With all its ups and downs, life can be very unpredictable, and for many, the most painful trial comes when a marriage is on the brink of falling apart. It’s when the person you vowed to love, honor, and cherish has walked away or seems emotionally distant. The hurt is real, and your mind is flooded with questions: What went wrong? Why didn’t I see this coming? Will God fix this? In these moments, you might feel helpless, like God has abandoned or forgotten you. But here’s a truth you’ve got to allow to swell your heart: God is not done with you, and He is certainly not done with your marriage.
Prayer is Always the Priority
Even when it feels like everything is broken beyond repair, God is still in the business of healing, restoring, and making things whole again. In 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT), we are urged to pray for all people. Not just your spouse, but even those in authority, those who are against you, and those who don’t know the hurt you’re carrying. “I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”
It’s easy to feel like you have no power when things seem out of control. But God tells us to pray and intercede on behalf of others, especially those we’re struggling with. Even though our spouses may be distant or have even left our homes, we’re to make it a priority to pray for them, for the stability of their mind and heart. And if our spouses aren’t saved, we should pray urgently and continually for their salvation. Prayer is an invitation to God’s intervention. It not only changes your circumstances, but also your heart.
Prayer is also a declaration of our trust in our Heavenly Father. We’re humbling ourselves before Him, saying, “God, I can’t fix this, but I know that You can.” And when we pray, we’re not just asking for a temporary solution; we’re asking for a permanent fix to what’s broken. Only God can restore what has been shattered by pain, confusion, and sin. We should pray continually to Him, both in our understanding and through the intercessory prayer of speaking in tongues.
Fasting: Seeking God’s Heart in the Middle of the Struggle
Sometimes, prayer alone may not be enough. When the burden is heavy and the heartbreak is deep, the situation may look hopeless, but it’s not. Our hope is forever in Christ, and sometimes we have to take our faith up a notch through fasting. Fasting isn’t just about going without food. It’s about focusing on God and drawing near to Him. Our increased spiritual discipline says to Him, “Lord, I’m desperate for You to move in this situation.”
In Matthew 17:21 (NLT), Jesus says, “But this kind of demon won’t leave unless it is prayed for and fasted over.” In life, there are some strongholds that will only move when we take our faith and commitment to another level. Fasting does not force God to move according to what we want. It demonstrates a level of faith that aligns us with His Will. It’s a declaration of your desire for God’s Will to be done in your marriage—no matter how impossible the situation seems.
Trusting God’s Timing and Will
What happens when you’ve prayed, fasted, and interceded, but it still feels like nothing is changing? That’s when your faith is tested. The questions you must ask yourself: Can you trust God even when you don’t understand? Can you surrender your dreams, your hopes, your heartache, and trust that God’s plan is good, no matter what the outcome?
Galatians 6:9 (NLT) says, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” It’s tempting to give up on prayer sometimes, especially when it feels like there’s no breakthrough. But God promises that if we remain faithful, in His time, we will see a harvest. That harvest may look different from what you’ve imagined. It might not be the immediate restoration of your marriage, but it will be a harvest that God has destined for your life, and you can trust it with your whole heart. He tells us in Jeremiah 29:11 that He has good plans for us, plans that give us a future and a hope. This is His promise, and He always keeps His promises.
When our spouses abandon our marriages, the journey of healing isn’t easy. It requires prayer, fasting, intercession, and unwavering faith. But most of all, it requires listening to God’s voice and being committed to His guidance. Whether the marriage is restored, or you move forward into a new season, trust that God is with you every step of the way. He is the ultimate fixer of what’s broken. His timing, His Will, and His love will make all things beautiful again. Even in the brokenness, He is working a permanent fix—one that will bring you peace, hope, and a deeper relationship with Him. Keep praying. Keep believing. Keep trusting. God is faithful, and He will never leave you or forsake you. ■
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“A Permanent Fix to What’s Broken” written by Kim Times, edited by Rev. Fran Mack and KLizzie for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.