By our Guest Writer: Audra
I just wanted to share something God put on my heart. He has put it on my heart to pray for the other woman. I give praise to God because the other woman has been out of our lives for almost 3 years. But the pain of my husband’s betrayal is something I still live with.
God gave me the story of Joseph and his brothers (Genesis 49:29 – 50:26). In particular, God gave me the statement Joseph made to his brothers.
Joseph said, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good in order to bring about the present result, to preserve many people alive” (Genesis 50:20).
In that verse, the Holy Spirit revealed that not only should I forgive my husband and the other person, but that God has given me the power to overcome evil with good by praying for those who have mistreated me (i.e., my husband and the other person and anyone else who has mistreated me). The Spirit also revealed that “to preserve many people alive” meant that my prayers for those who have mistreated me may result in salvation for my enemies.
God gave me the understanding that He allowed me to be harmed so that I would have compassion for those in a similar situation, and so that I would pray for my husband’s salvation, the other person’s salvation, her husband’s salvation, and the salvation of many prodigal spouses and children. God has empowered us to overcome evil with good by praying for those who have mistreated us. Our LORD Jesus instructs us,
“Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, PRAY for those who mistreat you…If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same…but love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be called sons (and daughters) of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men (Luke 6:27-28, 33, 35).
It is a high calling, but God has empowered us to overcome evil with good, and a good place to start is praying for those who have mistreated us. I have been doing this, and it is softening my heart, and God is healing me through these prayers.
Audra
