I am sharing it with you because you have all been a part of this journey for the last 19 months.
Today, I was given a second chance to acquire a lifelong, Godly marriage. Today, I became legally single. A weight has been lifted, and I am at peace.
I made a mistake, and married a non-believer. Do I regret it? I can't even say that I do. I regret the outcome of the situation, but not the decision itself. I honestly loved Chad, and honestly believed that marrying him was the right thing to do, especially given our circumstances.
Before you express your condemnation, I challenge you to resist doing so. I do not condone divorce, not any aspect of it, in fact. However, one of the most amazing things about the all-powerful, all-knowing, freely forgiving, Creator of the Universe, is that He still allows us a freewill to make our own decisions. Do I believe that two God fearing people who entered a marriage should make every attempt to make it work? Absolutely. I still fully believe in, hope for, and pray for a lifelong marriage that involves two spiritually mature, God-centered, loving, people. And, I believe God will answer that prayer for me one day.
But, just as it was with Dylan, so it is with Chad. What the Devil intended for my destruction, God is using to strengthen me, and eh hmm...He is also teaching me a few things along the way. And for that, I am ever so grateful.
I believe I'm forgiven, not condemned. I believe I am blessed, and not cursed. I believe I am loved.
So, here's the story God has given me to share.
No matter your circumstances, no matter what someone does or says, to you or about you, no matter the trials or tribulations you may find yourself in...there is hope. And, with that hope, there is love. No. Matter. What.
I've looked back, and have reflected long enough to learn the hard lessons taught by an ever compassionate Father, but from here on out...I'm looking upward and onward. After all, looking back does no good for the Kingdom of God.
God already has amazing adventures in store for me these next few months, including but not limited to: A shopping trip to Chicago, an adventure through the faraway mountains of Guatemala, and last but certainly not least, a sky-diving escapade! I am so excited!
We all have our individual stories to share. Stories of death, betrayal, loss, struggle, or condemnation. All of our heartbreaks and all of our devastating circumstances reveal an ever present, redeeming Creator, Who is always healing, and always mending. And I can't wait until the day that we will join Him and each other forever and shed our very last tear.
I will end on that note. LOVE. It's a beautiful concept.
Happy Valentine's Day.
To Mr. Wynsma and his entire family: Thank you. Thank you for including me in your family, and for loving me these past 5 years. Thank you. You have my word that my former marriage will not be discussed on this blog ever again.
Blessings,
Nicole
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
1 Cor 13:13
19 comments:
I have been following your story for a few months now and I have to tell you that your hope and your strength is inspiring. God is SO faithful and I, although I haven't been through what you have been through, am also so thankful for His love and His grace and His amazing forgetfulness of our mistakes. That is why He is our loving Father. You shared His love so beautifully in this post. God BLess you!
Just wanted to let you know you are still on my prayer list! You have handled yourself and the difficult situations you have been through the past couple of years with much grace. I admire you for that! By the way, skydiving was one of the most fun experiences I've had! I assume you'll be jumping tandum which means even if you chicken out at the last second, (like I tried to do) you don't have a choice on jumping since your diving instructor will jump for you...haha!
Thinking about and praying for you. You are an exetremely strong woman.
Love from WI,
Kate
God is good! I am quickly approaching the one year mark of when my husband left me and our 8 week old son and shortly thereafter filed for divorce. It was a Godly marriage, I did marry a Godly man but as I have learned there are situations where God permits divorce, a nonbeliever leaving and adultery. I do however believe my right to forgive in my circumstances is greater than my right to divorce. However, at this time he has still chosen to follow the ways of the world instead of the ways of our heavenly Father. And I like you am thankful for the things God has revealed to me, thankful for the lessons He has taught me and for carrying me through this past year. I needed that reminder tonight to not look back and to just move forward trusting that my Father in heaven loves me and will work this all for His good. God bless you, I pray He has amazing things in store for you in the years to come and I thaink Him for helping you grow even in the pain. So proud of you girl! You are truly an inspiration to me.
Just, wow. I know it is only God that can give you such perspective in your life. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your faith is truly inspiring. xx
Nicole,
Your strength is so admirable. Thinking about you in this time of change. I know you will thrive in your new lifestyle and continue to praise God for the blessings you are given.
well written! And it stinks that some people can look at a snap-shot and think they can judge the situation. Unfortunately, I used to be one of those people and find that sometimes I can still think those thoughts! Praise God that he refuses to let us be like that! I am so excited to continue to read your blog and see what God has next for you!`
Nicole~
Thinking about you sending prayers through all of your new advententures. As your journey has turned a new corner I know that God has great things in store for you. God Bless~ Abbie
Forgiven. How amazing is that? God gives us rules as any loving parent does and when we disobey, there are consequences. Like any good parent, He is also willing to forgive. As far as the East is from the West. Pretty far.
Still thinking of you, Nicole. This was another beautiful post, thank you so much for sharing it with us.
I'm looking forward to following you on this new journey that you're on. It's a pleasure to be among your many readers.
Have a nice weekend!
I am a divorcee, and while I have not done everything perfect by any means, I have always been committed to using my failed marriage as a way of growing and becoming a better person. You seem very reflective over your marriage, and that in itself brought me a number of things I hope for you...I found peace, not guilt in the fact that our marriage was a flop. I took time to reflect on what I had done really well, and how I could have been better. Peace also came in knowing each experience of our lives is part of who shapes us, and while I had no dreams to be divorced, the experience itself strengthened my relationships with the rest of my family, my belief in myself, and most importantly my faith in God.
And it brought me something else eventually...a new love that was beyond all I could imagine, a healthy loving relationship that allowed me to share my faith with my new husband. I hope and pray that your experiences will be a blessing along your road to happiness, and that you continue to trust that God is working his wonders in your life.
Nicole, youre strength is inspiring!! Prayers for you on the next chapter of your life. Continue to share your story of faith in God with others!!
**this is Val btw**
Hugs, Nicole. :-)
Nicole, You have an amazing testimony, as I was reading this post I was imagining you on a stage telling your story. You will minister to many in the coming years. You are absolutely right... there is no condemnation and the greatest is love. Blessings to you! I am so excited to hear what God does in your life, please keep us "posted." =)
you have amazing strength, and an even more amazing foundation in your faith. It takes a lot to go thru what you have been thru and come out on the other side. You are an inspiration to so many. Hugs and prayers my dear!!
Good for you. Glad you are able to be so positive and strong on such a difficult day. All the best to you.
Nicole,
You are amazing.
There is someone out there that is your true soulmate and is worthy of you and your life...good and bad. You'll find that person, without a doubt. You'll find that person and that extended family that truly deserves you..and how blessed they will be!
Best wishes to you!! You are an inspiration!
Thank-you, again for sharing your story. I just have to tell you, just 4 days ago (also on the 11th) I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl who is now with Jesus. I was 30 weeks, and have been following your story since even before we had our Whitney's diagnosis. Your strength and peace and HOPE continue to give me hope as I am navigating these new waters of empty arms. From one mamma with a baby in heaven to another, thank-you.
Nicole I left you something at my blog - check itout when you get a chance. Love ya!
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