Like one who grabs a dog by the ears [and is likely to be bitten]
Is he who, passing by, stops to meddle with a dispute that is none of his business.
(Proverbs 26:17 AMP)
I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people…
(1 Timothy 2:1 NIV)
Abba, my heart hurts for them. I barely know any of those four women, but their situations are still so hard and sad.
Yes, Child. They are each walking a difficult path. Some of their choices contributed to the difficulties, but mostly other people’s choices made the difference.
Our associate pastor said recently, “What will your sin cost me?” In two of these cases, a man’s sin with another woman cost the woman her marriage and so much more.
Yes, Child. Choices have consequences.
Why does a man married for decades, working with you to raise your children together, suddenly decide it’s ok to have an affair? Why does he put himself in places where he can become addicted? Why does a man think that his wife won’t mind if he’s moving on and sleeping with another woman? Why does a beautiful couple with a young marriage and two preschool kids end up in divorce court?
None of these scenarios was my best plan for them.
I know. I am just sad. It’s easy to be angry, too, at the men who have chosen adultery or addiction instead of faithfulness.
Child, these women are in your life for you to pray for. Not to judge or take on their pain. Be a prayer warrior. Be an encourager. But do not take on their situations.
“Stay in my lane?”
Yes, Child, stay in your lane. You have plenty to do that is YOURS to do. Pray for and bless these women, but stay in your lane.
Ok, Abba. Thank you.
Abba,
Your Word says you are a friend to the fatherless and orphan, you are hope and encouragement to those who are downtrodden, and you are the One who knows every tear we have cried. Thank you for your presence with those who are hurting.
Today I especially lift up these three women whose relationships are disintegrating. If it be possible, I pray for restoration of the relationships, especially where there are children involved. If it is not possible, I pray that you would be their guidance, their provider, their wisdom, and their hope in the mist of extremely difficult circumstances. Protect their minds, hearts, and spirits from the attacks of the enemy of our souls. Give these women courage, strength, resources, and wisdom – especially as they parent these precious young ones. Help them to be deeply rooted in encouraging, life-giving local churches that will be a blessing to them.
I pray for the men who have chosen adultery. I pray you will speak to them and convince them of this sin. Grab hold of their hearts so they will confess, repent, and not end up lost from eternity with you. By your Spirit, pull them into a place where they can seek whatever reconciliation is possible with their wives. Cause them to be quality fathers, active in the lives of their children and serving as a Christ-filled role model for these young lives.
I pray for the men whose addictions have destroyed their families. I pray in the name of Jesus for them to be freed from these entanglements. Release them from addictions, and, if possible, restore their marriages and families.
God, I also pray for the extended families in these situations – for grandparents, adult children, and others who love those involved. May they be wise in their counsel, encouraging in their words, and gracious in their actions. May they bless these hurting ones with stability and strength.
May each of us and those in your greater Church surround those in hurting relationships with godliness, encouragement, and even resources where needed. May we help them hear the voice of their Savior offering them peace that passes all understanding, a future with hope, and renewal and strength. We pray in Jesus’s name, AMEN.
So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God. (Romans 14:12 NIV)
Record my misery; list my tears on your scroll—are they not in your record? (Psalm 56:8 NIV)