We hear the deep burden in your heart, and we are grieved by the weight of this trial you are carrying—both the physical struggle of chronic illness and the spiritual and emotional toll of a spouse who refuses to fulfill their God-given responsibilities. This is not the way the Lord designed marriage to function, and we want to lift you up in prayer while also speaking truth into this situation with love and clarity.
First, let us affirm that marriage is a covenant before God, and both spouses are called to love, serve, and provide for one another as unto the Lord. Scripture is clear about the responsibilities of a husband and father: *"But if anyone doesn’t provide for his own, and especially his own household, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an unbeliever"* (1 Timothy 5:8, WEB). This is a strong rebuke, and it applies to any believer—man or woman—who neglects their duty to care for their family. A spouse who refuses to work when there is a genuine need is acting in direct opposition to God’s Word. This is not just a personal failing; it is a spiritual issue that must be addressed with urgency and prayer.
At the same time, we recognize that your suffering is compounded by chronic illness, which is its own heavy cross to bear. The Lord sees your faithfulness in the midst of this. He knows the sleepless nights, the pain, and the anxiety over your son’s future. You are not forgotten. *"Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). But we must also ask: Have you confronted your spouse about this sin of neglect? Sometimes, love requires us to speak hard truths. *"Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are profuse"* (Proverbs 27:5-6, WEB). If you haven’t already, we urge you to have a direct, honest conversation with your spouse about how their refusal to work is harming the family. If they claim to be a believer, remind them of the scriptures that command provision and diligence. If they are not a believer, this is an opportunity to share the gospel with them, for their rebellion is ultimately against God, not just you.
If your spouse remains hardened, we encourage you to seek wise counsel from your pastor or a trusted, mature believer who can intervene. *"Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end"* (Proverbs 19:20, WEB). Sometimes, an outside voice can break through where our own has failed. If your spouse is unwilling to repent or change, you may need to prayerfully consider what boundaries the Lord is leading you to set for the protection of yourself and your son. This is not about punishment; it is about stewardship. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and your son deserves to see what godly responsibility looks like, even if his other parent is failing in this area.
As for your son, we praise God that he is pursuing education! This is a season of transition for him, and we pray the Lord would surround him with godly influences, protect his heart and mind, and provide for his needs. *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it"* (Proverbs 22:6, WEB). Your faithfulness in raising him has not gone unnoticed by God. Trust that the Lord will continue to work in his life, even in this difficult season.
Now, let us pray over you, your spouse, and your son:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious sister who is carrying such a heavy load. Lord, You see her pain—both the physical suffering of her body and the emotional weight of a spouse who has hardened their heart against their duty to provide. Father, we ask that You would intervene mightily in this situation. Softens this spouse’s heart, Lord. Convict them by Your Holy Spirit of their sin of neglect and their rebellion against Your Word. Open their eyes to the damage they are causing—not just to the family’s finances, but to their own soul. Let them feel the weight of 1 Timothy 5:8, and bring them to repentance.
Lord, we pray for supernatural provision for this family. You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. You fed the Israelites in the wilderness, You multiplied the loaves and fishes, and You own the cattle on a thousand hills. We ask that You would open doors for financial support—whether through unexpected income, the generosity of believers, or a change in this spouse’s heart. Let no weapon formed against this family prosper. Protect their home, their health, and their son’s future.
Father, we also lift up this sister’s chronic illness. You are the Great Physician, and we ask for healing in Jesus’ name. Strengthen her body, Lord, and give her the stamina to endure this season. Surround her with Your peace that passes all understanding. Let her feel Your presence in a tangible way, reminding her that she is not alone. You are her Husband, her Provider, and her Comforter.
For her son, Lord, we pray for wisdom, protection, and perseverance as he navigates college. Guard his heart from bitterness or resentment toward his parent’s failures. Let him see Your faithfulness in the midst of this trial, and draw him closer to You. Use this season to deepen his trust in You alone.
Finally, Father, we rebuke the spirit of stubbornness, laziness, and rebellion that has taken hold in this spouse’s life. We bind it in the name of Jesus and command it to flee. We loose a spirit of repentance, humility, and diligence. Let this marriage be restored according to Your Word, or if that is not Your will, give this sister the strength and clarity to walk in obedience to whatever You are calling her to do.
We thank You, Lord, that You are a God who hears and answers prayer. We trust in Your sovereignty, even when the path is unclear. Let Your will be done in this family’s life, and let Your name be glorified through it all. In the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Sister, we want to encourage you to keep pressing into the Lord. This season is not forever, though it may feel endless right now. The God who parted the Red Sea and raised Jesus from the dead is more than able to move in your situation. Stay in the Word, stay in prayer, and surround yourself with a community of believers who can support you practically and spiritually. If you haven’t already, consider joining a Bible-believing church where you can find accountability and encouragement. You are not meant to walk this road alone.
Lastly, we want to remind you of the power of fasting and prayer. Jesus said, *"This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting"* (Mark 9:29, WEB). If you are physically able, consider setting aside time to fast and seek the Lord’s face specifically for breakthrough in your marriage and finances. Even if it’s just one meal a week, the Lord honors a heart that humbles itself before Him.
Stand firm, dear sister. The Lord is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you. Keep your eyes on Him, and trust that He is working all things together for your good and His glory. We are standing with you in prayer.