Looking back over the years, Sam and I seemingly lived in two different worlds. I took the children to church on Sundays, and he did yard work. I would try to tell him about things I was learning in Bible study, and he would change the subject. I grew discouraged many times, but I continued to do the only thing I knew to do—pray for the strength and grace to obey God’s Word and pray every day for his salvation.

It’s not easy being married to an unbeliever, but as I look back, I recognize God was working in my marriage all along. He’s given me grace to handle every disappointment, and now I can see the fruit of obeying His plan to be patient and to pray.

The Bible indicates in 2 Corinthians 6:15 that a union between a believer and an unbeliever will be unharmonious at times. But Christian women married to unbelievers should prayerfully seek to honor both God and their husbands. First Peter 3:1–6 says respectful treatment and a gentle spirit do more to influence an unbelieving husband than persuasive words and arguments.

If you are married to an unbeliever, pray for his salvation and commit to living a godly life before him. Find ways to grow spiritually and plug into your church as much as possible without neglecting your spouse. Above all, don’t give up on your husband, but love him in word and in deed.