Don’t Give Up! (5) by Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Don’t Give Up! (5)

Dear Reader,

Welcome to the last teaching in this month’s series. Have you ever wondered why God allowed you to become a Christian first, while your spouse remained an unbeliever? The answer to this question is that, with prayers, fasting, a life that speaks and patience in place, you are in that marriage to sanctify your spouse.

Sanctification and what it means to your unsaved spouse, is what I shall be teaching on today. Sanctification is from the word ‘sanctify’. In 1 Corinthians 7:14, God’s Word says: For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. This scripture does not mean that your spouse is automatically saved when you become born again, as salvation is a personal decision. Sanctification is a process carried out when salvation is received (1 Corinthians 6:11 & 13). A continuous change that grows from strength to strength also occurs when salvation is received (2 Corinthians 7:1). It is only said to be perfected or complete when you leave this world to meet with Jesus face to face or when rapture takes place as written in 1 Thessalonians 5:23 which says: Now may the god of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As a believer, God sees you as the light in your home. Your presence in the home is as light shinning over darkness in your spouse’s life. Matthew 5:16 says: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.  No form of darkness can stand light, no matter how little the light may be. John 1:4-5 confirms this.  It says: In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

Your presence in your home is an added advantage for your spouse to receive salvation. It has a great influence upon him or her, when you choose to see it positively. Your presence as the spiritual light in your home also means that every form of evil (spiritual darkness) that may come to attack your home and family can be easily warded off. Your presence serves as a covering over your spouse, children and other members of your family.

God sees you as the spiritual support for them, even in their present state and He will answer any intercession that you make on their behalf, just because they are connected to you. An example of this is the case of Abraham in Genesis 18 and 19:29 during the destruction of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Another great advantage is that your presence as the light in that home, enables you to reach out to your children in teaching and bringing them up in the ways of God, since your presence has a sanctifying influence upon them, too.

Today marks the end of all that has constituted an obstacle and made it difficult for your loved ones to be born again, in the name of Jesus! I come against every form of darkness and spiritual blindness that has hindered your spouse from being saved! I pray that God renews your strength and gives you grace to do all that you have read in this series of teachings in Jesus’ name!

However, I would like to mention that for your spouse to be saved, you must first and foremost be saved. Until you are born again, you cannot expect him or her to see the light of Jesus in your life.  Remember, you cannot give what you do not have. Right now, you can be born again if you wish to, by saying this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).