When Faith Meets Reality: Accepting the Truth About an Abusive Marriage

Have you ever thought you finally met the right one—only to discover, painfully, that everything he said was a lie?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Leslie Vernick sits down with media expert and speaker Beverly Hallberg to unpack her harrowing journey through a deceptive and destructive marriage. From whirlwind courtship to abuse behind closed doors, Beverly opens up about the spiritual confusion, grief, and courage it took to get free—and the God who never left her. This is an episode every woman navigating confusing relationship dynamics needs to hear.

Key Takeaways “He Wasn’t Who He Said He Was”: The Power of Deception

Beverly shares how her abuser cloaked himself in faith, family values, and kindness—appearing to be the ideal match. But soon after the wedding, the mask dropped. She explains how yellow flags were hidden in grief, charm, and shared spiritual language, making discernment incredibly difficult. → You’re not foolish if you didn’t see it. These relationships are built on intentional deceit.

When Abuse is Emotional, Mental, and Spiritual

From subtle sabotage to explosive rage and spiritual manipulation, Beverly's marriage wasn’t just disappointing—it was destructive. She bravely recounts the patterns of control, harm, and gaslighting that unraveled her emotionally and physically. → Abuse is not just about bruises. It’s about patterns that diminish, devalue, and destroy.

God Doesn’t Value Marriage Over Safety

Wrestling with Scripture and shame, Beverly found clarity in truth: God cares more about the people in the marriage than preserving the institution at all costs. Biblical wisdom and wise counsel helped her see that staying would harm not just her—but enable his sin. → God does not call you to stay in harm’s way to keep a vow someone else already broke.

Healing Isn’t Linear—but It’s Real

Beverly shares her long road back to emotional and spiritual wholeness. From losing her in-laws to enduring an ectopic pregnancy alone, her healing came through community, Scripture, and reclaiming her voice. → You can heal. It takes time, safe people, and honesty—but freedom is possible.

To the Woman Who Feels Stuck: You Are Not Alone

Speaking directly to women who may not have the resources or support Beverly did, she offers wisdom on safety planning, building a support system, and why even one safe parent can make all the difference for children. → The first step is to tell someone. God will meet you as you take that step.

Personal Invitation

If Beverly’s story hit close to home, you might be wondering, How am I supposed to be OK, when he's not? That’s a critical question, and you don’t have to answer it alone. Leslie is offering a free, faith-based webinar designed to give you the clarity and confidence to take your next right step.

During this free training, we will cover:

• How to clearly define your problem, the other person’s problem (at least in your opinion), and the problem in your relationship.
• The difference between love that’s motivated by fear and love that’s motivated by freedom—and what it takes to make the switch.
• How to listen beneath the surface of nice words, flattery, and love bombing to discern what’s true so that you can make good choices going forward.
• How to build your own internal strength so that his weaknesses—or yours—don’t get the best of you.
• ...and much more.

Reserve your spot now: https://leslievernick.com/problem

Beloved, God sees. He sees your tears, your confusion, your exhaustion—and He cares. You are not alone, and you are not beyond hope. No matter how deep the pain or how tangled the web, God is a God of truth, healing, and freedom. You don’t have to figure it all out today. Just take the next brave step.

You were made for more than survival. You were made to live in peace, truth, and safety.

Watch Mike Winger’s message on abuse and divorce: View Here