Some Heavy Stuff

Today, I need to post about some heaviness on my heart. Over the last couple of months, a common theme keeps coming up in my mind and in my prayers and weighing heavily on my heart. Now, most of you know that I'm not much of a "preacher" on my blog, and I don't really intend to preach, but I do need to express my thoughts and concerns on this subject. Unfortunately, the subject has to do with infidelity and failed marriages among seemingly "strong christian people". It is easy to fall into the line of thinking that Christians should be more guarded or protected when it comes to this kind of sin, but the truth is that none of us are immune.

About 6 years ago, close family friends experienced this with their oldest son, a 30 year old youth pastor, who just shortly after his wife became pregnant, began an affair with one of his youth. She also became pregnant. He left his wife, and now, has two children with this other girl. We got to witness firsthand how this kind of sin affects everyone involved with these people. His family was attacked, and his parents and two sisters persevered, keeping their faith solid, praying continuously that their son/brother would repent, and return to his wife, who by the way, has demonstrated an unbelievable amount of grace through this whole ordeal.

Even now, six years later, the ramifications of this sin still affects this family, including his 5 year old son, who doesn't get to have his daddy come home to him every night, but he goes to another house with his other kids. This hurt still lingers.

About a month ago or so, our pastor blogged and asked for prayer for a fellow pastor in California who stepped down from his position, and left his wife and two daughters for another woman in the church. I've been thinking about and praying for this situation as well, as it really weighed on me.

Over the last several months, we have been praying for a close friend of my sister-in-law who is battling breast cancer. She and her husband have 2 daughters, and her husband has been sending out emails faithfully, updating everyone on her progress and treatments. From reading these updates, you would think there is not a more devoted husband out there. Last night, my sister-in-law found out that this husband has been cheating on his wife for a year and has now left her, with two daughters, still battling breast cancer.

I can't help but ask this question in my mind, "what is going on with these marriages?" It is so scary to think that we could fall prey to this deceit by Satan. The common thread between each of these situations is they were all strong Christian men of the faith, and now there is no one that has been able to talk any sense into any of them. They have somehow justified these actions in their minds, and it is unfathomable to me how they could be going through life, not feeling overwhelming conviction for their actions.

My heart goes out to these wives and children who are the closest victims of this sin. I know this doesn't just happen with men, women are guilty of it too.

If we learn nothing else from this, let us make sure we are protecting our marriages in every way possible-prayer, arming our hearts and minds with scripture, maintaining strong lines of communication. Proverbs 6: 20-35, Hebrews 13:4

If you think about it, pray for these men - Jeff, Dave and David, and also for these wives and their children - Kathy, Laura and Robyn. I can't imagine the pain and suffering they are experiencing.