Aftershock - Setting Yourself Up for SuccessSample

Arm for Spiritual Battle and Attend to Leftover Trauma 

Few marital problems are as devastating as infidelity. Sexual sins don’t simply break marital trust. They shatter it. For a believer, this kind of pain can even translate into a crisis of faith in the broadest sense. At the very least, the presence of serious sexual sin certainly causes trauma to the soul.

As you grow spiritually, your very growth becomes a target of the evil one. Your and your husband’s work together is a living, visible example of the power of the Holy Spirit and the mercy and love of God. So, don’t be surprised if the Enemy targets your mind and you go back to pondering things you may previously have settled.

You might also feel an inordinate sense of suspicion toward your spouse. Maybe your husband’s actions show positive gains that ignite hope. However, panic and plaguing doubts are preoccupying your mind. Fear and suspicion take over.

Feelings of fear can be so compelling that many wives will vigilantly check in on their husbands multiple times throughout the day in an attempt to monitor their every move. It’s an attempt to take charge of circumstances that seem wildly out of control. The trouble is it doesn’t strengthen you. It weakens you. Tracking your spouse’s every movement will only keep you trapped in a cycle of fear and suspicion. Your past experience may cause you to leap to inaccurate conclusions. Your husband might be struggling with temptations, and you might be afraid he’ll succumb to those temptations.

Still, no matter where you are in your healing process, it’s important to recognize that an unseen spiritual battle rages around you, and the leftover trauma in your heart can get reactivated in the most inopportune ways. Stay close to the Lord and hang on to your most helpful resources. Stay in touch with your therapist, whom God can use to help you address any trauma flashbacks. Relying on the Holy Spirit and engaging in good Christian care for spiritual and emotional healing will help you remain grounded and discerning. 

Next, we’ll look at nurturing your spiritual life.