I love sharing God-stories of a changed life. A dear friend told me about her godly’s mother’s influence on her husband. I found it to be such a powerful story that I asked her to write and share it on the Excellent Living blog. May it encourage you to continue to believe in the power of prayer. Cheryl Martin
My Mom re-married in 1970 to my stepdad, Henry. In 1972, at age 41, my Mom accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Once saved, she was all in and made it perfectly clear to our family that Jesus Christ was her number one! She loved the Lord with all of her heart and let everyone know. But my stepdad whom I called “Dad” was not saved. He had no interest in attending church and didn’t want any part of her “Jesus.”
Over the years, my Mom faced numerous challenges in her marriage. Aside from being unequally yoked, she learned of Dad’s alcoholism. Although he wasn’t physically abusive; he was mentally abusive, oftentimes criticizing her and being angry about her devotion to “her God.” However, he never stopped her from going to church, which she did 3-4 times a week and in spite of his mean spiritedness, she remained in the marriage.
As a child, I definitely didn’t understand why she didn’t leave my Dad. Before Mom accepted Christ, she didn’t allow anyone to disrespect her. She was an independent thinker and had a very sweet spirit. She was the type of Mom my cousins and friends envied. I guess that’s because she put my sister and me first. The only time I would see her get angry was when she felt we were being mistreated. No one was going to mistreat her babies. Although Dad never mistreated us kids, his tone towards my Mom was emotionally damaging and hurtful. When I asked her why she didn’t leave him, she simply replied: “I want him saved.” While Mom had grounds to separate and/or divorce (based on Scripture), she faithfully prayed to God and was willing to suffer as long as God got the glory. She chose to set aside her personal feelings and instead trust God to do what only He could do.
As time passed, my Mom grew even stronger in her faith. She was actively involved in her church. She served as the Church Secretary, as a Sunday School teacher, Treasurer, choir member, and conducted the monthly Christian Women Service, all the while, continuing to perform her wifely duties. She cooked, cleaned, did laundry, maintained the house and ensured Dad’s clothes were ironed. Even though she knew he was going out in the streets, she made sure he was dressed appropriately. In spite of how he treated her, Mom continued to be obedient to the Lord. Again when I would ask why she was still there, she’d simply reply “because I want him saved.”
After 19 years of marriage, on a Sunday in July 1989, Dad accompanied Mom to church and accepted Christ. His entire demeanor changed and he was immediately freed from the alcohol. To God be the glory!!!!! I still remember the day. Dad called me to let me know he was saved and told me I needed to accept Christ. He was witnessing to me and I remember hearing the joy in his voice. Dad became active in church and I remember him sitting on the porch swing reading the Word of God. Then on a Tuesday night in December 1997, God called him home. He died from a massive heart attack.
Years later Mom expounded on her marriage. She told me she prayed everyday that God would save Dad, and she believed He would. Therefore, she was willing to suffer for Christ’s sake because she knew it was directed towards God and not her. She knew God was faithful and she wanted to be a light to Dad and us. She knew if Dad died without Christ, he was going to Hell, so down through the years, she fasted and prayed, and one day, God pierced Dad’s heart and he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. She told me it was a long test; one that kept her on her knees and in her word, but to God be the glory! It’s no wonder her favorite scripture was Romans 12:1-2. Mom and Dad’s latter married years were filled with joy, not a perfect union, but finally they were equally yoked. It was such a blessing to see God’s love in action.
My Mom was definitely an example of a godly woman and a godly wife. She loved God and spent her life witnessing to others. She took advantage of every opportunity to let others know they needed Christ. She loved the Word of God and was an avid student. Mom willingly accepted all that God offered because she knew He was her strength, her peace, and her joy. She said she didn’t care how long it took, she knew God would answer her prayer, which included not only saving her husband, but also her children as well. There’s a song titled “Somebody Prayed for Me” and I’m so grateful that “somebody” was my Mom. Her prayers changed her husband and her children.