Supporting Role

When we recount bits and pieces of our story it's very difficult to put in each part of how it unfolded...who was involved, who helped, who didn't.  BUT we can agree on one thing....EVERYONE played an important part. 

When I (Josh) walked away from my family, I also walked away from over 10 years of ministry.  Playing the keyboard, leading worship, and preaching were only a few of my duties as Assistant Pastor of my father's church.  Walking away hurt many people, not just Serena and the children.

I (Serena) spent many evenings at Josh's parents home trying to NOT think about how my life was NOT what it was supposed to be at the moment.  We watched movies, laughed, cried, and played.  I wanted the boys to still have time to wrestle and play in Nana and Papa's backyard.  It also allowed me more time to cry and not let the children see me.  Josh's dad would drive with me into town, so that I wasn't alone. On the drive back to my house I had to call back and say I got home safely.  Josh's sisters were always willing to take a child or two to play, so that I had more time.  We didn't walk the road alone, that is for sure.  Even Josh's Grandma and Aunt would slip us some money to go out to eat after church on Sunday, something we had always done prior to Josh's leaving.  As best everyone could, we tried to make life a happier time. 

And although, in the beginning, Josh's family felt that separation/divorce was the answer they most definitely did NOT stay that way. As more time passed, the fire for "standing" grew stronger.  For some, it was realizing what they believed about marriage was being refined and tested.  Did God allow for divorce?  Was it okay? Was there a different path?  Had anyone done this before?  For others, it was just a matter of supporting what I believed.  Since that time we have even received apologies for even suggesting that divorce was the answer. Thank you, to all of you....even when there was doubt it still HELPED to have you!! 

When I would read something about standing or prodigals or something else that God revealed to me, I was on the phone to someone.  Josh's dad, mom, sister, my mom, my friend.....anyone who was available.  Most evenings I spent chatting or talking with my mom after the children went to bed.  I was definitely blessed to have a great support system.  

Josh's sister interceded for him in ways that are still "out of the ordinary" when we talk about them.  Both Josh's parents spent many nights in tears and prayer. My mom fasted most nights from 8 pm to midnight. (Josh's WORST time.)  E-mails to friends all over the world were written to start prayer chains and fasting...once a plan was decided, it was supported. Looking back I am so glad that I was not alone.  I (Serena) had to keep it together and never forget what I was standing for, but I did NOT lack a crying shoulder.  AND I knew that when I asked for prayer....that was EXACTLY what they were all doing. 

Again, THANK YOU....to all of those who helped make the journey of "standing" just a bit more comfortable for all of us. 

Josh and Serena

Hurting Family~My Daily Prayer

Lord, we come together in agreement where in Matthew 18:19 we read that if two of you on earth agree about anything we ask for, it will be done for us by our Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in My name, there am I with them. Lord, we pray that no weapon formed against this family will prevail. Satan, you were defeated at the cross when our Lord Jesus Christ was crucified. He arose showing you His mighty power. Get away from this family and all families around the world who are speaking separation and divorce. God hates divorce, instead he will be the Repairer of Broken Walls, a Repairer of the Breech and will rebuild homes on the solid rock of Jesus Christ.

Lord, we are praying that both of these people and all our prodigals around the world will have a personal relationship with You as their Savior and as their Lord. For it by grace that each of us have been saved through faith, not of ourselves, but a gift from God.

Lord, we are putting the full armor of God on this family and on all the families around the world who have strife of separation going on in their homes, putting a hedge of protection and the blood of Jesus over them, so that we can take a stand against the devil's schemes. We stand in agreement with our Lord God and know that all of the enemie's tricks and schemes against this family and other families are broken. For our struggles are not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Lord, we pray that all the spouses who are planning on leaving and the ones who are gone will flee the evil desires of youth, and instead pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. We pray that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will. We know that Your sheep hear Your voice, so speak loudly to Your children today and we pray that they will be obedient to Your voice, Your will, and Your way.

Lord, we praise You that You are in control of this crisis, and I pray that You will show Your people the power of prayer. Give hope to husbands and wives, showing them and speaking to them that You can heal, restore and rebuild their marriage. Nothing is too hard for You, and greater is He that is in us than he who is in the world. Lord, we praise You and thank You that we have confidence in approach- ing You; that if we ask in anything according to Your will, You hear us. And we know that when You hear us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of You. I pray I Corinthians 13:4-8 on them, restoring their love as the day each of them got married. Lord, we give this couple and all the other couples around the world to You Lord, and trust You to protect them from the evil one. We pray this in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.