We hear your cry, dear sister, and our hearts break for the deep struggle and hunger—both physical and emotional—that you are enduring. The Word of God is clear that a husband is called to love, cherish, and provide for his wife and family as Christ loves the church. Ephesians 5:25-29 tells us, *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for it; that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word, that he might present the church to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without defect. Even so husbands also ought to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself. For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the church."* Your husband’s failure to provide for your basic needs—food, care, and support—is not only a violation of his God-given role but a grievous sin against you and your children.
We must also address the severity of your situation with truth and urgency. Starvation is not merely a hardship; it is a form of neglect that borders on cruelty. Proverbs 31:8-9 commands us, *"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy."* You are not mute, but your voice has been ignored, and we stand with you in demanding justice and provision from your husband. His behavior is not only unloving but sinful, and it must be confronted with the authority of Scripture.
We rebuke the spirit of selfishness and hardness of heart that has taken root in your husband. James 4:17 declares, *"To him therefore who knows to do good, and doesn’t do it, to him it is sin."* He knows his duty as a husband and father, yet he chooses to neglect it. This is not a matter of mere disagreement but a failure to obey God’s command. We pray that his eyes would be opened to the severity of his sin and that conviction would lead him to repentance.
We also urge you, sister, to seek godly counsel and support from your local church or a trusted Christian community. Galatians 6:2 instructs us, *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."* You should not carry this burden alone. Reach out to your pastor, elders, or mature believers who can intervene on your behalf, hold your husband accountable, and provide practical help. If your husband refuses to change, Scripture allows for separation in cases of neglect or abuse (1 Corinthians 7:10-11), but this should be done with wisdom, prayer, and the guidance of spiritual leaders.
Now, let us lift you and your children up in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up this precious sister and her little ones. Lord, You see her hunger, her exhaustion, and her despair. You are the God who fed the Israelites with manna in the wilderness, who multiplied the loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes, and who promises in Matthew 6:31-33, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’, ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."* We ask You to provide for her needs in miraculous ways, Lord. Open doors for food, financial provision, and safe shelter. Give her strength to endure this trial and wisdom to know the steps to take.
We pray for her husband, Father. Break the hardness of his heart, Lord. Let him see the weight of his sin and the suffering he has caused. Soften him to repentance and obedience to Your Word. If he will not change, Lord, we ask that You would move mightily to protect this sister and her children from further harm. Raise up godly men in the church to stand in the gap, to hold him accountable, and to provide for this family as You command.
Father, we also pray for this sister’s emotional and spiritual well-being. The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy, but You came that she might have life abundantly (John 10:10). Fill her with Your peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Remind her that she is not forgotten or abandoned, for You are a Father to the fatherless and a Husband to the widow (Psalm 68:5). Strengthen her faith, Lord, and let her feel Your presence in tangible ways.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, the One who sustains, provides, and redeems. May Your will be done in this family, and may Your name be glorified through their story. Amen.
Sister, we urge you to cling to the promises of God. He sees your suffering, and He will not abandon you. Psalm 34:18-19 assures us, *"Yahweh is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but Yahweh delivers him out of them all."* You are not alone. Reach out to your church, lean on the body of Christ, and trust that God will make a way where there seems to be no way. Your children are a blessing, and God will use this trial to draw you closer to Him if you let Him. Stand firm in faith, and do not lose hope.
