Josh came home suddenly in obedience and fear of God...I believe. He can share if he disagrees. His Heavenly Father had not let him go. That happens to many prodigal spouses. I always suggest you pray, break, smash and destroy all soul ties between your spouse and any other ungodly relationships. Again, this is not how it happens, but God can guide you. Josh didn't go through that process until almost a year later.
Some spouses that come home are afraid how to get back into the family's routine, when you have been living without them for a period of time. You need to try to bring them back into feeling accepted by all family members.
Many prodigals who come home start feeling the spiritual battle between Satan and Jesus Christ. One is leading them into restoration, while the enemy is tempting your spouse with the other person in many different ways. Offer to your spouse that you do not mind them telling you when the other person calls or contacts them. You then must react as Jesus would and pray for them. Do not get mad or upset with either person. This is a spiritual battle. Read Ephesians 6:10-13. Pray that God brings in a Godly man to help hold him accountable. BUT also realize NONE of those things are what will make this "work." God makes this work...not man.
You need to walk in faith and trust your Lord. Just keep praying for the Holy Spirit to give them strength to leave the other world of sin and darkness. Daily pray for their salvation and for a new life in Jesus Christ. Pray that your spouse will repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord of their life and turn from the temptations of the world.
Josh and I know that you want all the love and feelings back into your marriage with all the bad memories to be gone instantly, but that does not always happen.
Pray Psalm 51 as a prayer with your spouse's name in it regularly. Give them time. Believe in them and give them space. You can trust God only for complete restoration of your marriage.
This may be very hard for your spouse to be back home for many different reasons. Josh had to deal with grief and sorrow of his other relationship being broken and severed. He still cared and wondered about the other person, for a time. That is why some spouses come and go two or three times before all contact with the other person is broken forever. If contact is not completely gone...the REAL process cannot start. Josh didn't break complete contact for over a week. Satan may retreat for a short while, but never stop praying for your returned spouse being home. Satan may try another trick or scheme.
Now you and your spouse always need to be alert for any temptations. Pray that you or your spouse will recognize any tricks or schemes.
Love your spouse unconditionally and wait on the Lord. Your spouse is not the enemy, but Satan. They have been blinded and deceived to God's way and truths. Now while they are living at home. You need to pray without ceasing as never before. If your spouse is struggling but still at home....all of these things still apply.
Depending on your marriage, and God's wisdom and instruction, you may consider counseling, if you and your spouse agree. If it will cause strife, allow your Lord to be the perfect Counselor as in Isaiah 9:6. It took Josh almost a year before we went to counseling. God does heal hurting and dead marriages. God is moving, trust Him. Just keep praising the Lord and keep praying.
"Then the nations around you that remain will know that I the Lord have rebuilt what was destroyed and have replanted what was desolate. I the Lord have spoken, and I will do it." Ezekiel 36:36
be like the Father and embrace the prodigal
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