Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage

by Leslie Strobel; Lee Strobel

Publisher:

Zondervan

, 2010

Overview

Someone came between Lee and Leslie Strobel, threatening to shipwreck their marriage. No, it wasn’t an old flame. It was Jesus Christ.

Leslie’s decision to become a follower of Jesus brought heated opposition from her skeptical husband. They began to experience conflict over a variety of issues, from finances to child-rearing. But over time, Leslie learned how to survive a spiritual mismatch. Today they’re both Christians--and they want you to know that there is hope if you’re a Christian married to a nonbeliever.

In their intensely personal and practical book, they reveal:

• Surprising insights into the thinking of non-Christian spouses
• A dozen steps toward making the most of your mismatched marriage
• Eight principles for reaching out to your partner with the gospel
• Advice for raising your children in a spiritually mismatched home
• How to pray for your spouse--plus a 30-day guide to get you started
• What to do if you’re both Christians but one lags behind spiritually
• Advice for single Christians to avoid the pain of a mismatch

Contents

How Leslie and I Wrote This Book 9
Part 1:The Challenge of a Mismatched Marriage
1. Entering into the Mismatch 13
2. In Leslie’s Words: A Story of Loneliness, Fear,
Perseverance, Faith 29
3. In Lee’s Words: A Story of Anger, Resentment,
Conviction, Renewal 42
Part 2:Making the Most of Your Mismatched Marriage
4. The Players: God, Your Spouse, and a Mentor 59
5. Giving Your Spouse What God Gave You 82
6. The Chill, the Children,
and the Most Challenging Question 101
Part 3:Your Marriage as a Mission Field
7. Before You Tell Your Spouse about God 121
8. What to Say When Words Are Hard to Find 140
9. The Power of a Praying Spouse 162
Part 4:Managing Other Mismatches
10. Avoiding the Dating Traps 185
11. When Christians Are Out of Sync 207
Conclusion: Into the Future of Your Mismatch 225
Notes 232
Appendix 1: Your 30-Day Prayer Adventure 241
Appendix 2: Application Guide 257
Appendix 3: Resource Guide 267
Appendix 4: A Letter to Your Spouse: Dear Friend . . . 270

Product Details

• Title : Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage
• Authors:
  • Strobel, Lee
  • Strobel, Leslie
• Publisher: Zondervan
• Publication Date: 2010
• ISBN: 9780310860365