Bible Question: Troubled Marriage

by Anonymous

Hi- I am 30 years old and have been married for almost 12 years with one little boy.

About a year and a half ago my mom died five months after being diagnosed with a rare form of pancreatic cancer. At about the same time, people kept telling me that my husband had a drug problem, but I couldn't and wouldn't believe it. Finally it all came to a head and I had no choice but to face the reality of my situation. I caught him stealing my mom's pain pills the day of her funeral.

He has stolen from me and my family, has lost four jobs in one year and has all but ruined us financially. He went into a detox center about six months ago and he seemed to be doing much better, but he was accused of stealing from someone at work and as a result he was "asked to resign". He says he didn't do it, but given his past, I just don't know. I've caught him lying to me lately and I have never seen someone go as far as he does to make you think he's telling the truth.

I feel like I'm going through Hell on Earth and I haven't even been able to morn my mom's death properly because of dealing with his problems. I said all this so that you would have some idea of what I'm going through. My extended family would like me to divorce him, but I'm trying to hang on for many different reasons. I feel pulled between my family (husband & son) and my extended family. I feel to have one is to lose the other.

This man is my high school sweetheart and the only man I have ever been with. I feel like I'm losing the fight for my marriage and I feel like I'm dying inside.

Now for my question: I've searched the bible for answers, but I can't find anything about addictions and what a wife is supposed to do if her husband is not holding up his end of the marriage.

Is there any hope that my marriage will survive or is it going to be taken from me, the way my mom was, whether I like it or not.

I don't think I can endure this torment forever, but I don't want to get a divorce. Is there a solution somewhere between staying and leaving?

What does the bible say about situations like mine?

Thank you