♕ Today's Promise: "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
~ Ruby in California
Long ago I remember reading a PR (praise report) from a Bride describing how her EH (earthly husband) arrived with the OW (other woman) and she walked up to her and embraced her with a hug and greeting. At the time I was so impressed by that. It stayed in my heart. I wanted to be able to do what she did but deep down I didn’t want to ever have to face that situation myself.
Awhile back I wrote some PRs about my FH (former husband) bringing the OW to our kids events or holidays. It has been several times he tried to do this regardless of what anyone else felt about it. I would always be agreeable and quiet. But this gave me a lot of fear and I even felt physically sick sometimes. At first I would go to The Lord and pray against it, she would end up not showing up for whatever reason.
Then, as I kept getting closer to My True Love, I gave all control to Him. I truly wanted His Will to be done in my heart and in my life. Not my will, not his will, not her will but only the Will of My HH (Heavenly Husband) be done. I would just ask that He prepare me for what ever He planned for me and that He never leave me. Being with Him became more important to me than anything else and I was more and more willing to go through whatever I needed to, to be closer to My True Love and for ALL of me and my life to belong completely to Him.
I started to have some peace when EH (earthly husband) would mention bringing her to a gathering. I knew My Love is my protector and if or when He would allow this I was willing and He would be with me. At this point of being willing, He took the fear and replaced it with peace. Being willing even when we don’t know how we could ever do it is where it all starts and He will do it. I still felt the struggle within me but I knew He was working on my heart and I had a growing peace and willingness.
All this week I felt My Love was preparing me even more to face the OW (other woman). I was willing and He made me ready. As we prepared for Easter Sunday, the glorious Resurrection Day of Our Savior, I thought about all the suffering My Love went through for me, for the forgiveness of my sins and for my salvation, how can I not forgive others? He showed me that not only did He endure it but He chose it and embraced it because that’s how much He loves me. I so deeply, in my heart, want to love Him back the way He deserves to be loved.
I prayed every day—My Love, he is Your son, she is Your daughter, I forgive them. Let me always show to others Your love and forgiveness that you have given to me.
I was willing to embrace my cross as well, along with any fear or hurt it may cause my heart. I was willing to also face the enemy with all his lies, comparing me to the OW and trying to cause me to feel hurt and shame all over again. I was ready with my scriptures when any thoughts or voices of the enemy came.
Brides!!! When FH (former husband) mentioned bringing her to our Easter gathering, not only did I feel absolutely no fear, sadness or worry but I felt joy!! Yes, Joy!! I felt this is the moment that I get to walk closer with My True Love and I get to show His love and forgiveness!!!
I felt overflowing peace and joy that never left me. I was having a great time enjoying the family and our children. When they walked in the door together I smiled, walked over to them, greeted them with hugs and said Hello, Happy Easter, come in, welcome, it is so nice to finally meet you.
Ladies, I truly felt sincere with it all, the smile, the hugs and the words. I am still in shock at all My HH (Heavenly Husband) has done in me!! He does finish what He started!! And He’s not done with me yet!!
Hallelujah!! \o/
I also spoke to the children about all of this and I was able to actually show them through Christ we are forgiven and all things are possible!!
"Fear not, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by name. You are mine." Isaiah 43:1
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." 2 Corinthians 5:17
"Judge not and you will not be judged, condemn not and you will not be condemned, forgive and you will be forgiven." Luke 6:37
May God get the glory from this!!
Brides, just know that everything that is happening, He has allowed it. He is in control and holds all the power. So when adversities come our way He has allowed it and will use it for good.
"I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create calamity: I the Lord do all these things." Isaiah 45:7
"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."James 1:12
"I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame." Psalms 34:4
Follow #Ruby’s Praise
Ruby is a tithing partner. Learn more.
MInistry Note: Every Bride's journey and situation is different, there is no need to become friends with the OW UNLESS this is how the Lord is leading you and this is something that the Lord is leading and guiding you to do as it could be seen as not "Letting Go" if your heart is not in the right place. Having a heart of forgiveness is very important.