also, He´s helped me let go of my church that changed so many things in my life. That’s when He gave me a group of hurting women to minister. He´s also given me the chance to be healthy and to take care of myself more physically. He´s restored my past relationships and has guided me to abandon some friendships that are not recommendable.
Sara what was the “turning point” of your restoration?
My EH started to see that I had changed, not because I could change, but because He is transforming me into the bride He wants. My EH acknowledged my change and started to consider the possibility for a future together again in spite of the many problems we had experienced in the past.
In addition to this, he started to make plans with me about the future, about how to renovate the house and also started to take more care of me and my daughter. Once he saw that I had a different attitude, he started to believe that things could be different. What he didn't know then is that I wasn´t only "different"—I was in love—with the Love of my life, who made me His bride.
Tell us HOW it happened Sara? Did your husband just walk in the front door?
My HH confirmed to me that my marriage was already restored some time ago! My EH has some clothes at his parents, so I thought that I couldn't say our marriage was restored yet. But after praying for some time, He let me know that "His ways are higher than my ways" and that He chooses how restoration and the husband’s return happens.
My EH lives with me, at home now, we make plans and decisions together and have even talked about another baby. HOW AMAZING!!! Because in the past this blessing was never on the table due to the many fights and problems we faced. I understand the Lord orchestrates everything in His perfect will and He will complete what He started. He's never late, always on time!!!
Did you suspect or could you tell you were close to being restored, Sara?
Yes, I could feel my restoration was close, because my EH spent more time with me and at home, and because I was not seeking for the marriage restoration anymore. I was IN LOVE with the best One ever and I knew in my heart that my HH would complete His works in my life soon. Also, my best friend and sister confirmed this to me. They felt my life wouldn´t be restored in some aspects, but in every aspect!
Sara, would you recommend any of our resource in particular that helped you?
The How God Can and Will Restore Your Marriage Book, The Encourager, and the RRR online courses. They are a huge blessing and a necessary guide to understanding the Scripture´s principles and the Lord's will for our lives. THANK YOU for these!!
Sara do you have favorite Bible verses that you would like to pass on to women reading your Testimonies? Promises that He gave you?
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.
Proverbs 21:1
In the Lord’s hand the king’s heart is a stream of water that he channels toward all who please Him.
Psalm 112:7
They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Sara, would you be interested in helping encourage other women?
Yes! I’ve joined the Spanish Team as a Translator which has been a dream of mine.
Either way, what kind of encouragement would you like to leave women with, in conclusion, Sara?
Trust God with all your heart, have conversations with Him only during the day, don’t talk to anyone before talking to Him. Pray, fast, look for His word for you. Don't dismay, He sees your tears and is willing to help you cross the line of this RJ. Read the materials from Encouraging Bookstore and go through the free courses RMI offers, and ask the Lord how you can succeed in this and begin helping.