Page 9 - Grace.Spring.2021

What would our marriage have looked
like if I hadn’t been steadfast in prayer

and hope?

What if I disregarded the Holy Spirit’s nudging to attend
that Austin and I needed to attend. It’s one On January 4, 2013, Austin and I
that marriage conference? I could have walked away.
of the first times I remember really feeling a walked into a hotel conference room as But I grew up in a divorced home and in my heart, I
heaviness from the Lord. But I also knew two broken individuals inside a couldn’t walk away without giving it everything I had to
there were two hurdles in the way: 1. We
struggling marriage. Oh but, God. What try and make it work. It was in that desperation, that
were broke. There was no way we could
took place inside our hearts at that deep heart desire for God to show up in our life. It was
afford to attend. And 2. I had to convince
marriage conference is indescribable praying fervently over and over. It was sensing the Holy
Austin we needed to attend the
and only explainable through God. It Spirit and acting on that nudging. I prayed two very
conference. So, I did the only thing I knew desperate prayers. When you come to the realization
to do . . . I prayed. I prayed specifically that was Him, all Him that pierced our that the things you’re doing, the choices you’re making
God would provide a way for us to hearts. My husband and I gave our lives
are ripping apart a relationship, tearing apart your family
purchase our ticket and that Austin would back to the Lord, individually, but also
. . . when it becomes all you can think about
agree to go without a battle. In December, gave our marriage to the Lord. It was an

a stranger handed us an envelope and told instant change for us like a light had THAT should be your desperation point.
us he and his family wanted to bless us.
flipped on. It was as if the Lord, with a
Inside was 10 times the amount we needed If you are feeling stuck, I challenge you to get
deep breath and sigh said, “I have been
to purchase a ticket to that marriage DESPERATE. Get desperate enough that you fall to
waiting for this day for so long.” It was
conference. God said, “Check.” Now, I your knees. Get desperate enough that you will do
that day that we chose to build the
needed to tell Austin about the conference. whatever it takes to make a change in your life. Get
I was so afraid of the battle that would foundation of our home and marriage desperate enough to confront the situation, surrender it
ensue from me asking him to attend the on the solid rock of the Lord’s word. and lay it all at the feet of Jesus. Be steadfast. Pray

conference, that I texted him. Yes, texted. I Suddenly our hearts softened, and our fervently. Remain hopeful. And most of all . . . trust Him.
texted him and said, “I think our Christmas eyes were opened. Our marriage has And again I say,
gift to each other should be attending this.” been changed ever since.
And I included the link to the conference.
“Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial,
He simply replied, “Ok.” God said, “Done.”
for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown
of life, which God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12

9