What Do You Do If Your Spouse Won’t Try? (Part 2)
(February 23, 2026)
When one partner is considering leaving the marriage but has not left yet, what
does the other partner do? Is there any hope for the marriage? The answer is YES!
In every troubled marriage there is a line of reconciliation. A place where the two
parties can come together. The problem is when there is only one partner at the
line at a time. Both parties must appear at that line and remain there for
reconciliation to take place. If you are waiting at that line alone right now, you are
not helpless.
We learned last week that there are three things you must do to navigate the
turbulent times ahead – have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, commit
your spouse to God, and set up camp at the line of reconciliation yourself no
matter what. We outlined how to have a personal relationship with Jesus last
time.
Commit your spouse to God – Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is in the hands
of the LORD, He turns it wherever He wills.” Only the LORD can change your
spouse’s heart. You cannot talk him/her into turning their heart towards you
again. But God can. Put your trust in Him to accomplish it.
Set up camp at the line of reconciliation – Prepare yourself to remain at the line of
reconciliation regardless of the actions or attitude of your spouse. This will take
humility and courage. Lean on your Lord Jesus for the things you do not possess.
He is faithful! He will give you the patience to wait for your spouse to come back
to the line of reconciliation. Once they show up, be ready to forgive and receive
them back unconditionally. Remember, somebody needs to remain at the line of
reconciliation to be there when the other person shows up.
God can save your marriage. He has the power and the wisdom needed to bring
you and your spouse together again. Don’t give up. Don’t get involved with
someone else. Don’t keep a record of wrongs. Seek Christ for everything you
need, and He will supply. And by the way, staying together for the sake of the
children is the right thing to do. God be with you!