Passing through the flame and flood......Thank God I'M Covered with his blood

[PeterJohn]

Been a Jesus loving born again Christian for many years. In April of 2020 I was diagnosed with lung cancer and had most of a lung removed. Thanks to the Grace of God I am now cancer free. A few months later, my wife of 45 years told me she no longer loved me and divorced me. I gave her nearly everything I had worked for all my life and now live alone and struggle with paying my bills and with sometimes nearly overwhelming loneliness. I have also had other health problems.......including a pacemaker about a year ago. I still love my ex wife and pray every day that God will soften her heart and restore our relationship.......but although she is friendly she seems to have very little interest in more.

I have been a member of my church for several years. I am very active in church.......I teach adult Sunday school, sing, and even preach sometimes. I have had the privilege of leading several people to the Lord over the years. Lately, I feel like a bit of a hypocrite. Encouraging others by telling of the joy of serving Jesus.....while feeling so empty and lonely. I ask myself how long to wait before giving up hope on any reconciliation with my wife....I also ask myself if maybe it is time to give up my church leadership position although I will never give up on Jesus. I am familiar with most of the Scriptures that speak of the issues I am dealing with as well as the promises God has given us.....leaning on these promises is all that keeps me going at times. I apologize if I have posted this on the wrong forum......this is the first time I have spoke at any length of my situation. I would humbly ask for your prayers

 

[Andyindauk]

Oh Pete, my poor dear brother in Christ, you really have had it rough over the last couple of years. For your wife to tell you she doesn't love you, leave and divorce you and take most of the martial estate with her, during such a testing period in your life exposes her true character. I hate to say this Pete but if that's how she is, maybe it's time to move on and refocus on that other love in your life, our Lord Jesus.

People are like coins, there's two sides to them. As well being warm, nice and friendly they can be devastatingly cruel, let you down when you need them most, hurtful and selfish, I think we've all found that out to our cost, worst of all, to my shame I recognise those qualities in myself.

You mention that you're struggling to pay bills. Is it not possible to get some part time work to supplement your income? If health prevents you physically going to work, have a look at www.indeed.com for customer care work, working from home or similar.

Anyway back to that other love in your life. Might be worth trying to extend your circle of Christian friends, perhaps try going to other church midweek Bible studies and prayer meetings. Invite people round for dinner or maybe go online for friendships, Christian Friends groups and / or Find Christian friends - meet online Christian friends around the world but watch out for heart tugging scammers.

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Oh dear Lord God, I pray for my poor, hurting brother Pete who has had a torrid couple of years. I know that you're with him, wanting and trying to drive him through this testing period.

I pray dear Lord for a double helping of your amazing wonderful Holy Spirit giving him wisdom to map out his immediate future and priorities and comfort and joy, knowing that the one true perfect wonderful, loving, caring and amazing God is with him, within him and surrounding him, leading, protecting and guiding him each day and each moment of each day. Thank you, thank you, thank you dear God and your Son, precious Son Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

 

[PeterJohn]

Thank you my brother for your wise advice, comforting words and most of all your prayers. No matter what outcome comes of my situation....I will continue to stand in faith on the promises of my Lord and Savior. He is my strength when I am weak, my healer, comforter and a friend who will never forsake me

 

[Br. Bear]

but watch out for heart tugging scammers

most definitely...

most definitely

 

[Br. Bear]

I pray dear Lord for a double helping of your amazing wonderful Holy Spirit giving him wisdom to map out his immediate future and priorities and comfort and joy, knowing that the one true perfect wonderful, loving, caring and amazing God is with him, within him and surrounding him, leading, protecting and guiding him each day and each moment of each day. Thank you, thank you, thank you dear God and your Son, precious Son Lord Jesus Christ. Amen

amen

 

[Br. Bear]

@PeterJohn

Greetings,

.I also ask myself if maybe it is time to give up my church leadership position although I will never give up on Jesus

sounds like you are learning something to lead others in.... never give up on Jesus!
some might ask, one day when you say, "never give up on Jesus", how would you know? You will be able to tell them that you know that He is faithful

praise the Lord

give thanks to the Lord for He is good... His merciful lovingkindness endures for ever, even now


Bless you Brother ....><>