Dangers Toils & Snares

ARTICLE TOOLS

Find similar articles E-mail this page

Susan felt as if God were telling her, "Don't stop. Your life and marriage depend on your keeping on, one step at a time, no matter the pain."
— Mark Galli

As they drove home, light from street lamps and store signs flickered across the dashboard and over their faces. Susan Hyde, slight with pale red hair, sat across from her husband, Brad, an associate pastor of Calvary Assembly of God in Regina, Saskatchewan. They were returning from a birthday party for one of the women of the church, another activity in another hurried week.

"We should go to the new Pizza Hut," Brad said.

Now? thought Susan. Brad had mentioned he wanted to try it out, but she was stuffed from the party, and she didn't think Brad needed more to eat. "We can't. We're paying a babysitter. We need to get home."

"No, let's go to Pizza Hut."

Susan didn't get it. It was already past ten. But she was in no mood for one of their fights. Maybe he just wanted to be alone together. That would be nice, she thought.

Inside the restaurant, the smell of fresh upholstery and newly-laid carpet hit Susan before her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting. Brad pushed himself into one side of a booth, and Susan slipped into the other. Except for a couple across the room, the place was empty.

They ordered a pizza, something with "little sausage things that Brad likes," Susan later recalled. When the waiter left, Brad put his hands on the table and leaned forward. Susan realized there was an agenda.

"Susan, do you remember what you were telling me earlier, about what you talked to David about today?"

She felt a fight coming on. David was her counselor. She had convinced Brad to go with her for a while, but he had laid down a condition: "We're not going to talk about anything sexual. Nothing." ...

Like the preview? To read this complete article and 18,013 more in the archive—JOIN NOW! Easily find high-quality, well-researched materials that provide a Christian perspective on topics ranging from headlines to history. Start using this invaluable tool TODAY for preparing your Bible studies, presentations, class lectures, sermons, meetings, and more.
It's easy and quick to join: 2-for-1 Deal. Two powerful resources for 1 great price! A 1-Year Membership to CTLibrary & a 1-year print subscription to the magazine of your choice! Enjoy your first 7days online FREE! Only $49.95 1-Year Membership Plus your first 7 days are FREE! You won't be charged until after your free trial. Only $49.95 1-Month Membership Includes automatic renewal each month. Only $9.95 1-Year for Print Subscribers Special offer if you are currently a print subscriber to Christianity Today, Leadership journal, Books & Culture or Christian History & Biography. Only $29.95 first year Brought to You by Christianity Today Int'l		FREE e-Newsletter! Even if you're not a member you can take advantage of the free "Christian News & Research" twice monthly e-newsletter! Sign up today for the FREE e-newsletter!   Note: Members also automatically receive this free e-newsletter.