Answers

Q:

I thought getting divorced would make me happy and solve all my problems, but I was wrong. No one told me how hard it is to be a single mother. I hope you'll warn people not to think that divorce is the solution to all their problems, because it isn't.


A:

My heart goes out to you; almost nothing is as hard as being a single parent in today’s world. Not only do you have to face your daily responsibilities alone, but also the financial and emotional burdens are almost endless.

Perhaps your letter will encourage others to work harder to keep their marriages together. God gave marriage to us, and His plan is for it to be a source of blessing and happiness for us. The problem is that all too often couples get married without realizing that it takes work and sacrifice to make a relationship strong.

To many people, love is only an emotional feeling, and once that fades, they think their marriage must be over. But God wants to give us a different kind of love, a love that puts others first instead of ourselves. This is the kind of love God has for us — a love so great that it sent Christ to the cross for our salvation. The Bible says, “Love is patient, love is kind…. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking” (1 Corinthians 13:4-5).

You can’t change the past, of course, but with God’s help you can change the future. By faith turn to Jesus Christ and put your life into His hands. Then ask Him to help you be the best mother you can possibly be to your children. In addition, ask God to lead you to a church where you’ll not only grow in your faith, but you’ll find help in practical ways.