At the West Coast Leaders Retreat, during a surrender exercise, one of the hardest things I laid before the Lord was my husband’s walk with Him, along with surrendering my job, finances, the business that I had just developed, and our fertility journey.
Releasing my husband was hard. I had prayed for him to receive the Holy Spirit since we started dating. After we got married, I hoped time would bring spiritual alignment, but at times it felt like things only grew harder, especially through our fertility journey.
I tried to be a godly influence, but eventually realized I could not change his will or carry a burden only God could handle.
Shortly after the retreat, my husband and I took a week-long vacation and disconnected from everything, simply spending time together. On our drive home, we passed through Corning, CA, surrounded by olive trees, and I felt the Lord impress on my heart that change was coming.
Then came Pentecost Sunday. During an altar call for fresh oil—for the empty, thirsty, and willing—my husband unexpectedly walked forward. He usually sits back, so I was stunned.
As worship played “Here As in Heaven,” I was overwhelmed with gratitude despite unemployment, uncertainty in launching my business, and our fertility journey.
In that moment, I felt the Lord whisper, “You are so loved.” For the first time, I didn’t just know it, I felt it. Like a loving parent hugging their child tightly, I felt His presence and peace. Then I heard the pastor ask my husband if he wanted to be filled with the Holy Spirit. My husband said YES. Then he was asked if he knew how to pray in tongues. He said no and was asked if he wanted to receive his prayer language. He said YES.
Later, my husband shared that in the men’s restroom, he asked God for help and suddenly began speaking in tongues. My heart was overwhelmed with joy.
After years of prayer, surrender, and nearly losing hope, God moved on Pentecost Sunday.