RESTORED Marriage Testimony: “Fall into Your HH’s Arms”

Hazel, how did your restoration actually begin?

I'm excited to share what God has done in my life. I have been married for 9 years, and we have two children, 17 and 13 years of age. The day my life fell apart was at the birthday party of our son. My husband arrived and took me aside and simply said, "I met another person, and I'm not able to stay for the party.” The ground fell out from underneath me. I did not know how to react, as I was caught in the middle of the party full of people. Somehow, my God got me through that day; it's only a blur. Once home, I went from very bad to worse. I cried nonstop. I could not believe what was happening to my life. I tried in every way to make my husband change his mind, but he was adamant. It was very painful, to put in mildly.

How did God change your situation, Hazel, as you sought Him wholeheartedly?

I already served God, but more as an act of religion, not close to having a relationship with Him. God was in heaven; Jesus was my Savior sitting next to God in heaven. Never once could I have imagined He wanted to be next to me, to embrace me. I realized quickly that God allowed this dessert in my life in order to bring me what I've always longed to have--True Love. At first, before discovering this revelation, I was going to work, then coming home to cry until I went to work the next day. I did not tell people what was going on. I didn't want anyone to know. But very soon everyone found out because my husband put it on several social networks.

In desperation, after seeing this, I started surfing the internet, and I found this wonderful ministry! I can affirm that this work is from God! No one but God could anoint the transformative power that this has had on me and so many others. I began to take the courses, to read the praises each morning, to go through both daily devotions. I read Psalms and Proverbs and made the 3x5 cards that I read each moment when fear or doubt would strike. I began to change, as I began to understand the work of God in our lives and what He had in store for us.

What principles, from God's Word (or through our resources), Hazel, did the Lord teach you during this trial?

I began to understand so many things that I was blind to. I had not seen the many times we put our family or spouse or children or work in first place, but instead, it must be Him who has first place in our life and heart. As I began to understand this, I started to do everything Erin said. I read the Word nonstop. I prayed. I fasted and was so surprised how it strengthened me. And the more I remained in the presence of our HH, the more at peace I became. The tears were gone; my face began to radiate His love.

What were the most difficult times that God helped you through Hazel?

The first few weeks were the hardest. I slept and woke up crying—thinking that the more I prayed to God for help to get the pain out of my chest, the quicker He would act on my behalf. It wasn't until I found my HH that I finally felt calm, and it was through His love that I gradually understood the work He wanted to do for me and that this was meant to be a blessing.

Hazel, what was the “turning point” of your restoration?

I went to the church and told them that I had to let go, in order to allow my husband to become the spiritual leader of our home (me and our children). My pastor was adamant that the only way was to remain in the church and that, perhaps, God had someone better for me. That confirmed that I wasn't where God wanted me to be. Becoming His church, His bride, was the turning point.

Also, studying the testimonies of all the women who had gone before me on this journey, seeing what they did that was right and wrong, helped me. I'd copy the good and steer clear of the wrongs that they confessed had slowed their restorations down.

The more I fed on the resources here, the more I felt spiritually strong. I'm just so thankful for everyone, especially Erin, who has been willing to encourage each of us. Also, as I was fed, I fed my children, who also lacked the truth in what the church had been teaching them.

Tell us HOW it happened, Hazel? Did your husband just walk in the front door? Hazel, did you suspect, or could you tell you were close to being restored?

It was many months that I hadn't seen my husband. He never came to see the children, and all that was said in his text messages is that he did not love me any more--that he loved OW and that the only thing that had kept us together for so long were the children. He even asked me for a divorce, on more than one occasion. Each time I agreed enthusiastically with whatever he wanted, and then I would go off to my prayer closet, just to be alone with my HH, sometimes crying to Him. Each time, He wiped away my tears, hugged me tightly and reminded me that God would fight for my family.

The more I let him go, the more he started to come by to see the children. Each time he left, even our stoic boys would cry and ask him to come home.

One day, he just came home with his stuff. He'd called me and said "I need to talk," so when I got home, and there he was waiting for me with all his things, I was stunned. He said that he did not know what he had done, or why he'd done it, but he desperately wanted his family back. He said that he loved me very much, and he asked me to forgive him for all he'd said. He promised he would return to the ways of the Lord and become my "spiritual leader" (his exact words!) I spent 9 months in this desert, and I am so thankful for these because I learned a lot that I use in my everyday life, not just in my marriage.

Would you recommend any of our resources in particular that helped you, Hazel?

I want to say that this ministry helped me a lot, so much I could never repay. I found the faith to continue my journey and a relationship with my HH that I never dreamed was even a possibility.

How God Can and Will Restore Your Marriage is where to start, but you can't keep wandering around this one book. It's just the beginning, the foundation to the rest of your journey. This ministry has mapped out the journey so thoroughly; it’s outstanding. Each of the books was made into courses, allowing us to journal and pour our hearts out, really hearing Him speak to us in return.

Too many beautiful people lose hope and throw themselves in the world because they skim over what is offered here. God guarantees us the victory when we let Him do it and focus on the Love of our HH. He rewarded me, by giving me my restored marriage and family. I am incredibly blessed. I am very thankful for this journey, and I will continue to finish the remaining Abundant Life courses and stay closely knit by going through them again.

Would you be interested in helping encourage other women, Hazel?

Yes

Either way, Hazel, what kind of encouragement would you like to leave women with, in conclusion?

Beloved brides of the Lord, in the beginning, it is not easy. I say this because I've been where you are. Do not give up in trusting God to fight for you. You can not win. You must understand that He allowed it in your life, in order that you may find Him like never before. Your HH wants to talk to you-you are chosen for Him as His bride. You must understand that. Keep on seeking to make Him all you want and need, then at the appointed time, He will fulfill the desires of your hearts. Remember that nothing is impossible for God (Luke 1: 37).

Pray, “Lord, there is no one besides Thee to help us in the battle between the powerful and those who have no strength; so help us, O Lord our God, for we trust in Thee, and in Thy name have come against this, O Lord. Thou art our God; let not man prevail against Thee” (2 Chron. 14:11 KJV). Then fall into your HH’s arms.