Dear Sis, That you need to Ask for financial support means that your husband is not providing. The mentioned verse is an exhortation for believers.
On whether to sue or not, the law is designed to protect the oppressed and it is available. Yet, there are people who hold a court judgment requiring the husband to provide but unable to collect because the husband can hide his funds or not obey the law of man in the same manner he does not obey the law of God.
For the believing wife, we would like to propose to go First to the One who is able to move the hearts of kings (Prov 21:1) who promises to avenge His obedient people (Rom 12:17-21) and commands to “Leave room for God’s wrath”—- that same wrath that has better teeth than the VAWC law because God is able to speak to the husband (Job 33:14-18) to “terrify them with warnings, 17 to turn them from wrongdoing and keep them from pride” ultimately, to “8 to preserve them from the pit, their lives from perishing by the sword.” Fast. Pray unceasingly. Fast from anger/ finger pointing/ blaming/ judging/ criticizing/ unforgiveness. The bible’s marching orders are to continue to do good and obey God, help the evildoer when in need because it is GOOD, not evil, that OVERCOMES evil. (Rom 12:17) because the Daughter of The King Overcomer in Christ is Aligned with, not Against the Holy Spirit in whom Victory depends (Zech 4:6NCV).
If need be, exhaust all amicable means of respectful request. Then wait in faith-ful expectation on God, not man. Look up the life of JK Rowling who underwent domestic abuse and was thrown out by her husband. Living on government assistance with no own roof over her head, her talent came out. If she did not undergo that fiery trial in being edged out for financial support, at best, she might be a good teacher now. God promises that where the enemy intends evil, God intends it for good (Gen 50:20). Not to say that all who don’t sue will become billionaires but it does show how times of dire need draw out one’s God-given talents to provide for oneself.
Reflect on Jesus’s promises for provision, gentle quietness and sustenance, refreshing, guidance, His everpresent help, training/ equipping, comfort, vindication, defense, blessing, His goodness and love pursuing His sheep ALL the days of her life— even in the day of financial need — and eternal life (Psalm 23) .
Some reflection questions for this crossroad: (1) What are my sins to confess and turn away from that hinder my prayers(Ps 66:18)? (2) I know You came that I may have life and have it abundantly. What is Your instruction for me towards this purpose (Ps 32:8)? (3) Which of God’s promises to pray back to Him (1John 5:14-15).
As you wait “in repentance… rest…quietness and trust (Isa 30:15) {rest the mouth from talking, grumbling or gossiping about it so the ears can get sharpened to listen to God}, Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you (1Thess 5:16-18) because here in the waiting is your meeting place with your Ultimate Provider, The God who owns heaven and earth and everything in it (Deut 10:14) who is For you, not against you, and will never leave you nor forsake you.
In practical terms, the effect of filing a case against your husband before doing the above due diligence as a child of God, is as the husband receives lawyer/ court documents declaring you as the Petitioner for him to be prosecuted and him as the defendant instantly putting you as adversaries (enemies). Will this move the husband to be more transparent/ righteous/ holy to do the right thing to support? Will it build a bridge of understanding, healing, restoration? Does the lawsuit promise provision?
In Jesus’s name, praying for the Lord’s provision for you and your children for His glory alone amen.
