Molly & Zach
Kennesaw, Georgia
"Hi, I'm Molly. Zach and I've been married for almost three years and restored for almost a year. A few months into our marriage, I started having challenges with my in-laws. I'd always had a good relationship with them but during wedding planning, we started struggling. Zach was supportive at first and took a step back from his family to give me time to figure things out, particularly during our early marriage and pregnancy with our daughter. Struggling with not knowing how to handle what I was going through and being apart from his family, Zach left in September. It was two weeks before our first anniversary and I was about three months pregnant. We'd had no contact at all for two months when he told me he wanted a divorce. We had very little contact between that time and when our daughter was born in February. Being pregnant for the first time and alone was a very difficult experience. My emotions were a mess and being without Zach felt unbearable. Since my husband had left our home my parents insisted I come to live with them. My father was one of the few people who remained hopeful with me for restoration and my mother joined us for prayer nightly. Some days, I felt very sure we would be restored but many days, I felt like giving up and that there was no point. However, God provided many resources through His Word, standing groups and ministries, prayers and a select few people who helped keep me strong. I sought counseling and tried to stay busy, as some days seemed long and hopeless. I learned much about discernment and listening to God on when to be still and when to make a move. Faith in what I felt God was doing was very important in my marriage restoration. It helped sustain me in the darkest times when I'd lost any expectation of future joy. When I was really desperate for reassurance God provided it. I found friends to pray with and sought out specific scriptures and prayers that were related to marriage. I spent more time with God than I ever had. Many restoration testimonies happen "suddenly." Ours had "sudden" moments but it was a more gradual process with many small "wins." A month or so after our daughter was born, Zach agreed to try and spend some time together. We had a bit of a "false start," as some people like to call it. Several months later, I felt God was telling me it was the right time to have a more heartfelt conversation with Zach. Listening to this timing was so important because it finally moved us forward. A month later, Zach told me he got rid of his lawyers. After several months of reconnecting and continuing to spend time together, he moved back home. As many people say, standing does not end when you're back together. I strongly agree with this. We've been restored for almost a year and we're still working things out. I recently found out about an affair he had at the beginning of our separation. That is something I have really had to take to God. I see God at work, even in that revelation. We have finally come to a place where complete healing is possible. I truly see the man I married returned. We're both more intentional about our actions and carrying out our promises to each other. Even in the darkest hour, there is hope for restoration. Standing teaches us how strong we can be. When you don't feel strong, God is right there with you. It's not an easy journey but it is important to remember that you're not alone. God is fighting for you and we're all fighting with you. Remember that your spouse is not your enemy; we also fight for them. My husband would tell you now that he was lost and confused and is thankful I did not give up on him or our marriage. Mark 10:9 - "Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate." (NIV) Molly was another member of our 12-week e-course called "The Standing Supernaturally Academy." This 12-week course was designed to train those standing for their marriage to walk in supernatural hope, joy, and power! For info on how to sign up and join the Academy, go to www.StandingSupernaturally.com/Academy
