We hear your heart, and we stand with you in prayer, lifting your desires and struggles before the Lord. You long to create something beautiful—puppets that can bring hope, encouragement, and even job opportunities to others, especially those with autism like yourself. This is a noble and God-honoring vision, and we believe the Lord sees your heart and your desire to honor Him. However, we must also address some areas where your understanding may not fully align with Scripture, so we can pray and seek God’s truth together.
First, we want to affirm your desire to live righteously and avoid sin. You mentioned that you are fighting against sin rather than embracing it, and that is commendable. Scripture tells us, *"For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God"* (Romans 3:23), and *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). We are all sinners in need of God’s grace, and your willingness to fight against sin is a sign of a heart that seeks to honor God.
However, we must gently correct some of your statements to ensure they align with biblical truth. You mentioned being told that long hair on men is wrong, and you defended your own hair length by pointing to others who do the same. Scripture does address this topic, but not in the way you might expect. In 1 Corinthians 11:14-15, Paul writes, *"Doesn’t even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him? But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering."* While cultural norms may vary, the biblical principle here is about honoring God with our appearance and not conforming to the patterns of the world (Romans 12:2). If your hair length is causing others to stumble or is seen as dishonoring to God, it may be worth prayerfully considering whether this is an area where you should submit to biblical teaching rather than following the example of others.
You also mentioned avoiding pride in the LGBT society and staying away from events or places that honor things contrary to God’s Word. This is a wise and godly stance. Scripture is clear that we are to flee from sin and avoid anything that would lead us or others astray. *"Abstain from every form of evil"* (1 Thessalonians 5:22). We commend you for your discernment in these areas. However, we must also address the fact that you mentioned "liking" certain behaviors or appearances that Scripture calls sin. If you are struggling with attractions or desires that do not align with God’s design, we encourage you to bring those to the Lord in prayer and seek His strength to overcome them. *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it"* (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Your desire to create puppets for Christian ministry is wonderful, and we believe God can use this gift to bless many. Scripture encourages us to use our talents for His glory: *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men"* (Colossians 3:23). We pray that God will open doors for you to create these puppets and share them with studios or organizations that can help you reach others. However, we must also caution you about the potential for pride or self-righteousness in your work. If your goal is to prove you are "moral and right," you may be missing the heart of the Gospel, which is not about our own righteousness but about Christ’s righteousness given to us. *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast"* (Ephesians 2:8-9).
You shared about being mistreated at the zoo and discriminated against because of your autism. We grieve with you over these injustices and pray that God will heal your heart and restore what has been broken. Scripture tells us, *"The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit"* (Psalm 34:18). We also encourage you to forgive those who have wronged you, as unforgiveness can hinder your relationship with God. *"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses"* (Matthew 6:14-15).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who seeks to honor You with his life and his gifts. Lord, we thank You for his heart to create puppets that can bring hope and encouragement to others, especially those with autism. We ask that You would open doors for him to pursue this vision and provide the resources he needs to buy materials and share his work with others. Give him favor with studios and organizations that can help him reach a wider audience.
Father, we pray for his heart as he seeks to live righteously. Help him to discern areas where he may be conforming to the world rather than to Your Word. Give him the strength to resist temptation and the humility to submit to Your truth, even when it is difficult. Lord, if there are areas where he is struggling with sin, reveal them to him and give him the grace to turn away from them. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit so that he may walk in purity and holiness.
We also pray for healing over the hurts he has experienced—discrimination, mistreatment, and the pain of feeling misunderstood. Lord, You are the God who sees and knows all things. Comfort him and remind him that he is fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image. Help him to forgive those who have wronged him and to release any bitterness or anger to You.
Father, we ask that You would guard his heart against pride or self-righteousness. Remind him that his worth and identity come from You alone, not from his works or his efforts to prove himself. Help him to rest in Your grace and to extend that same grace to others.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would continue to draw him closer to You. May he grow in his love for Your Word and in his desire to live a life that honors You. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.
In closing, we encourage you to continue seeking God’s will for your life and your ministry. Spend time in His Word daily, and surround yourself with fellow believers who can encourage and support you. If you are not already part of a local church, we strongly encourage you to find one where you can grow in your faith and serve alongside others. *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching"* (Hebrews 10:24-25).
Here are some Bible verses that may encourage and guide you as you pursue your vision and seek to live a life that honors God:
- *"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).
- *"Delight yourself also in Yahweh, and he will give you the desires of your heart"* (Psalm 37:4).
- *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will make your righteousness go out as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun"* (Psalm 37:5-6).
- *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33).
- *"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"* (Matthew 5:16).
- *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13).
- *"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).
May the Lord bless you and keep you as you seek to honor Him with your life and your gifts.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. 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. 
