“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

-Joshua 1:9, NIV

When marital infidelity is discovered, it takes a great amount of courage to confront.

The first confrontation is NOT with the cheater, though. Rather, the first confrontation is with the truth. We–faithful spouses–have to have courage to face the truth of the betrayals.

In many ways, I think this confrontation is an ongoing one. It is likely the hardest one as it forces us to question deeply held assumptions about who we married. The confrontation forces us to question ourselves, too. It is scary.

Sure, the confrontation of cheater is no cake walk, either.*

However, this confrontation is made less traumatic if we have done our work prior to the encounter. The cheater will have a hard time convincing us of a lie if we are fully embracing the hard truth of their moral failures.

Regardless, I am grateful neither confrontation is done alone. God is with us. We need not live in fear.

This truth from Joshua is a balm to my soul when I think of difficult confrontations in my life. I do not have to do this alone.

So, wherever you find yourself, I hope this word gives you courage and strengthens your “knees” to do what you need to do.

 

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*Please be safe. Do not confront if your physical safety is in question. Get qualified professionals to help you.