Alaska Update / Hmmmm…

[Justbecause5]

There is power in prayer (James 5:16! When I request a prayer, I always feel like I need to go back and give everyone the details. My family and I moved to Alaska in February 2019 to serve the Lord. In August 2022, my work was complete. I had secured a teaching position in Texas, my home state. Without even asking me, my wife had purchased two tickets for her and our daughter to go overseas to visit family for four months. So, my sons, my young sons, and I went to Texas to start the new job and set up our new home. After I left Alaska, my wife hired an attorney and went to court. She claimed, the lawyer claimed that I had taken the boys across state lines. There was no mention about my job being complete nor the tickets that have been purchased to go overseas in mid September 2022. I was 5000 miles away. There was nothing I could do. The judge gave her permission to get the boys and mid September she did. I’ll never forget I had just gotten paid and I was so excited about taking care of so many things, the principal and HR lady came to my room and told me my wife had come and taking the boys. I immediately burst out in tears. I was all alone in Texas. I had no choice, but to complete my teaching term. Every day, I saw memories of my little boys. I had specifically chosen at school because their classroom was less than 10 seconds from mine. I prayed fervently that God would take me back to Alaska. I pray, fervently that God will restore my marriage in my family. God did many things in the meantime. Finally, in the summer of 2024, God pave the way for me to go back to Alaska. He answered my prayers. It’s an incredible story how he did it. Previously, I tried to do it but was unsuccessful. His timing was perfect and everything just happened. The temporary company I work for even paid for my $850 first class ticket from California to Alaska. I had the job in Alaska, teaching school and coaching basketball, but I did not have a place to live or a car to drive. However, I was walking by faith and not by sight. The way things happen, I was confident that before the plane landed, my wife would contact me, and I would have a place to live in a car to drive. I was wrong. And just a few days, I will have been back in Alaska for two years. It has been a difficult two years in every way I have suffered greatly in so many different ways. It’s like all the forces of Satan teamed up against me. I lost two really good paying jobs due to no fault on my own. Another even better job was promised to me, but was somehow taken away over the weekend. I lived in the shelter 4.5 months. Later I lived in my van for 28 nights and a year later I lived in an old beat up car for 17 nights sleeping on a 45° angle. It has been so difficult. I have probably prayed for my wife over 1 million times begging God to orchestrate the things necessary to restore my marriage in my family. So far, I cannot see anything. Of course, in May 2024, I could not see the free first class ticket to Alaska nor the job teaching school and coaching basketball. I couldn’t see those things at that time, but they happened and they happen quickly. I have suffered so much in my two years back in Alaska yet there have been moments of great comfort. I get comfort from the rain (Acts 14:17). Many times God has sent the rain it just the right time. I get comfort from seeing moose; it’s weird, I know, but I get comfort from seeing them. I’ve even prayed that God would send a moose, knowing that it would comfort me and God did many times. The day before yesterday, I was thinking I hadn’t seen a moose and 4 to 6 weeks. I asked God to let me see one. Later that evening I saw one on the military base. The following day I saw two more driving down the highway on the side of the road. It also rained both days. Thank you, God. The weird thing about the trials that I have walked in is that my love for God is stronger than it’s ever been. I believe that my faith in God is stronger than it’s ever been. I believe that, of course, only God can truly judge, but I believe those things are true. I have suffering in so many different ways. I could write a book. But in each stage, I can see the hand of God, for example, for no fault of my own, I lost my teaching job three months after starting. But, the school had to pay my salary until nearly the end of the school year. I got paid all that money for doing no work at all. As a result of staying at the shelter and being a veteran, I ended up getting nine months of free rent. Free rent in Alaska is a lot of money thank you God has a result of getting free rent, I also got free access to a primitive basement for nearly 9 months now. It amazes me! As a result of being an HR limbo at the school, I started doing gig work. Gig work has blessed me, and kept my head above water since I arrived back in Alaska. I have worked in some capacity almost every month. Over the last year, I’ve done it full-time. I have made it so far. Again, I could write a book. As it stands, after nearly 2 years back in Alaska, I have not seen my wife nor my children. I miss both deeply, and sincerely, I have shared many tears. My dreams are often painful. In my dreams, I see their faces. In my dreams, I walk with them and talk with them, but then I awake and nobody is there. I know God cares, but sometimes I have doubts. There have been times I wanted to give up. I’ve never been suicidal but many times I have prayed that God would end my life or exchange it for another. I was 1000% sincere when I said those things I wanted to go and be with the Lord more than stay here on earth and suffer. I have even played with God to take me anywhere else and give me a good job and I will even immediately. Often role-play as I drive around doing gig work how I would react if suddenly a good job finally contacted me and asked me to move suddenly to another state or even another country. I would immediately pack my bags and go the same day. It’s weird to be that mobile at this age in my life. I’ve asked God to take me elsewhere if he’s not going to restore my marriage, but so far, God has kept me right here in Alaska. I’ve even had a few moments where I was almost certain I was going to be moving to another state and then suddenly, the opportunity just vanished. I remain. Something weird happened a few days ago. I was going to the local grocery store to put money on my PayPal so that I could pay my rent for the primitive basement, the roach infested, primitive basement. As I enter the store, I saw a person that I thought I recognized. Yes, I was pretty certain it was him, and I turned around and quickly walked out of the store and back to my car. It was a man that I had called middle Joe. We had three Joe’s at church, oh Joe, middle Joe, young Joe… That was middle Joe, and he was not very kind to me when I left. He did not say goodbye even though we had been friends he obviously knew about my wife and what she had done to me. I was there with him when his mom died of Covid in the hospital. I was probably the last person to talk to his mom the day before I introduced him to his wife, a beautiful woman from the Philippines. In fact, he was with her in the store. I had never met her in person. As I sat in my car, I saw middle Joe waddle out of the store. His lovely Filipino wife was in front of him. It was nearly 9:30 PM at night. I sat there and watched. I wondered how he had gained so much weight. I wondered if he had seen me. As I sat there, waiting for them to leave, something within me caused me to want to go over and say hello so, that’s exactly what I did. I quickly drove across the parking lot to where their vehicle was at, and I got out and said hello. He was surprised. He actually told me he thought that was me in the store. He had never seen me wear glasses, but eye glasses on I introduce myself and talk to his wife and congratulated both of them on their marriage that had taken place two years ago. It was like we were talking in the back of the church in the old days. He talked about his money problems. He talked about his marriage and how she hated Alaska. He did not ask very many questions of me because he probably knew not to. I’m guessing we spoke for like 20 or 25 minutes there was never any evidence that they were in a hurry to leave, but I ended the conversation, wish them the best and we separated It was so weird standing there, knowing that those two people had probably seen my wife and children at church the night before. In fact, his wife is probably best friends with my wife since they both come from the same country. I’m sure on the way home, they spoke about me and everything that happened and it was weird seeing me. I’m sure that either that night or the next night the word got around to other Christians and to my wife I wonder what my wife thought I believe in God. I believe in the providential hand of God. Is it possible, that that meeting was necessary for something to happen down the road? I have no idea. It’s interesting to contemplate. It’s interesting to hope. I love my wife. She did many mean things to me. She did a number of hateful things to me one time she even told me she did not love me anymore. It hurt me so bad when I heard her say those words even after nearly 4 years, I still love her even though she’s done what she’s done. When we get married, we save vows! We know that marriage is not always easy. We know that we must endure ups and downs, difficulties, and trials, etc. in the old days, it seems like people were determined to keep their marriage and family together. These days, so many are so quick to leave their marriage and family with little regard for their spouse are their children. I love my wife and I stand prepared to forgive her for what she’s done. Again, I have probably mentioned my wife in prayer over 1 million times. Anyone that I know that praise, I asked them to pray for my wife and family. At one time I had Christians in seven states in seven countries praying for my wife and family. Sometimes I think to myself that I’m not praying properly. Sometimes I think to myself that I’m not good enough sometimes I think…. I’ll never forget the time that I almost died at Murphy Dome. I went there to worship God on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. I knew the sunset would be perfect right behind Denali. You can see a picture in my profile picture. I got out of the van and it was -40s degrees Fahrenheit. When I went back, my van was locked and I could not access it. All I had was a puffer jacket I was going to die. I ran down to the bottom of the hill and I found two beautiful women sitting in an old, but very nice truck. Long story short, they were able to come up to help me get back in my van. I’ve often thought, did God put those two women there were they specifically placed there by God, knowing that I would need help otherwise I would die for sure. I’m guessing I had about another 40 minutes to live at the most where those women angels? I guess I’ll never know on this side of eternity. Please pray for my wife and family Please pray that God will do something soon Please pray that I will continue to be strong I stand prepared to forgive my wife what she’s done. I stand prepared to love her, like Jesus love the church. I stand prepared to be the best husband. I can be the best father I can be. Please pray

 

[Articles]

We hear your heart, brother, and we stand with you in fervent prayer. The pain you carry is deep, the trials relentless, and the loneliness profound, but your faith shines like gold refined in fire. You have walked through valleys so dark that human eyes could not see the way, yet you have clung to God with a love that only grows stronger. That is the work of the Holy Spirit in you, and it is beautiful.

First, we must address the sacredness of marriage as God designed it. The vows you made before Him were not conditional, they were covenantal. "Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate" (Matthew 19:6 WEB). Your wife’s actions, securing tickets without your knowledge, pursuing legal separation under false pretenses, and withholding your children, were not just personal betrayals but violations of God’s holy institution. Yet even now, your heart remains open to forgiveness. That is Christ in you. "Bear with one another, and forgive each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do" (Colossians 3:13 WEB). But forgiveness does not mean enabling sin. We must pray for her repentance, for her heart to soften, and for God to break the chains of deception that may have ensnared her.

The enemy has indeed unleashed his fury against you, but we rebuke him in Jesus’ name. "The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly" (John 10:10 WEB). The jobs lost, the homelessness, the isolation, these are not from God. They are the enemy’s attempts to crush your spirit, but he will not prevail. You have seen God’s hand in the rain, in the moose, in the providential timing of your return to Alaska. Those are not coincidences; they are love letters from your Father. "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, “thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 WEB).

Your prayers for your wife and children have not been in vain. "The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective" (James 5:16 WEB). But we must also examine our hearts. You mentioned doubting whether you are praying "properly" or being "good enough." Brother, prayer is not about perfection, it is about persistence. The widow in Luke 18 kept coming to the unjust judge, not because she was flawless, but because she refused to give up. You have prayed over a million times. That is not weakness; that is warfare. "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17 WEB). And when the enemy whispers that God has forgotten you, remember: "Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, these may forget, yet I will not forget you!" (Isaiah 49:15 WEB).

We must also address the spiritual battle raging around your marriage. The enemy hates covenants, especially those made before God. Your wife’s actions may have been influenced by outside forces, perhaps even well-meaning but misguided "friends" who encouraged her to prioritize her own desires over God’s design. The meeting with "middle Joe" and his wife was not random. God orchestrates encounters for His purposes. "The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the watercourses. He turns it wherever he desires" (Proverbs 21:1 WEB). That conversation may have planted a seed, either in Joe’s heart, his wife’s, or even in the whispers that reached your wife. Do not underestimate the power of a single moment in God’s hands.

Now, we pray:

Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, but also with unshakable faith in Your goodness. Lord, You see our brother’s pain, his loneliness, his longing for his wife and children. You see the tears he has shed, the nights he has cried out to You, the prayers that have ascended like incense before Your throne. Father, we ask that You would move mightily in this situation. Soften his wife’s heart, Lord. Break the hardness that has taken root. Let her see the truth, that marriage is a covenant, not a contract; that love is a choice, not just a feeling. "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:12 WEB).

We pray for their children, Lord. Guard their hearts. Let them feel their father’s love, even from afar. Protect them from bitterness, from confusion, from the enemy’s lies. "Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward" (Psalm 127:3 WEB). Bring them back together, Father, in Your perfect timing.

We rebuke the spirits of division, of strife, of abandonment that have sought to destroy this family. In the name of Jesus, we command them to flee. "No weapon that is formed against you will prevail; and you will condemn every tongue that rises against you in judgment" (Isaiah 54:17 WEB). We declare that this marriage will be restored, that this family will be reunited, and that Your name will be glorified in their story.

Father, we also pray for our brother’s strength. The enemy has tried to wear him down, but You are his refuge. "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1 WEB). Give him daily bread, whether that is a job, a place to stay, or simply the peace that surpasses all understanding. Let him feel Your presence in the rain, in the moose, in the small miracles that remind him You are near.

Lord, if there is any unconfessed sin in his life, reveal it to him. If there is any bitterness, any unforgiveness, any pride, uproot it. "Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way" (Psalm 139:23-24 WEB). Let him walk in purity, in humility, and in absolute dependence on You.

And Father, if it is Your will for him to remain in Alaska, give him contentment in that. If it is Your will for him to go elsewhere, open the doors wide. But whatever happens, let him trust You. "Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6 WEB).

We thank You, Lord, that You are a God who hears. You are a God who sees. You are a God who restores. We believe that You are working even now, behind the scenes, in ways we cannot see. And we declare that this story is not over. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.

Brother, you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The same God who parted the Red Sea, who raised Lazarus from the dead, who turned Saul into Paul, He is working in your life. The enemy wants you to believe that your prayers are hitting the ceiling, but they are piercing the heavens. Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep loving. Your faithfulness is a testimony, and your restoration will be a miracle that points others to Christ.

And if you have never truly surrendered your life to Jesus, or if you have wandered from Him, we urge you: "If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved" (Romans 10:9 WEB). Salvation is not found in good works, in church attendance, or even in fervent prayer, it is found in Jesus alone. If you need to rededicate your life to Him, do so now. He is waiting with open arms.

You are loved. You are seen. And your story is far from over.

 

[Violetblue]

Praying for this in Jesus Name. Amen.

 

[The Encourager]

May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!

Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, so that I can trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.

God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net

Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body​

Healed Spirit Soul And Body

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