"Perhaps I should even stop writing blogs"

You no say that!

Deb, you are such an inspiration. Not only to us but I am sure to everyone you meet. And yes, you're blogs are extremely helpful!

I honestly do not have any great words of wisdom for you in this particular case. The enemy will twist our words into whatever shape he feels is appropriate for his purpose. I have all ideas that he waxed the eardrums of this woman so that the only thing she heard was what he wanted her to hear.

You did the right thing. You undoubtedly planted the true Word of God into this situation. Those Words from you are like seeds and they will produce after their own kind.

We love you Deb. Please keep us posted on what develops.

Deb - I understand the concern and bad feelings you're having over this.  We've all been there in one way or another.  I've said to myself

- God wants me to help these people

- I need to talk to them about this 

- God wouldn't have me upset anyone

But, think of it this way - there IS a fine line between "God was speaking through me" to "I took over and interjected my opinion or interpretation".  I worry about that line;  I pray often that I shut my trap before it becomes me and not the Lord.

But I don't think you 'went too far' here.  Remember this - if God was using you to get a point across to someone, a few things can happen:

1.  They can listen and do as God wills.

2.  They can do the opposite and justify their actions and say that's what God told THEM to do.

3.  They can get upset because it's the truth

4.  They can get upset because they haven't been truthful (maybe only telling you part of the story, and when your advice is contrary, it shines light on their dishonesty).

5.  They can ignore you or reject you.

Hang in there, and just 'let it be' between you and the people - but keep praying for all involved and for continued discernment of what God and others tell you.

Keep blogging too  ;) 

Deb, I truly feel for you but let me say first don't stop writing blogs.  There are times, no matter how carefully we try to express something, that it is turned around.  I don't know if it is that the person we are talking to only will hear what they won't to hear or if it is just a misunderstanding of the conversation.  So then the alternative would seem to be be quiet, say nothing and although at times that is the best thing to do, that is not always the case.  I have shared in confidence to have it repeated,  I have told my testimony to have someone say that they didn't agree with what I said (I'm still working on that one).  You may want to go to this lady and talk with her.  Maybe she did just misunderstand your concern for what she has been through with an agreement in obtaining a divorce.  Love you and I will pray regarding this situation.

Deb, it is obvious to me that your blogs and interactions here on MyChurch are a major source of encouragement and help to people. I would certainly throw my name in too as someone who has benefitted from what you've shared on this site! Do I really need to beg you to stay?

"Just because I have been through some difficulties in my marriage does not make me an expert on how to keep a marriage together." >>> This plus Christ in you qualifies you to minister, by the Holy Spirit's power. The only question is, are you being led by the Spirit in what you share?

"Why do I think that I have a right to butt my nose in where it doesn't belong?" >>> See above, and add this: is there any place Jesus doesn't belong? Therefore, is there anyplace his ministers don't belong? With the proper invitation, initiation, etc. that is.

Please be encouraged, sister. You have an amazing heart for God and his people! You'll turn this around, and I even think the misunderstanding about whether or not you were encouraging them to divorce will come clean eventually. In God's timing? Love ya Deb! ~mike (n lau..)

Deb-
I agree with all the rest of them Dont stop writing, because that is giving the enemy the credit.  We who have been through the Storms and have come out with God, are to help others.  We cannot be held responsible how they take what we say.  Which is one reason we need to be very careful in the words and say it just how the Lord gives it to us.  Our testimony is not for others to chose the same path as we did, hence OUR TESTIMONY, we can only offer Love and guidance, non-judgemental Guidance, so that they can live their own TESTIMONY!!! 
One thing I have learned in what I have been through and sharing and ministering to others is, we must remember that some times people are looking for VALIDATION to their feelings and the direction they already have decided.  So they can and will at times take what we say and use it to VALIDATE them.  They even tend to get "pissed off" at us when we dont say what they want us to.

Just stay strong in the Lord Deb, but dont stop doing the work of the Lord and for God sake dont stop blogging!!!!!!

It's rather funny ( funny unusual - not funny haha) that you should write as you did. No I haven't had to counsel anyone about divorce. But, what you wrote at the end struck a cord with me. "Perhaps I should even stop writing blogs.  Are they really helpful to anyone?  Perhaps I don't know as much as I think I do, and I should just keep my mouth shut." I started an ezine some years ago and right now about 83 people subscribe. It a Bible study ezine which I started to help other know the Bible better. The real reason I started it however was to help myself know God better. I love that people subscribe to my ezine but even if they didn't I would continue to write. It helps me know and serve my Father better. Perhaps these blogs do the same for you.