In a case that is not an extreme, issues can be discussed between the couple and arrive at an understanding. The word of God clearly desires that a man and women stay together (till death) and the man to cling to his wife. Ultimately, God is able to listen to the prayer, cries and petition of any and every man/woman who feels distanced in the marriage relationship. God is able.

Dear Makayla, you make a good point. Sometimes God does really grab our attention, and for that we should be so grateful because we can tend to be very self-absorbed.

One thought comes to mind to share: suffering is a signpost. Suffering shows that we desire something more, something good, and we don’t have it yet. Suffering points us first upward, look to God, who is everything, who is good. Suffering points us second forward, have hope, have faith, we can’t see through the mist to determine what lies ahead, but our good, gracious, faithful God is with us and has not forgotten one single detail of our lives. Rest on His promises.

One thing that I have found is that when I am facing depression and anxiety I need to become much more intentional about listening for God to lead me every minute of every day. I put up reminders to look for God in the colours of the sunset, to listen for Him in the singing of a bird, to ask Him for directions in responding to life’s interactions. I have found that there isn’t a moment that goes by that He isn’t either teaching me something about Himself, something about myself or something about somebody else. Sometime it is lesson to be learned, sometimes is a reminder of His blessings, and sometimes it is an instruction for the next step I need to take. But the more I focus my attention on those things, ask for His help in being able to be aware, take time to thank Him audibly for answering that prayer and taking the next step in faith that He is empowering me for this moment, the more my heart is lifted in the satisfaction of knowing I am exactly where I need to be. As Shana says, it may not be where I wanted or expected to be but I know that it is the right place to be.

I hope that doesn’t sound like vague platitudes. I can get a whole lot more specific but sometimes I think I start rambling. But I guarantee you will see Him and that knowledge will be enough.

Lord God, I pray for my sister Dee. She needs to hear You right now. Open up her ears. Sensitize her heart. Pull back the veil from her eyes and let her be aware of Your presence, and your communication with her. Teach her what it means to focus on You and Your kingdom and righteousness and fill her up to overflowing with all the other things she needs in her life.

And Lord, I pray for her husband. This man is missing out on the joy of love and marital unity. Break down the walls that have been built up between them. Soften the hardness of their lives and fill them with a love that can only be described as divine. Heal the hurts that are in his life and fill him up with love, joy and hope.

I pray all of this in the name of Jesus Christ, knowing that You hear, You know and You act in perfect love and wisdom, amen.

Dee, let me invite you to connect with one of our online mentors. They can be a safe place where you can pour out your heart and know that you will be pointed to the healing words and work of Jesus. Just fill out the Mentor Request Form at http://powertochange.com/discover/talk-to-a-mentor/ and one of our mentors will get in touch with you by email.