Dear Kristy,
You certainly have our prayers.
Let us begin by asking " Is God against divorce ? "....
" I desperately want a divorce from my first husband but our financial situation hasn’t allowed for this. I know what the bible says about divorce " and
Actually God instituted divorce. Deuteronomy 24: 1-3
" Why did Moses then COMMAND to give a writing of divorcement " ? Matthew 19: 7
Now in theory, God doesn't like divorce ( who does ? ).
Malachi 2: 16 " For the LORD, the God of Israel, saith that He hateth putting away".
This was spoken of in a large general sense ( the "putting away" of Israel, for a season, due to her lack of faithfulness to God.)
But in actual life, God ordained divorce to keep people from living in a hopeless situation.
Matthew 19: 3--9 " Moses -- because of the Hardness of your hearts allowed you to put away your spouses"
So, yes -- you need to divorce from your previous husband, and if there is money in your home for continuing addictions ( you say your present partner has addictions) then there IS money for a divorce.
"I call him my husband because in my heart he is believes in Jesus and loves him too but has problems and addictions of his own"
It takes courage to get a divorce from your past husband.
It takes obedience to refrain from a sexual relationship at this time.
It is better to live in a wholesome productive God-blest relationship ( in Holy Matrimony) than in a destructive relationship.
Quoting your letter:
" I am weak in my flesh I always have been but I love Jesus with all of my heart. For reasons that I can’t understand I can’t overcome my afflictions my addictions and I feel like God has given up on me "
Addictive behavior needs moral support to help a person to become an overcomer. God has also ordained that. He told us in John 14:12 that greater works would be performed by the Holy Spirit.
It is my own personal belief that the 12 step programs are a "greater work" in these Last days because their recovery rate is the highest.
Churches mean well, but tend to take a dim view of persons with addictive behavior ; that is understandable since most church-goers are not under addictions.
But everyone in the 12 step programs has been under an addiction, and as such has 100 % understanding. They have "been there, done that". They are capable of giving moral support to a person who needs that extra support at this time of transition in their life. It's not that God alone isn't capable. It's just that He has ordained fellowships that help.
My own personal belief is that these fellowships are necessary and most helpful, if one is truly sincere and honest about changing their life.
The power of the 12 step programs lie in the ability to give Testimony. " And they overcame him ( Satan) by their testimony ) Revelation 12: 11.
And in Mark 5: 18--20 , Jesus was revealing the power of testimony in this scene:
"And when He had come into the ship, he that had been possessed of the devil prayed Him ( to Jesus ) that he might be with Him.
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him:
" Go home to thy friends, and tell them how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee".
Also, the moral support that the 12 step programs give is exemplified in this scenario :
Mark 2: 3--5 " When Jesus saw their faith ( of his friends ) he said unto the sick of the palsy,
"Son, thy sins be forgiven thee".
So we see then that Fellowship -- moral support -- is something even the Lord acknowledged in the Gospel as having healing power.
To me, it is Jesus endorsing the 12 step programs since their foundational statement is this:
"No human power could save us, but God could and would if He were sought ".
Attending those meetings is putting good intentions into action . One makes practical application.
Repenting -- and taking a personal inventory --- are two different things. Repenting means saying your sorry, especially because of the results in one's life.
A personal inventory explores the root causes -- the character defects-- that contribute to destructive choices.
The 12 step programs require a personal inventory.
We will pray that you have the courage to divorce from your first husband.
That you make the commitment to financially get a divorce.
We pray that you and your present partner attend a 12 step program ( AA, NA, OA whatever ) and get clean, or else it is advised for both of you to "leave your present playground and playmates".
One cannot walk the walk while living with someone who is practicing destructive behavior ( all addictions are destructive behavior).
"Be not unequally yoked" ( 2 Corinthians 6:14 " what communion hath light with darkness ? " )
To let go of your present partner takes obedience ... to let go and to Let God.
If your present partner has a true change of lifestyle ( no longer practicing addiction for at least a year )
then may your relationship be blessed by God through the Holy union of marriage. In the meantime, you will need to refrain from a sexual relationship until that time, in order to walk in the Light as He is in the light.
We pray that all the spiritual forces of darkness be bound over you and your family, and that each one be covered under the blood of Jesus. May God show you the way, and be with you as you take these courageous steps.
God,
Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
The Courage to change the things I can;
and the wisdom to know the difference."