Q: My husband has turned his back on the Advent message, saying he “feels the call” to minister in a Pentecostal church. I totally disagree as I believe that our Adventist faith is true and correct. I’ve been praying twice daily, waiting anxiously for a miracle to happen and for my husband to return to the Adventist Church. I’m at a point of no return struggling between two loves — man and faith. — Marie, from Australia
A: Marie, I’m sure it must be difficult to watch your husband experience this spiritual crisis. It’s good that you are praying for him, and I encourage you to keep on praying. Keep in mind, however, that this may take time, and that God never forces a person’s will.
Keep strong in your own faith — continue reading your Bible and praying each day. Continue to worship and fellowship at your Seventh-day Adventist church. If there is someone with whom you can pray with about this situation, I encourage you to do that as well.
Do all you can to make your home a happy place where your husband feels loved and appreciated. Remember that “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1, NKJV).
Let your husband know that you still love him, even though you have chosen to remain a Seventh-day Adventist. In the end, we are all individually responsible before God, and we each must make our own spiritual choices.
The Bible gives counsel regarding an unbelieving husband. In 1 Peter 3:1,2 we read, “In the same way you wives must submit yourselves to your husbands, so that if any of them do not believe God’s word, your conduct will win them over to believe. It will not be necessary for you to say a word, because they will see how pure and reverent your conduct is” (GNT).
May the Lord give you special wisdom and courage in this difficult situation that you are facing and never lose your faith in God and this Advent movement. The Lord will see you through this challenge. I will pray for your husband, too, that he may see the beauty of the Seventh-day Adventist message as being so completely biblical and heaven-sent.
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