Andrea & Bob
New Port Richey, Florida
"My name is Andrea. Bob and I were madly in love, the white picket fence family: house, two cars, did everything together, loved one another, two children, approaching our 25 wedding anniversary. One day, he didn't come home from work. No response to texts and calls for two days. I reported him missing. So many thoughts ran through my mind, but not one thought of him not coming home for two years. I went through so many emotions. I didn't want anyone to know he'd left. At first, my focus was on Bob and his actions. He didn't love me and felt he was living with a roommate, not a wife. How could that be? We'd loved each other, made a lifetime commitment. I was depressed, broken. He met someone and moved in with her but God was always with me, and He started filling me with His love! We had a house fire 4 ½ months after he left and lost almost everything. We were alive but to be honest, I was in a dark place and wished I was dead among the rubbish. My Bible was saved, not damaged at all! Hard to believe but this tragedy saved me! I turned my focus from how bad I had it to counting my blessings! It would take a long time to recover what was lost, including my marriage. I believed God to provide and bring Bob home. When others said to move on, I got into the Word. I served, worshipped and praised Jesus. I couldn't fix me. God did that! I give Him Glory! Psalms 34:18. God gave me a wonderful prayer partner. When I wanted to give up, my prayer partner said no! I found a church with a Pastor who prayed for me, Bob and our marriage. I would pray, God, I can't go on. I don't know how to live without him. Repeatedly Holy Spirit told me Bob would come home. I battled but I realized this fight wasn't mine. My heart was hard. I read the Word. I read of God's love. My prayers shifted. I wasn't fighting against flesh and blood but against powers and principalities. I prayed that the other woman would find Jesus and hear God speak to her. I prayed for a hedge of protection over Bob and that he would return to the Lord. I put God first. I learned in Luke 10:19 that I have authority over the enemy. Yes, me! I put on my armor. I learned to love unconditionally. I prayed, "Lord, show me how to love like you love." I learned to forgive. I forgave myself for not being the wife I was called to be. I didn't submit to my husband. I liked control. I worked on me. I forgave Bob of any wrongs. God showed me 1 Corinthians 13. I prayed, "I believe, help me with my unbelief." My prayer partner and I prayed and fasted. In July 2019, she suggested a three-day fast, citing Matthew 17:21. I was fighting a spiritual battle. And gave it my all. We prayed and fasted for three days. I worshipped. I didn't pray for Bob to come home. I prayed, "God, you know my heart, you know my hurt but most of all, I turn my husband over to You. He is Yours." I thanked the Lord for restoring my marriage before it was restored! I thanked Him for blessing me. I truly surrendered Bob to Him. The fast ended. I continued to pray for Bob, believing God had Mighty and BIG plans, so I wouldn't "STAND" in the way but would STAND for my marriage. A month, almost to the day, from my fast, I got a phone call. I hadn't heard from Bob in 8 months. He said he'd prayed and wanted to know if the offer still stood for him to come home. This is not how I had planned our restoration. I also didn't know if I could trust him. He asked for forgiveness. He said he wouldn't be calling asking to come home if he didn't mean it for good. He said he loved me. I felt his love through the phone as if he were hugging me. I said yes! My prayers were being answered. I'd believed with all my heart God could and would restore my marriage. I did not give up! God did it for me, and He'll do it for you. He's no respecter of persons. He doesn't pick one child over another for a miracle and restoration. He did it once, and He'll do it again. He's the same yesterday, today, and forever! Be faithful. Never give up! Once you're restored, trust in the Lord to guide and lead. Let Him change your spouse. Love your spouse unconditionally. Forgive immediately. We do not have the perfect marriage, but we stand on the Rock and He is our firm foundation. We just celebrated our 30-year wedding anniversary. I'm so thankful. God, You did it for us; now do it for everyone reading this book!"
