When His Faith Grows Faint
How can I be a godly wife to a husband that is not being a godly leader?
This is one of the hardest places to be as a Christian wife, and my heart goes out to you. You're watching the man you married walk away from the faith that once united you, and you're probably feeling scared, alone, and maybe even angry. Those feelings are valid, but they can't drive your response.
Here's what I've learned from walking with women in your situation: you cannot nag, manipulate, or shame your husband back to Jesus. You cannot control his spiritual journey, no matter how much you love him or how desperately you want him to return to faith. What you can control is your own response and how you love him in this season.
Live your faith authentically without making it a weapon against him. Love him well, serve your family with joy, and let your life be a testimony of God's goodness. This doesn't mean being a doormat or pretending everything is fine, but it does mean choosing to honor God in how you treat your husband even when he's not honoring God in how he treats you and the kids.
When it comes to your children, you'll need to step up spiritually while still respecting your husband's position in the family. Take them to church, pray with them, read Bible stories, and have conversations about faith. Do this without criticizing their father or making him the villain. Your kids are watching how you handle this crisis, and your response will shape their understanding of both marriage and faith.
Find your community and don't try to walk this alone. You need other believers who can pray for your family, encourage you when you're discouraged, and remind you of God's faithfulness when you can't see it yourself.
Practical Steps:
Focus on your own relationship with God rather than trying to fix your husband's.
Love your husband well without trying to manipulate him back to faith.
Take initiative with your children's spiritual development while respecting their father.
Find community with other believers for support and prayer.
Don't criticize your husband to the children or make him the villain.
Trust God's timing and sovereignty even when you can't see progress.
Key Takeaways:
You cannot control or change your husband's spiritual journey.
Your faithful response can be a powerful testimony over time.
Your children need spiritual leadership, and you can provide it respectfully.
Community and support are essential during this difficult season.
God is still sovereign and working even when you can't see it.
One of the best things you can do right now is to pray faithfully and daily for your husband. Use this free 15 Daily Prayers To Pray For Your Husband printable as an easy way to pray bold prayers over him daily.
You can also take initiative with your children’s spiritual development with my free 11 Bible Verses Every Child Should Memorize printable.