Need prayer for marriage

[Enow]

Enow thank you for your posts. I'm not sure what I have said to make you think I am living my faith on works.

A believer's commitment is of man's flesh because it speaks of the man's will and determination to accomplish that which he is committed into doing like a promise.

You had doubted the sincerity behind your wife's commitment, and the reason why I am conveying the two as the same is that no one should be religiously living their marriage that way any more than living the christian life that way.

People try to tell me that marriage is a partnership, a 50-50 relationship, but that means they leave themselves open for judging one another by how much they put themselves into the marriage. Usually, the devil gets in the door in showing how it appears to the one spouse that he or she is putting more than the other, thus building up resentment, frustration, and unforgiveness whereas in this case with your wife, the reverse may be also true, as the devil is convincing her that she is not putting herself into the marriage enough and so to just give it up.

What she needs to realize is she is married to you for God has made you one. God did not arrange the marriage covenant to come into effect until the couple got their act together and adapt from their seperate bachelor's lifestyles to a couple's lifestyle before He decides to join them as husband and wife: they are married regardless.

Maybe an authoritive action of declaring that there will be no divorce and that she is not moving out of the house is what she needs to have. Ask Him for help in drawing the line, and what to do when that line is crossed.

I have a good understanding of GRACE. We operated early on in our marriage with the "legalism" in our faith and learned the folly in it. I love my wife even more than ever even though these things are happening in our marriage. I am not her judge I am her husband and I love her unconditionally. She knows this.

As of right now she is still in the home and I continue to be her husband showing her my love. I do not exchange harsh words with her in fact I feel led not to bring up issues unless she is wanting to talk...I am at peace here.
This why our church home of 15 years has been one that to many is too liberal simply because many of show up to church wearing jeans, t shirts, long hair and ear rings on men, far from judgmental.

Judging someone in Christ's love is correcting someone. A parent should do that as God will do as our Father. A husband should not ignore the wife's plea for more authority and structure in her life.

Children have reported that because their parents do not discipline them that they do not care what happens to them. Maybe the same is true when the husband do not discipline the wife as well.

People tend to think of discipline as an unloving act, but God is going to do it and so we need His help to do it in the right way too.

 

[Enow]

I think your misunderstanding. She wants the authority and is offended when I try to exercise authority. WE have lived most our lives together with a structure and she is now in rebellion against it all. Simple things like bed time for the boys... now all of a sudden its out the window. She is a career woman climbing the ladder so I don't know if this is part of the problem or not. But I can tell you she is rebelling against me. In turn I love her back . If I did what you recommend I would get even more push back and she would probably leave tonight.

I do appreciate your posts and the inward reflection it stirs. I am not a perfect man by no means and am always seeking His shaping of me into the image of Christ.

I see. Sorry about that. Wrong discernment then.

Well, since I only got a bit of the story and not the full understanding of it, and mayhap, there is even more variables that I am not reading as of yet, I reckon I can only offer this advise for in praying:

"Lord, I cannot do it. I have tried to be the husband you had wanted me to be and I just can't seem to fulfill my role to her as her husband to please her. It is beyond me. I come to you before that throne of grace for help because I know you made the New Covenant telling us that You will write your laws on our hearts and that You will work Your workmanship and Your goodness in us. So please know that I am trusting you to work in her as I am trusting you to work in me because of Your promises to me and not because of any promise or commitment of mine to You or to her. Please lead me to set the example so that my wife will see that hope in you, and be set free from her defeatism to rest in You that You will do Your work in her as I rest in you to do your work in me, and thereby blessing our marriage. In Jesus's name I pray, amen."

 

[Enow]

[So it may be that your wife is tired of the lack of authority and structure in the home. She needs more from you. She is giving you permission to be more authoritive.

No Enow... I think you are mistaken... I think what Stephen meant here about the authority issue was to say... "His wife is wanting more authority for herself and is rejecting Stephens authority- not that she is wanting Stephen to demonstrate more authority". What he is indicatating is her rebellion.... that she is moving away from the authority she once willingly submitted to and enjoyed. As a woman... that is a glaring red flag as in most cases... feeling overwhelmed, overburderned and unworthy would make most women cling to and appreciate authority for the burden it removes from us.

Yes. I see my error now that Stephen has explained a little more. Thanks.

Perhaps she needs to read His words about the consequences of not being found abiding in Him to decide wethor or not she truly wishes to be not only out from under Stephen's authority, but out fromunder the Lord's authority as well. Would she really want to live the life of the prodigal daughter in giving up her inheritance for wild living for something temporary or lean on Christ for help to run that race to have that place of honour at the King's supper?

Romans 8:17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. 18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

1 Peter 4:1Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2 That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: 4 Wherein they think it strange that ye run not with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you: 5 Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead. 6 For for this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Course, if she doesn't believe in the pre tribulational rapture, then I suppose she would not see any motivation to be ready to be found abiding in Him when the Bridegroom comes.

 

[allabouthim]

Judging someone in Christ's love is correcting someone. A parent should do that as God will do as our Father.

I agree with that.

2 Tim 3:16
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness..."

Heb 12:6-7
"FOR THOSE WHOM THE LORD LOVES HE DISCIPLINES, AND HE SCOURGES EVERY SON WHOM HE RECEIVES. It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline?"

 

[Stephen]

Enow, thank you for the prayer advise...prayed it and that is where I am. As I have mentioned before I am deeply saddened and worried about her and her relationship with the Father. In private and in counseling and along with the counselor we have discussed the covenant and the consequences of breaking that covenant and she does not appear receptive. Besides we had pre marriage counseling and discussions regarding the marriage covenant so me saying anything more would just be Bible thumping and pushing her away.

She knows where I stand and what I believe and even more importantly what His word says. She knows I am loving her unconditionally and seeking reconciliation. The situation is in His hands and I am in His. My appeals for prayer from you all have been for her and our boys. I am on my knees surrendering all to His will and seeking to grow in faith and understanding and to reveal to me what He wants me to know.

I share this with my brothers and sisters as to fellowship with believers and to use my situation as God wills.

Thank you for prayers, words of encouragement, reflection and support

 

[allabouthim]

Stephen, I commend you for your patience with your wife. Is there anyone at your church who might be able to share with your wife a testimony of how they went down that path only to find the grass wasn't greener and it was only in God's will that they found peace? I realize it's a sensitive issue and you don't want to rock the boat, but there are ways to address it without beating her over the head with a Bible.

I don't want to scare or discourage you, but I hope you don't give up because it could get worse before it gets better. It might take God breaking her like the prodigal before she wakes up. I am seeing prayers answered in my situation that I began praying 7 years ago and it has been along difficult road, but I wouldn't trade it for what Christ has taught me. There are many verses on suffering, but scripture says if we are the elect, we will suffer for righteousness sake, so it can be a sign that someone is truly chosen by God (which is a good thing even thought it might not feel like it). I've found great comfort in many verses like this:

Isa 48:10
"Behold, I have refined thee, but not with silver; I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction."

1 Pet 2:19-23
"For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person bears up under sorrows when suffering unjustly. For what credit is there if, when you sin and are harshly treated, you endure it with patience? But if when you do what is right and suffer for it you patiently endure it, this finds favor with God."

Col 1:24
"Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I do my share on behalf of His body, which is the church, in filling up what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions"

Heb 10:32, 35-36
"...you endured a great conflict of sufferings,... Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised."

 

[allabouthim]

I have a question for those of you who believe "not under bondage" means you are free to divorce and remarry. I know of many cases where the person who abandoned the marriage was and still is a professing believer and is even supported by their church after abandoning their family without a morally legitimate or biblical reason. I think if Stephen's wife was asked she would probably still say she is a Christian. So are those people just out of luck because they don't get the "exception?"

 

[allabouthim]

In private and in counseling and along with the counselor we have discussed the covenant and the consequences of breaking that covenant and she does not appear receptive.

Sorry, I didn't realize you had already done this. I think it's good that you let her know you are remaining reconcilable, maybe there is nothing else you can do at this point except turn it over to God...which can do wonders.

 

[Stephen]

Thank you Jenjoy

I am so sorry. I will pray for your family.

 

[Mike98]

I am so sorry about that i will be praying for you and always rely on god, god is always there for you no matter what happens don't give up on god becuase he never gave up on you, and also don't worry about it, calm down and let god take control, let god lead the way because god has plans already planned out for you, you just got to believe that something good is going to happen sometimes we lose faith when something bad happens but when we do, we are going to get tempted by the devil, pray for god to keep your faith growing through hard times and don't let me give up on you god God bless you and good luck

 

[Jenjoy]

You're very welcome. I have two children ages 6 and 7 , I understand your pain for them.

 

[Stephen]

allabouthim, thank you for the encouraging verses and prayers. Her mother has pleaded with her not to do this but she is determined. I do think I will reach out to find someone in our church who flirted with the same idea my wife is to see if they would talk with her.

I sense from her that no matter what she is at least going through with the separation. She already has an apartment set up and buying furniture for it.

Something many may find strange is that we carry on with our day like nothing is happening as far as getting along goes. She does not resist me when I hug her and tell her I love her. She does at times tell me she loves me. I don't get the feeling she is involved with anyone else and I actually believe her when she says she just doesn't want to be married and wants to be independent. I obviously think she is being very selfish and not thinking of our children and how this will affect them not to mention caring less about me and how I will feel.

Thank you Mike98 for the prayers and words of encouragement. It does mean a great deal to me to receive encouragement and to know believers are praying for my wife and children. I do believe in the power of prayer.

 

[allabouthim]

God will be judging His House first. Since He led Paul to give this instruction regarding an unrepentant brother, I fail to see how letting an unrepentant wife goes is not part of His will.

9 I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: 10 Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. 11 But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. 12 For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? 13 But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person.

1 Cor 7 says "unbeliever", not "so-called brothers who are in unrepentant sin". Paul gave very different instructions for dealing with an unbeliever (who he said we have no business judging) and a so-called believer in unrepentant sin (who we should remove from fellowship). It wasn't the unbelievers who Jesus had an issue with, it was the hypocrites who He reproved harshly.

The goal of church discipline is always to restore the sinner to Christ and the church. God remains faithful to Israel through divorce and all of her adultery and idolatry. He never stops pursuing reconciliation and calling her to repent. The book of Hosea is an allegory about Christ and the church and God tells Hosea to go and love his wife again after she had left and was unfaithful with many lovers. This does not reconcile with your position.

God commands us to stay with an unbeliever who consents to live with us. He says we sanctify them and our children by staying so I believe God puts us right where He wants us. Why would His counsel change when they leave? Notice the verse IMMEDIATELY following your "not under bondage" escape clause? ..."for how do you know O wife whether you will save your husband, or how do you know O husband if you will save your wife?" The placement of this verse makes no sense if "not under bondage" means you are free to write them off.

Paul begins his teaching in 1 Cor 7:10-11 by giving the only option for a divorced person...
"to remain unmarried or be reconciled."

Paul closes his teaching in 1 Cor 7:39:
"A woman is bound to her husband as long as he lives, but if he dies she is free to marry another..."

Paul again emphasizes the permanence of marriage by using marriage as the basis of an analogy showing that we are freed from marriage at death in the same way we were freed from the old covenant at Christ's death in Romans 7:2-4:

"For the married woman is bound by law to her husband while he is living; but if her husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. So then, if while her husband is living she is joined to another man, she shall be called an adulteress; but if her husband dies, she is free from the law, so that she is not an adulteress though she is joined to another man. Therefore, my brethren, you also were made to die to the Law through the body of Christ, so that you might be joined to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we might bear fruit for God."

You mentioned the story of the prodigal. The Father was waiting with open arms when the Son repented. He didn't say you are no longer my family, I've moved on. He says to be imitators of Him and to love one another as He has loved us...

1 John 3:16
"We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."

 

[Stephen]

You are right she does say she is a Christian. In fact she says she is as close to God as ever. When I asked her how she sorts out divorce and her Christian faith in her mind based on what we have studied/learned over 15 years of marriage she says " it is like any other sin and God will forgive me".

I have a question for those of you who believe "not under bondage" means you are free to divorce and remarry. I know of many cases where the person who abandoned the marriage was and still is a professing believer and is even supported by their church after abandoning their family without a morally legitimate or biblical reason. I think if Stephen's wife was asked she would probably still say she is a Christian. So are those people just out of luck because they don't get the "exception?"

 

[BarlyGurl]

It seems you wife believes in eternal security for unrepentant sinners and those who walk purposefully away from him. Stephen, I am suggesting you might FAST for her that God would break the delusion off from her... I think you only have a short time for that to be effective as she is still in your house. TRY, every time she goes out, cleanse your house in prayer and anoint your home... put on praise music 24-7... pray and fast to break the delusion that she be in her right mind when she enters your home. She still has free will but you CAN have influence this way... basically it will soften or harden her... only God knows.

 

[allabouthim]

You are right she does say she is a Christian. In fact she says she is as close to God as ever. When I asked her how she sorts out divorce and her Christian faith in her mind based on what we have studied/learned over 15 years of marriage she says " it is like any other sin and God will forgive me".
[/b]

Sadly, if she divorces you she could walk into most churches today and be told this and be completely enabled and accepted even while continuing to defraud you and harm your children. A church that actually follows the biblical guidelines and practices Matt 18 or any kind of church discipline is rare.

There is no forgiveness without genuine repentance. Jesus said "forgiveness for repentance..." Repenting means acknowledging it is wrong and completely turning away from the sin and making things right with the person you've wronged. Zaccheus understood this, he said if I have defrauded anyone I will repay them four-fold and God said salvation came to his house THAT day.

There is also no forgiveness for those who don't forgive and no mercy for those who show no mercy. Whether she realizes it or not a divorce is a lawsuit in which she is judging you and you will have no constitutional right to a defense. It will happen whether you are guilty of anything or not. I won't even get into how unjust and unconstitutional the no fault divorce laws are, but God condemns the use of unjust laws. She will be judged by the same measure she is judging you.

Jude 1:4 talks about the false teachers who turn grace into a license for immorality. Most today minimize and whitewash sin, when they don't see the problem is there is always a victim who is being harmed by the sin. In this case it is you and your children who are being deprived of your rights as a family and your rights as a husband. No one would ever say it is OK for your wife to go ahead and murder you because Jesus will forgive her.

What is the saddest to me is the disregard (contempt) that most modern pastors show for marriage when God made marriage an earthly illustration of Christ's relationship with the Church. God can't take that lightly. I find it really blasphemous to accept divorce that cavalierly even in cases where there was no morally legitimate reason. These same pastors preach against homosexuality when covenant breaking is mentioned in Romans 1 in the same passage condemning homosexuality.

There are examples in scripture of God avenging broken covenants. He doesn't seem to be overlooking the man's divorce in Mal 2. God says He is still angry and holding him accountable. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Eccl 5 has a pretty strong warning:
"When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God."

Scripture says the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. She is hostile toward God right now no matter what she says. The Bible isn't like Burger King, have it your way...we can choose to run from God's instruction, but just like Jonah and others found out it never ends well and God will do what it takes to put them on the right path.

I don't mean to discourage you, but I'm just preparing you that you aren't likely to find any help in your situation in church. I've witnessed too many cases including my own. Even the catholic church which has always had a strong stance on divorce is no longer following their "official" church teaching in practice. The canon laws are ignored and people divorce at will and their annulment practices are well-documented to be corrupt and scandalous.

This verse explained it all to me:

Titus 1:10-11
"For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain."

You can't have a mega-church while preaching the truth on marriage. Jesus said He was hated by everyone because He testified their deeds were evil.

 

[Stephen]

BarlyGurl, will do.....my parents are watching our boys tonight so we could spend new years eve together but she has decided to go out with her friends instead. So, home alone would be a good time to start with the house. I feel strange here by myself on new years eve. Im afraid the next couple of weeks are going to be tough for me as she has already begun packing up things and it will only pick up the pace as she gets closer to the 22 or 23rd. My faith in Him is not shaken but she is a creature of free will and I never entertained the thought of our her leaving like this. Sometimes this doesn't seem real.

 

[Stephen]

allabouthim, thank you for scriptures. I know you are not trying to discourage me and sadly I feel the same way about many of our churches today. It seems our Faith is surrounded and infiltrated by the enemy. I cling to the fact that no matter how it seems we are against the ropes we know WHO is victorious in the end.
My wife told me yesterday she wants to go to counseling by herself with a counselor from our church so I hope there is still a part of her that is reaching out for the cross.

 

[BarlyGurl]

Sadly, if she divorces you she could walk into most churches today and be told this and be completely enabled and accepted even while continuing to defraud you and harm your children. A church that actually follows the biblical guidelines and practices Matt 18 or any kind of church discipline is rare.
The bible does say to let the wheat and the tares grow together.In saying that she would CONTINUE to defraud is alluding that you are inserting this scenario into YOUR belief of an unbreakable marriage bond. You have been informed of the faulty logic and legalistic theology...by several yet cling just the same. This looks to me like a perfectly orchestrated "GOD" meeting to help release you from YOUR self-imposed religious bondage so that you perhaps you can recieve the abundant life Jesus die to give you. But it will require significant change of mind on your part.

There is no forgiveness without genuine repentance. Jesus said "forgiveness for repentance..." Repenting means acknowledging it is wrong and completely turning away from the sin and making things right with the person you've wronged. Zaccheus understood this, he said if I have defrauded anyone I will repay them four-fold and God said salvation came to his house THAT day.

There is also no forgiveness for those who don't forgive and no mercy for those who show no mercy. Whether she realizes it or not a divorce is a lawsuit in which she is judging you and you will have no constitutional right to a defense. It will happen whether you are guilty of anything or not. I won't even get into how unjust and unconstitutional the no fault divorce laws are, but God condemns the use of unjust laws. She will be judged by the same measure she is judging you.

THank you MS GLOOM AND DOOM, for your also inaccurate portrayal of the legal system. It is true that some courts DO mis-administrate a NO_FAULT Divorce, That is mostly rectified to the orginal intention of the legislation that NO-FAULT DIVORCE is a mutually agreed divorce and not contested. A contested Divorce is a Fault Divorce. Looking forward, Should this wife decide to pursue a divorce and attempt a NO-FAULT, Stephen could then file File a conquering Fault Divorce against her and thus put her in the position to defend herself... which then gives GOD a really good position to prevail. Sadly most people just hire Lawyers to fight over things and take your money and then the lawyers are rich and th parties end up divorced just the same. I do realize allabout that you "believe" using courts is prohibited... you can do whatever you want... but that IS NOT A BIBLICAL TRUTH.

Jude 1:4 talks about the false teachers who turn grace into a license for immorality. Most today minimize and whitewash sin, when they don't see the problem is there is always a victim who is being harmed by the sin. In this case it is you and your children who are being deprived of your rights as a family and your rights as a husband. No one would ever say it is OK for your wife to go ahead and murder you because Jesus will forgive her.

Stephen is not losing any right to family or right to husband... he is the innocent party and can pursue family and husbanding IN THE LORD at his discretion... as this plays out... he is not enslaved to her selfishness... Stephen has liberty. RATHER it is the wife who is CASTING OFF her right to wife and family IN THE LORD... she is expressly subject to the consequences of her choices and will incur them now or later.

What is the saddest to me is the disregard (contempt) that most modern pastors show for marriage when God made marriage an earthly illustration of Christ's relationship with the Church. God can't take that lightly. I find it really blasphemous to accept divorce that cavalierly even in cases where there was no morally legitimate reason. These same pastors preach against homosexuality when covenant breaking is mentioned in Romans 1 in the same passage condemning homosexuality.

Here I will agree that CHurch Leadership has become a bunch of wussies in responsibility to making judgements... but the truth is modern corporate churches haven't been operating according to biblical principals for a LONG LONG TIME.

There are examples in scripture of God avenging broken covenants. He doesn't seem to be overlooking the man's divorce in Mal 2. God says He is still angry and holding him accountable. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Malachi 2 is a chastening directive for a RELIGIOUS NATION who is giving lip service to GOD... disobeying by wronly conducting legalistic religion with out love and then CRYING OUT for delivrence... God is explaining to them why they will be none. He says specifically in verse 16 that they are to HEED THE SPIRIT (heart condition) AND NOT DEAL TREACHEROUSLY. God is talking about the condition of the heart AGAIN... your obstinate legalistic thinking is causing you to miss the point.

Eccl 5 has a pretty strong warning:
"When you make a vow to God, do not be late in paying it; for He takes no delight in fools. Pay what you vow! It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. Do not let your speech cause you to sin and do not say in the presence of the messenger of God that it was a mistake. Why should God be angry on account of your voice and destroy the work of your hands? For in many dreams and in many words there is emptiness. Rather, fear God."

Scripture says the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God. She is hostile toward God right now no matter what she says. The Bible isn't like Burger King, have it your way...we can choose to run from God's instruction, but just like Jonah and others found out it never ends well and God will do what it takes to put them on the right path.

Okay... but we have to consider the WHOLE COUNSEL OF GOD for instruction and rightly dividing the word of truth surely helps... when trying to apply scripture to our life circumstances.As I Have pointed out... you have some theology problems.

I don't mean to discourage you, but I'm just preparing you that you aren't likely to find any help in your situation in church. I've witnessed too many cases including my own. Even the catholic church which has always had a strong stance on divorce is no longer following their "official" church teaching in practice. The canon laws are ignored and people divorce at will and their annulment practices are well-documented to be corrupt and scandalous.

This verse explained it all to me:

Titus 1:10-11
"For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain."

You can't have a mega-church while preaching the truth on marriage. Jesus said He was hated by everyone because He testified their deeds were evil.

Would that include trying to yoke another believer to legalistic interptetations when Jesus he came to bring
liberty and set captives free?

 

[TalentedPoet]

Stephen,

I am a stay at home mother of 6... I am home with the kids and have put my education on hold to help ensure the educational success of my son who is experiencing some learning difficulties... I stay home also because if I were to go back to work at this time my money would go to travel and childcare expenses.

My husband and I have recently gone through a down point in our marriage. So I can relate to how you must be feeling...

Now, I don't know your wife... therefore I cannot give you any sound advise on why she is leaving... only she can do that...

When I went back to work before my last two children were born, I made my own money. I came and went as I pleased. I checked in with my husband because that was the responsible and considerate thing to do. I started to notice that my husband became lack in his responsibilities of head of household. Not paying bills on time or at all because he knew that I would take care of it. I worked full time and was taking care of the home, and the children. I volunteered and went to church twice a week.

I pushed my husband away... and I wanted OUT! I was searching for something that didn't exist outside of God. Thinking I could do it alone because I felt like I was already doing it alone... but I wasn't...

I want you to ask yourself if your wife truly has made God the Center, the Foundation, the Core of her life and love? If the answer is no, then continue to pray for your marriage but also pray that God gives her a heart after Him and to know True Love.