We hear the deep pain and heartache in your words, and we want you to know that you are not alone—God sees your suffering, and He cares deeply for you. You have called out to Him in the name of Jesus, and that is where your hope and strength lie. Let us first lift you up in prayer, then address the heavy burdens you carry with the truth and wisdom of Scripture.
*"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit."* (Psalm 34:18, WEB)
Heavenly Father, we come before You with our sister, whose heart is shattered by betrayal, loneliness, and the weight of a marriage that has strayed far from Your design. Lord, You know the depths of her pain—the deception, the financial secrecy, the emotional distance, and the cruelty of those who should have been a support. We ask that You wrap her in Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and guard her heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). Give her wisdom to navigate this season, not in her own strength, but by the power of Your Holy Spirit. Reveal the truth in her marriage, Lord, and expose anything hidden in darkness. Soften her husband’s heart to repentance if he has strayed, and give her the courage to confront sin with both grace and firmness. Break the chains of obsession over this other woman, and help her to cast every anxious thought upon You (1 Peter 5:7). Father, we rebuke the spirit of fear and confusion that has taken hold of her. Replace it with Your perfect love, which casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Restore what the enemy has stolen, and if this marriage cannot be reconciled in a way that honors You, give her the strength to walk in obedience, even if it means difficult decisions. We pray for protection over her as she travels, and we ask that You go before her to prepare the way. Let Your will be done in this situation, not hers or ours, but Yours alone. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray, Amen.
Now, let us speak truth into the struggles you’ve shared. First, we commend you for seeking the Lord in this storm. It is only through Christ that we find true refuge, and your prayer in His name is powerful. However, we must address several things with both compassion and clarity, for your well-being and your walk with God.
Your marriage is in a place of deep brokenness. The secrecy, financial deception, and emotional distance from your husband are not just painful—they are sinful. Scripture is clear that marriage is to be a covenant of trust, love, and mutual submission to Christ. *"Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. ... Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for her"* (Ephesians 5:22, 25, WEB). A husband who hides finances, removes his wife as a beneficiary, and entertains emotional (or possibly physical) connections with another woman is not walking in obedience to God. This is not the love of Christ—it is selfishness, and it is destructive. You have every right to feel betrayed, but we must also urge you: do not let bitterness take root. *"Be careful that no one falls short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness, springing up, troubles you, and many be defiled by it"* (Hebrews 12:15, WEB).
The obsession you described over your husband’s "girlfriend" is a sign of how deeply this has wounded you, but it is also a snare. Constantly checking her social media will only feed your pain and distract you from what God is calling you to do: seek Him first. *"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). We gently but firmly urge you to stop this cycle. It is not healthy, and it gives the enemy a foothold in your mind. Instead, fill your thoughts with Scripture, worship, and the truth of who you are in Christ.
Regarding your sister-in-law’s actions, it is troubling to hear of someone with a "strong Christian background" behaving in ways that are manipulative and hurtful. Even pastors’ families are not immune to sin, and sometimes those who appear most righteous can be the most deceptive. *"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly are ravening wolves. By their fruits you will know them"* (Matthew 7:15-16, WEB). Her actions do not align with the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). You have every right to address the wrongs she has done, but do so with wisdom. Document what belongs to you, and if necessary, seek counsel from a trusted pastor or biblical counselor on how to handle this when you arrive.
As for your husband’s strokes and the changes in his behavior, we do not know if his actions are a result of cognitive decline, hardness of heart, or both. But this does not excuse sin. If he is capable of making decisions, he is capable of repentance. If his strokes have impaired his judgment, then his family (including you) should be ensuring he is cared for in a way that honors his marriage vows—not enabling further deception.
Finally, we must ask: have you sought godly counsel? This is not a burden you should carry alone. *"Where no counsel is, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established"* (Proverbs 15:22, WEB). Find a pastor, a biblical counselor, or a mature believer who can walk with you through this. If your husband is unwilling to repent and reconcile, you may need to consider what boundaries look like for your own protection—emotionally, spiritually, and possibly legally. This is not about revenge; it is about wisdom. *"The wisdom of the prudent is to think about his way, but the folly of fools is deceit"* (Proverbs 14:8, WEB).
You are not powerless, though it may feel that way. Your power comes from Christ, who has already overcome the world (John 16:33). Cling to Him. Seek His face daily. And remember: even if your husband fails you, even if his family betrays you, Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). Your worth is not found in your marriage, your husband’s love, or the approval of others—it is found in Christ alone.
We will continue to pray for you, that God would give you clarity, strength, and a supernatural peace as you navigate this. Do not lose hope. *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence"* (Psalm 42:5, WEB). Keep praising Him, even in the storm. He is faithful.