♕Today's Promise: “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers.” Psalm 1:1
Leandra, how did your Restoration Journey actually begin?
At the end of last year, when I found out that my husband Calvin had an OW in his life, I did everything to keep him from leaving me, because I knew that divorce was not the will of the LORD. I did everything I could to convince him not to leave me. He then proposed to me to live by appearance, I accepted, because I was ashamed of the whole situation.
One day, my brother asking about my situation knowing that he hardly ever came to see us on weekends (he works in another city) asked me how our relationship was going. At this time, I already had my emotions more controlled and I told him about our situation. That day my brother told me that the situation was not adequate and that I should talk to Calvin so that he could decide.
So I called Calvin and explained the situation to him, told him that our situation was not comfortable and that I would like him to make a decision. He heard me explain everything, without saying anything, when I asked him what he thought, he told me he needed some time to answer me. I asked him about his decision two days later and he told me that he did not want to separate if I accepted him back.
I in tears said yes (this is all on WHATSAPP). I said I'd like you to come as soon as possible so we can talk. He didn't want to come on the nearest weekend, extending it to the next one. I prayed, but I was very afraid. I wasn't feeling in him the willingness to come back. He said that we had moved away from each other a lot and that he didn't feel at home in our house. As the day approached for him to come, he made an excuse and did not show up. On Monday, the turning point began, OW started following me on INSTAGRAM and I decided to follow her back. When my husband saw this on social media, he was furious with me, he sent me a very rude message, telling me to leave her alone, I replied at the same time, said it was good, because I could see what was in his heart , he said he gave up on reconciliation and I agreed with him.
On the same day I gathered my children and said that there was no way to continue the marriage, I explained the situation, I also talked to my brother about my decision. The next day I spoke with the pastor, as I didn't know if I could continue serving in the church, due to separation. Toward evening, my sister-in-law was going to give me her mother's testimony of prayer for the restoration of a marriage, but she told me that since I had given up, she thought it would no longer serve. I said I'd like to hear it anyway. On this day, before sending her testimony, she told me that she knew of my suffering and the reasons I had for not wanting to marry anymore, but that she thought that we Christians were leaving the principles of the word of God. The talk of my sister-in-law struck me. The next day she sent the testimony and the PDF books "How God Can and Will Restore My Marriage" and "Wise Woman". It was with reading these books that it all started.
How did God change your situation, Leandra, as you sought Him wholeheartedly?
As I began to read the books, I felt deeply exposed, I saw a woman who was not aware of her wrong-doing, I did not feel contentious, but the Word of God confirmed my sad situation. I always had a vast knowledge of the Word, but that knowledge was outside of me, it needed to become my reality, my living. It was through the tribulation, the deep pain that I felt that I saw My Beloved Lord taking care of me. But I was also saddened, knowing that I was causing such pain in HIM, my HH, as well as in Calvin. I could see that I was not the only one to suffer, but mainly that my rebellion to the Word of the LORD, by not being submissive to Calvin, was causing a lot of pain to MY BELOVED LORD, my children and Calvin. It was then that I cried out to my LORD for help.
What principles, from God's Word (or through our resources), did the Lord teach you during this trial, Leandra?
The principle that has helped me the most is LET GO of Calvin, which is based on Psalm 1, which says that we must not stand in the ways of sinners. Of course, it was also the most difficult to achieve, I always wondered if I had really managed to LET GO. Now another principle that did not let me give up was to believe in the promises of GOD, and the one I knew I had the condition, so I thought about the Lord's time, it will be fulfilled. The word of God has always given me comfort in the most difficult times. What always calmed me down was the Word of God, indeed HE is a WONDERFUL COUNSELOR, HE is PRINCE of PEACE. IN HIM I had, have and will have EVERYTHING I need. HE is beautiful, I love him unconditionally, and not only for what he did for me, if I hadn't I would love and praise him the same way. Do you know why loved ones? Because I trust HIS choices for my life. I never want to walk by my own understanding again. I have the King of Kings who wants to make me queen. This is wonderful!!!!
What were the most difficult times that God helped you through, Leandra?
I think the hardest moment was when I realized that Calvin was more concerned about the well being of OW than me, when he asked me to leave her alone, that's when I thought there was no other way, that it was the end.
Leandra, what was the “turning point” of your restoration?
The turning point was being able to LET GO, when I took him out of my heart, when I rejoiced in the LORD regardless of the external situation. I had a wonderful time with my Beloved Lord. In the moments when I started to grow in faith, to trust even if the situations and my feelings were contrary. The praises also helped me a lot, among them "Blessed God", "I choose you Lord", so beloved, praise, happy praise, sad praise even more. The praises dispelled my doubt and added faith. And the word is very clear: "All things are possible to him who believes". Praise the Lord.
Tell us HOW it happened, Leandra? Did Calvin just walk in the front door? Leandra, did you suspect or could you tell you were close to being restored?
I was already noticing a difference in him, the last time he came here to pick up the car was on the holiday, and I knew he was supposed to be with OW on Valentine's Day, but it didn't hurt me like it used to... He was happier with me, he offered to fix some things that were out of order, because they were things he did. This day I wanted to see my mother who lives in front of my house. He spent the day with us and left in the early evening. I didn't have contact with him until a week later, on that day he gave me his new phone number, because he had broken the other Chip, and that I was supposed to give it only to our children.
So I figured it was to get rid of the OW. Said he would come over the weekend. He changed his plans, said he would not come again, because he had an appointment and that he could only come on Sunday and that was a short time. I wasn't sad, I started thinking how good it was not having to worry about doing anything different for him, and I could exercise on the list of what's good if the Lord doesn't restore the marriage worked a lot.
Even so, I felt that restoration was close. Last weekend he came and that's when it all happened. Look, beloved, it didn't happen as I wanted, but I know that what the Lord has for me is perfect. Calvin is trying to do everything to win me back, but it's not an easy situation. I'm praying a lot the verses of Isaiah 43: 18-19. They have helped me a lot, I don't want to remember the past things or consider the old ones, but I want to see the new things that the LORD is doing, I want to realize more every day. Today I feel rejoicing, but until yesterday I was still afraid, so I hadn't written my testimony yet.
Would you recommend any of our resources in particular that helped you, Leandra?
Certainly, the books "How God Can and Will Restore My Marriage" and the book "Wise Woman", made a difference in restoring my marriage as well as the course. Don't give up my dears! I am a witness that God can and will restore your marriage, just believe and obey the direction He wants to give your life.
Would you be interested in helping encourage other women, Leandra?
Yes, certainly.
Either way, Leandra, what kind of encouragement would you like to leave women with, in conclusion?
Beloved, do not give up in the face of contrary situations, choose the Beloved Lord even with suffering. The path of restoration is narrow, but in it the Lord always nourishes us, consoles us and renews our strength. When you think about giving up, look for the affectionate hugs of OUR BELOVED. How good it is to know that He is always close and taking care of us.
