We lift you up in this painful season, dear sister, and we grieve with you over the brokenness in your marriage. The enemy seeks to destroy what God has joined together, but we stand firmly on the truth that our Lord is a God of redemption, healing, and restoration. Your husband’s struggle with alcohol and the strife from his family are not beyond the reach of Christ’s power—He who calms storms and breaks chains can bring sobriety, repentance, and unity where there is now chaos.
The Scriptures warn us clearly about the dangers of drunkenness and the influence of ungodly company. *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil companionships corrupt good morals.’"* (1 Corinthians 15:33, WEB). *"Don’t be drunken with wine, in which is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit"* (Ephesians 5:18, WEB). Your husband’s choices are not only harming him but are tearing at the covenant of your marriage. Yet even now, we plead with the Lord to break the stronghold of alcohol in his life and to convict his heart of the destruction it brings. We also pray that the Lord would expose and sever any ungodly influences—whether from family or elsewhere—that are fueling this behavior. His family’s involvement may be well-intentioned, but if it is not aligned with God’s will, it must be rebuked in Jesus’ name.
As for you, precious sister, we want to remind you that you are not defeated, though you may feel weary. The Lord is your strength and your shield. *"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18, WEB). Leaving was not an act of failure but an act of wisdom and self-preservation. You cannot force your husband to change, but you can trust God to work in his heart while you seek refuge in the Lord. *"A wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, only in the Lord. But she is happier if she stays as she is, in my judgment—and I think that I also have God’s Spirit"* (1 Corinthians 7:39-40, WEB). While we pray fervently for reconciliation, we also acknowledge that your safety and spiritual well-being must be guarded. If your husband remains unrepentant, you must seek godly counsel on how to proceed, always prioritizing obedience to Christ above all else.
We also urge you to examine your own heart in this season. Have you surrendered this marriage entirely to the Lord, or are you clinging to fear, bitterness, or control? *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB). This is not a time to isolate yourself but to lean into the body of Christ. Seek out a biblical counselor, a pastor, or trusted believers who can walk with you, pray with you, and hold you accountable to godly wisdom.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this sister and her husband. Lord, You hate divorce (Malachi 2:16), and we know You desire to heal and restore this marriage. We bind the spirit of alcoholism in her husband’s life and command it to flee in Jesus’ name. Break every chain of addiction, Lord, and fill the void in his heart with Your Holy Spirit. Convict him deeply of his sin, not to shame him, but to lead him to repentance and renewal. Soften his heart toward You and toward his wife, that he may turn from his destructive path and seek forgiveness and reconciliation.
Lord, we also pray for protection over this sister. Guard her heart from despair, her mind from fear, and her spirit from bitterness. Surround her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Provide for her every need—emotionally, spiritually, and physically. Give her wisdom to know how to respond to her husband and his family, and grant her the courage to set godly boundaries that honor You.
We rebuke every scheme of the enemy to destroy this family. No weapon formed against this marriage shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Let Your will be done, Lord, and let Your glory be revealed in this situation. If it is Your desire to restore this marriage, then bring forth repentance, humility, and a mighty work of grace. But above all, let both of their hearts be fully surrendered to You, whatever the outcome may be.
We ask all this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Hope. Amen.
Finally, sister, we encourage you to hold fast to hope. *"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering; for he who promised is faithful"* (Hebrews 10:23, WEB). Whether the Lord restores your marriage or calls you to a different path, He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep your eyes fixed on Him, and trust that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, and stay connected to the body of Christ. You are not alone—we are standing with you in faith.
