Daily Christian Journey

Finding Strength in a Mixed Marriage

As a believer married to an unbeliever, you may be facing unique challenges that can leave you feeling isolated and uncertain. But take heart, for God’s Word offers guidance and encouragement to help you navigate these difficulties.

God’s Clear Instructions

While God commands believers not to marry unbelievers, if you find yourself in this situation, He is clear about what you should do. If your unbelieving spouse is willing to live with you, you should not seek a divorce (1 Cor. 7:12-16). If you have children, raise them in the faith, and if your spouse decides to leave, let them go, trusting that the Lord will sustain you.

Facing Hardships with Hope

Despite God’s clear instructions, living with an unbeliever can still bring significant hardships. However, God’s Word offers abundant encouragement to help you face these challenges. The apostle Paul, who suffered greatly, is a powerful example of how to thrive in the midst of trials. He considered everything a loss compared to knowing Christ Jesus his Lord (Phil. 3:8). Can you make Paul’s aim in his suffering your aim in your marriage?

Ten Truths to Comfort You

1. You are not alone: Even in your loneliness, God is with you, and He will never leave you or forsake you (Heb. 13:5; Deut. 31:6).
2. God can save your spouse: Nothing is impossible for God, who made the mountains, parted the seas, and raised Jesus from the dead (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37; Mark 10:27; Job 42:2; Jeremiah 32:17; Genesis 18:14; Luke 18:27).
3. You can’t save your spouse: Salvation is all of God’s grace, and He alone gets the credit (Rom. 8:30).
4. God can use you: You have a unique opportunity to be used by God to bring your spouse to salvation (1 Peter 3:1-2).
5. Keep praying: Don’t give up praying for your spouse’s salvation, and ask God to forgive you if you’ve slacked off (Rom. 8:30).
6. Show God’s grace: Use your knowledge of your spouse to inform your prayers and show God’s grace to them (Matt. 18:21-35).
7. Forgive as you’ve been forgiven: Resist the temptation to hold grudges and forgive your spouse as God has forgiven you (Eph. 4:32).
8. God is at work: The presence of sin doesn’t mean God is not at work in your spouse’s life (Rom. 5:8).
9. Safety first: If you face serious sin, turn to your elders, pastor, and counselors for support and guidance (Rom. 5:8).
10. Die to self: God calls you to die to self and serve others in love, regardless of your circumstances (Rom. 8:28-29).

Assurance in the Midst of Suffering

Remember, God is not punishing you for being married to an unbeliever. He is not condemning you, and He will use your marriage to conform you to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:1, 28-29). Hold onto these truths, and may they bring you comfort, strength, and hope in the midst of your challenges.