My parents had been married for 26 years when the news came unexpectedly. Tears rolled down cheeks as my siblings and I heard our family would be forever changed by divorce.
As my family unit as I knew it crumbled, my fears ran rampant. What will the Church think of me? What “good” Christian man will want to marry a girl from a broken family? How will my parents interact at future family events – like my wedding day?
The divorce sent me searching for true stability, which I later found only in an unshakeable relationship with Jesus. It also left me with very little hope for restoration. Restoration – even in the smallest capacities seemed impossible for my family. Not because I believed God wasn’t capable or willing, but the painful circumstances and aftermath of the divorce dwindled any anticipation of future restoration.
Fast forward a few years, and the fear of how my parents would engage on my wedding day was now a reality: my wedding date had been set. As preparations proceeded, I prayed increasingly for God to somehow bring restoration to my family through my wedding.
My wedding day exceeded my wildest prayers. My family was loving, gracious, and supportive of one another. I glimpsed restoration with my own eyes. I even had one family friend remark they had forgotten that my parents were divorced based on the cordiality of their interactions that day.
Restoration is an ongoing part of Jesus’ mission: “… the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost”
-Matthew 18:11, NASB
Restoration After Divorce
Rachel Lohman
June 27, 2016 [printfriendly]