tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post1258439672972611281..comments2021-09-29T08:23:24.526-06:00Comments on "Behold, I come quickly" - Revelation 3:11: My Story, Part Two: From Lost to Found Again!Mike Fischhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-76129621482959784552016-08-23T14:41:53.846-06:002016-08-23T14:41:53.846-06:00@ Anonymous. Great comment, thanks for sharing you...@ Anonymous. Great comment, thanks for sharing your experience.<br /><br />"He heals the brokenhearted<br />And binds up their wounds."<br />- Psalm 147:3<br /><br />"I, the Lord, am your healer.”<br />- Exodus 15:26Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-3404471357608440792016-08-23T13:40:54.643-06:002016-08-23T13:40:54.643-06:00Thank you for your writings. I have been raised i...Thank you for your writings. I have been raised in a very conservative Christian faith. That of black and white. However, my struggle has always been with taking the Bible literally and how today it seems as though some of the rules apply and others do not. 1 Corinthians 14:34 "Women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church"<br /><br />We don't see this being taken literally in most churches today. Due to my conservative upbringing I stayed in a marriage I should have ended years ago. I tried to set boundaries, ask for couples counseling, went to my own counseling, tried to set boundaries and the list goes on. My faith was shaking from the stress... until - until I realized that a God of love, a God who deeply truly cares for me, who runs after my heart, who wants me to seek him in all things - This God would not want me to stay in a destructive marriage, one that is continually tearing me down, a marriage that goes through cycle after cycle of blow-ups, temporary change, relapse and repeat. <br /><br />Every day I pray that God will give me a sign that I am to stop this divorce process, he knows my heart, he knows my journey and I truly want to please him. However, rather I get peace. I get peace in the music he provide me just when I need it, I get peace in the phone call or conversation that was needed when I am in a low point. I do understand why God hates divorce - it does not embody what God is all about. However, in this broken world it is sometimes necessary and not just necessary due to adultery or an unbeliever leaving. It is necessary so that you can fulfill your God given destiny and know fully understand the power of Gods love and forgiveness. I pray that if you are on this journey that you run to God rather than from him. He will provide for you, give you peace and provide the right direction for you to take in the weeks, months and years to come.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-67747911846623075412016-08-21T10:31:18.063-06:002016-08-21T10:31:18.063-06:00@ Debra. I'm very glad to hear you're feel...@ Debra. I'm very glad to hear you're feeling better and encouraged. I agree - body, mind and soul are interconnected, and abuse affects all parts of our being. <br /><br />Yet our God is Jehovah-Rapha, the Lord our healer!<br /><br />It's that old rascal the devil who speaks to us in harsh, accusing tones. The Lord speaks to us in peace:<br /><br />"But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy." - James 3:17<br /><br />Blessings.Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-27302313942133198342016-08-21T07:57:36.007-06:002016-08-21T07:57:36.007-06:00I am so thankful to have found your story. I was m...I am so thankful to have found your story. I was married to a covert narcissist for 36 years, the last 5 of those years I became chronically ill to the point of being bed-ridden 90% of the time. The stress of living with someone who was emotionally untrustworthy and abusive was a big part of my illness. Within a month of moving out I began to recover. Even though I knew I had to divorce, literally for my life, and even though I had peace from God that it was OK to divorce, I have still struggled with reconciling my divorce with scripture. Now, over a year later, doubts and recriminations are creeping in. I find I have to remind myself of his behavior in order to achieve any kind of peace - it's like re-living the nightmare. Hearing your story encourages me so much! Hopefully, I will regain my confidence in who I am in Christ, that my divorce is not the defining event of my life. Thank you and God bless! Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03404022259313600183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-61938289419682685252016-07-17T12:49:37.726-06:002016-07-17T12:49:37.726-06:00@ Cassie. Thanks for your comment. If my ex had yo...@ Cassie. Thanks for your comment. If my ex had your attitude and determination, I'm sure the marriage would have made it. God bless you. Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-60718016856404541092016-07-17T00:41:20.533-06:002016-07-17T00:41:20.533-06:00My husband and I are currently separated. I am a b...My husband and I are currently separated. I am a believer as well, and I have mental illness that has affected my behaviors in the past. However, I now see that, I own it, and I have been working diligently to better myself to be the person I want to be, as well as the wife my husband needs. I'm praying constantly, and have heard the Lord speak to me during these times. Without Jesus, I am nothing and have nothing. Without Jesus, I am a "crazy" person who's out of control and let's my emotions get the best of me. Without Jesus, I am one of the worst people I know, possibly the worst person I know.<br /><br />I know you shared that you suspect your ex-wife has borderline personality disorder. I'm on the other side of that piece, as I do have "traits" of BPD, but not enough to point to a diagnosis at this time, per the psychiatrist. Have I abused my husband? Absolutely. Do I have to do? Oh yes. Can I be a better me? With Jesus! I'm only sharing this because my situation could be looked on as so dire, maybe as you saw your first marriage. I have asked God multiple times to speak to me, maybe because I was "worried" that I was just seeing what I wanted to. But God showed me that His plans are better than any I can fathom, and He plans to use our marriage to further His kingdom. Whatever happens, I will praise God all my days. Do I pray for reconciliation and healing? All the time.<br /><br />I believe an abuser must become accountable by action. Telling my husband I'm better shows him nothing. But taking care of my amends, being accountable for my past and my future, and working on myself through consistent therapy are keys to my biblical success.<br /><br />Thank you for sharing your story. I appreciate your transparency! God bless you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14031253666336007094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-6904317110959844632016-06-13T15:12:11.047-06:002016-06-13T15:12:11.047-06:00@ Bianca. I'm sorry to hear about your situati...@ Bianca. I'm sorry to hear about your situation. This sounds like a highly unstable person. My advice would be to forgive him but also seek justice. Ask God to tell you personally and directly whether you should stay or go. He does care and He will answer. Just listen for the response.<br /><br />Don't worry about the other questions for now. If the answer is go, then focus on getting free and getting whole. Put your hand to the plow and don't look back. God bless you. <br /><br />"But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:5-6<br /><br />"My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me." - John 10:27<br /><br />"A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick He will not extinguish; He will faithfully bring forth justice." - Isaiah 42:3<br /><br />Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-83458530725644479112016-06-13T10:17:47.740-06:002016-06-13T10:17:47.740-06:00Thank you for sharing your testimony. I am in the ...Thank you for sharing your testimony. I am in the middle of a situation similar to yours. I was advised against marrying my husband. We have struggled financially over the last three years. He hasn't stayed at a job longer than a few months, constantly having interpersonal conflicts with coworkers. I have supported us and taken out debt in my name to cover the bills. Two years ago he confessed an emotional affair to me, and I forgave him. A year ago he confessed to sexting another woman, and I forgave him. Two months ago, he confessed to sexting another woman, and this time it involved a scam that nearly cost us $2500. Thankfully he confessed before he paid it and I consulted with a lawyer who assured me it was a scam. I then insisted that we pursue Christian marriage counseling. In the past six weeks, he's gotten into two screaming matches with the counselor and now refuses to go back. I met with her privately last week, and she recommended I start making arrangements to move back into my parents because she suspects he has borderline personality disorder. She doesn't see much hope in reconciliation in our marriage as long as he's unwilling to accept counsel. This is not the first time he's refused to see a particular counselor because he didn't like their approach. I'm angry all of the time. I can't stand to be around him and cringe when he touches me. I've sought counsel from my parents, sisters and best friend, all of whom support the choice of divorce. I have so much anxiety over this decision and I want to fight for my marriage, but some days I don't know if I'm fighting for him to get better, for financial stability or for the actual marriage. Is there even a marriage left to fight for? Does God want me to keep fighting for this or is it okay to divorce? Will I regret it down the road? Should I remain single after divorce? Is it adultery to remarry? Am I ever going to have the family I desire? I just don't know what to do.Biancanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-9803877391977634192015-12-08T20:36:06.827-07:002015-12-08T20:36:06.827-07:00@ aphophiaa - Thanks! Blessings as well.@ aphophiaa - Thanks! Blessings as well.Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-42592522950612140772015-12-07T07:06:01.287-07:002015-12-07T07:06:01.287-07:00i am blessed by this testimony. indeed our God is ...i am blessed by this testimony. indeed our God is a God of grace. am grieved by what "anonymous" posted but i suppose even through that, God can reach people, the same God who can get water out of a rock ... may God continue to bless u even as u minister. there is a friend i would like u to minister too in this area. i will email u. blessingsapophiaahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05438116217264734386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-70470039715642833562015-04-24T13:47:26.417-06:002015-04-24T13:47:26.417-06:00@ Anonymous immediately above.
God has convicted m...@ Anonymous immediately above.<br />God has convicted me and chastised me for many sins in life, but divorcing my first wife isn’t one of them. I grieved the end of that marriage, but feel no need to repent of the decision. That was the deliverance and mercy of the Lord, and I’m sorry your legalism doesn’t let you accept that.<br /><br />I suppose if you were God, you would have told the Israelites to remain under the rod of Pharaoh because Romans 13 says, “Let every person be in subjection to the government authorities.” And Jesus said, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.” You would not have sent Moses to defy Pharaoh and demand he let his people go.<br /><br />And I suppose if you were God, you would not have commanded Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, which both Abraham and Isaac were willing to do and in fact were on the verge of carrying out, when Lord sent a ram as a substitute sacrifice for Isaac. After all, the Ten Commandments forbid murder. <br /><br />And I suppose if you were God, you would not have told Moses to write that divorce is okay if the husband issues the wife a certificate, and then inspire Jesus to say divorce is forbidden except in the case of infidelity, but then inspire the Apostle Paul to say it is okay for a believer to divorce an unbeliever. That is all so confusing and inconsistent. A simple eleventh commandment, “Thou shalt not divorce,” would be more suitable to your hard, black-and-white viewpoint.<br /><br />And I suppose if you were God, you would not have inspired Jesus to say, “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.” Because verbal and emotional abuse is not such a big deal to you, certainly not grounds for divorce. <br /><br />Since you presumed to give me advice, I’ll return the favor: Your understanding of what it means to walk with God is too narrow and small. If your understanding does not encompass the whole of Scriptures, the entirety of God’s eternal word from Genesis to Revelation, then it is insufficient. If your understanding does not rely on hearing the voice of the Holy Spirit to reveal its hidden treasures, then it is not inspired. Nobody knew the Scriptures better than the Pharisees, but they didn’t recognize the Messiah even when He stood in front of them. Jesus said his sheep hear his voice and they follow him. <br />Mike Fischhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06169607815358963564noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-55451243569352699832015-04-24T04:26:27.236-06:002015-04-24T04:26:27.236-06:00Sure, friends can give bad advice, but I presume y...Sure, friends can give bad advice, but I presume you aren't saying you are like Job whom God said was upright and blameless? Whom God allowed Satan to take his children, possessions and livelihood? Didn't his wife tell him to "curse God and die"? Might that be "emotional abuse"? Could not the "How dare you!" have been from God and the beautiful woman dream been just lust? You said yourself you didn't want to "go through life alone" so humanly speaking it makes perfect sense to abandon the troubled marriage and seek "happiness" in a new one. What miracles of grace could God have worked in your marriage had you trusted Him to persevere? I'm grateful God doesn't abandon His very troubled bride and that we are eternally secure. What's done is done, but if you don't even recognize and acknowledge any sin for your divorce, then your pride is still looming large, very large. You can grieve your divorce and acknowledge your sin in it without affecting your current status. <br /><br />In reading part 1 you spoke of telling someone in the ministry you were involved in about wanting to marry a woman and that person discouraged you to do so which led you to leave that ministry. Was that the woman you eventually divorced? If so, do you wonder if you had received his counsel with humility, along with counsel of others, that perhaps you wouldn't have married her in the first place? But since you did (if it's the same woman) you then disregarded the advice of others to not divorce her. Also, to say divorce can be "deliverance" is merely looking from a selfish human perspective. It definitely isn't "deliverance" from God's perspective. Try reading Hosea and his love for Gomer and there's a case for a man to abandon a woman if there ever was one. That's a small picture of Christ and His bride, except we are much worse than Gomer and Hosea definitely isn't sinless and infinitely Holy like Christ. <br /><br />Not sure why I took the time to write this, but I hope you don't feel as if I am judging, attacking you. You made your choices and chose to write about them in a public forum. Presuming we are both believers, we are brothers and will spend eternity together. As for now, I do know I am not a friend giving bad advice and you are not Job. No offense.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3363548707433965641.post-57445700954505019772015-03-13T12:46:25.483-06:002015-03-13T12:46:25.483-06:00Thanks for sharing brother.
The Lord can bring hea...Thanks for sharing brother.<br />The Lord can bring healing and forgiveness for your ex-wife too... if she chooses, eh?<br />He is the reconciler... of all men to himself.<br />May we all be transformed into His Image, from glory to glory... as we are further humbled, and then lifted up in Him!<br />May we learn to pray all the more!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com