Every Monday and Thursday morning for the past year, I’ve had to adjust my car seat. And every time I do, I say a silent prayer of thanks.

I’m so thankful that my husband now drives us—together—to worship the Almighty. (He’s taller than me, so he moves the seat back!)

For 26 years before that, I mostly went alone.

But now, there’s nothing sweeter or more precious than having my husband as my brother in Christ. I was blessed in the fact that he has always been a wonderful husband, father and provider. He never discouraged my faith. But he had not made that full surrender himself.

A lot of ladies (and men) find themselves in a similar situation. Some even carry a much harder burden with a spouse that actively discourages and disparages the faith of their partner. 

If this is you, I want to encourage you: don’t give up. 

Never stop praying for their hearts to be softened. Never stop being the example they need to see. Never stop loving them as Christ loves the church.

It’s hard to be unequally yoked. That’s why we are warned against it (2 Corinthians 6:14). But if you have found yourself in that position, I encourage you to pray for your spouse and your family. Be the example they need. Let them see your fruit. 

Our job is to sow the seeds and pray that it lands on the good soil. (Matthew 13:18-23, Mark 4:13-20, Luke 8:11-15) But like in the parable, it might not…for years, but keep sowing and keep watering and God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-7)

Mamas (or Daddies)…keep bringing those babies to church. Even when it’s hard and they’re cranky, you’re cranky, and you feel like you don’t have the support system! Sing to them, study with them, read their Bible storybooks, and pray with them. You’re sowing seeds there, too. And your spouse is observing.

Most of all, do not forget to be humble and patient.

I failed miserably in this regard.

My pride led me to believe I had all the answers and had everything figured out. I had a haughty attitude that was not helpful in winning souls. I was a know it all, goody two-shoes! I was like the older brother in the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32)

Once I got that sin of pride in check and learned to communicate more effectively with my husband, we were able to have much better conversations. I could share Jesus with him.

And today, I get to adjust my car seat twice a week because the man I prayed for is sitting beside me on the way to worship. And now we can help one another on our walk.

Don’t give up. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep being the example. Keep sowing. Keep watering. God is still working.