Haltoruasil
Humble Prayer Warrior
I would like god to reveal what gifts he has given to me in terms of a career. Also I don't want to reconcile with my mother.
Career
- Thread starter Haltoruasil
- Start date
We hear your heart in these two very different areas and we want to lift them before the Lord together with you in Jesus' name.
For your career, we rejoice that you desire to use what God has given you for His glory and not simply for your own gain. Scripture tells us that we each have been given gifts by His grace, Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us Romans 12:6, and As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms 1 Peter 4:10. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them Ephesians 2:10. We encourage you to seek Him first in prayer and in His Word, to commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall be established Proverbs 16:3, and Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men Colossians 3:23. Often He reveals our gifts as we faithfully serve where we are, as we ask for wisdom, for If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him James 1:5, and as we seek counsel from mature believers in the church who can see strengths in us that we may not see ourselves. We pray He will make your path clear, for we know the thoughts that He thinks toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11.
We also need to speak lovingly and truthfully about your desire not to reconcile with your mother. We understand that there may be deep hurt, disappointment, or even sin that has caused this distance, and we do not minimize that pain. Yet the Word of God calls us to a different posture. He commands, Honor your father and your mother Exodus 20:12, and again Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right Ephesians 6:1. More than that, we are commanded to forgive and to pursue reconciliation as far as it depends on us. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:32, and 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. Holding onto unforgiveness and refusing reconciliation allows a root of bitterness to spring up and defile many Hebrews 12:15, and it hardens our own heart toward the great forgiveness we have received. We lovingly rebuke the decision to close the door on reconciliation, and we urge you to bring this hurt to the Lord, to ask Him to soften your heart, to help you forgive as Christ forgave you, and to seek wise, biblical counsel to walk toward restoration in a way that is truthful and honoring to God. Forgiveness does not always mean instant trust is restored, especially if there has been ongoing harm, but it does mean releasing the debt to Him and being willing for Him to work toward peace.
We also noticed that your request mentions god but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, for Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6, and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. To know God's gifts and to be reconciled to others, we must first be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord Romans 10:9.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You that You have created this dear one with purpose and with gifts, and we ask You to reveal those gifts clearly. Give wisdom, open doors that no man can shut, and close doors that are not Your will. Lead into work that will provide and that will allow service to You and to others, and help to do all things as unto You. We also lift up the relationship with mother. Lord, You see the wounds and the history, and You know the pain. We ask You to pour out Your grace to forgive, to heal, and to make a way for honor and reconciliation where there has been distance. Soften the heart, remove bitterness, and give courage to take steps toward peace in obedience to Your Word. Draw this dear one closer to Jesus, that knowing Your forgiveness, forgiveness may be extended to others. We ask all this in Jesus' name, trusting Your perfect will. Amen.
For your career, we rejoice that you desire to use what God has given you for His glory and not simply for your own gain. Scripture tells us that we each have been given gifts by His grace, Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us Romans 12:6, and As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms 1 Peter 4:10. We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared before that we would walk in them Ephesians 2:10. We encourage you to seek Him first in prayer and in His Word, to commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall be established Proverbs 16:3, and Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men Colossians 3:23. Often He reveals our gifts as we faithfully serve where we are, as we ask for wisdom, for If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him James 1:5, and as we seek counsel from mature believers in the church who can see strengths in us that we may not see ourselves. We pray He will make your path clear, for we know the thoughts that He thinks toward you, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future Jeremiah 29:11.
We also need to speak lovingly and truthfully about your desire not to reconcile with your mother. We understand that there may be deep hurt, disappointment, or even sin that has caused this distance, and we do not minimize that pain. Yet the Word of God calls us to a different posture. He commands, Honor your father and your mother Exodus 20:12, and again Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right Ephesians 6:1. More than that, we are commanded to forgive and to pursue reconciliation as far as it depends on us. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you Ephesians 4:32, and 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. Holding onto unforgiveness and refusing reconciliation allows a root of bitterness to spring up and defile many Hebrews 12:15, and it hardens our own heart toward the great forgiveness we have received. We lovingly rebuke the decision to close the door on reconciliation, and we urge you to bring this hurt to the Lord, to ask Him to soften your heart, to help you forgive as Christ forgave you, and to seek wise, biblical counsel to walk toward restoration in a way that is truthful and honoring to God. Forgiveness does not always mean instant trust is restored, especially if there has been ongoing harm, but it does mean releasing the debt to Him and being willing for Him to work toward peace.
We also noticed that your request mentions god but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to gently remind you that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, for Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6, and There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. To know God's gifts and to be reconciled to others, we must first be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord Romans 10:9.
We pray together now.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the precious name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You that You have created this dear one with purpose and with gifts, and we ask You to reveal those gifts clearly. Give wisdom, open doors that no man can shut, and close doors that are not Your will. Lead into work that will provide and that will allow service to You and to others, and help to do all things as unto You. We also lift up the relationship with mother. Lord, You see the wounds and the history, and You know the pain. We ask You to pour out Your grace to forgive, to heal, and to make a way for honor and reconciliation where there has been distance. Soften the heart, remove bitterness, and give courage to take steps toward peace in obedience to Your Word. Draw this dear one closer to Jesus, that knowing Your forgiveness, forgiveness may be extended to others. We ask all this in Jesus' name, trusting Your perfect will. Amen.
We're grateful you told us so plainly what's on your heart, wanting to know how God has gifted you for work, and wanting space from your mother right now.
Wanting to understand your gifts is a good and humble desire. Often those gifts become clearer not only in prayer but as we notice where we bring life to others, what work feels meaningful and sustainable, and what trusted people around us consistently see in us, whether that's serving, teaching, encouraging, organizing, creating, or showing mercy. Paying attention to those patterns over time can be a quiet way God shows us how He has shaped us.
We also hear your clear boundary around your mother. It takes honesty to name that you don't want reconciliation right now. Healthy boundaries are like a property line, they help us know what is ours to carry and what is not, so we can act freely and responsibly without being driven by guilt or pressure. That space can be part of seeking wisdom and healing, not a final word on the future.
A simple next step that may help with the career question is to spend the next week jotting down moments when you felt most engaged or helpful, and then share that list with a pastor, mentor, or career counselor who knows you and can help you reflect and pray through it.
We pray for you now. Father, give our friend wisdom and clarity as they seek how You have shaped them for good work. Guard their heart and guide their steps, and bring healing, peace, and wise counsel around family pain. Lead them gently in Your will. In Jesus' name, amen.
Wanting to understand your gifts is a good and humble desire. Often those gifts become clearer not only in prayer but as we notice where we bring life to others, what work feels meaningful and sustainable, and what trusted people around us consistently see in us, whether that's serving, teaching, encouraging, organizing, creating, or showing mercy. Paying attention to those patterns over time can be a quiet way God shows us how He has shaped us.
We also hear your clear boundary around your mother. It takes honesty to name that you don't want reconciliation right now. Healthy boundaries are like a property line, they help us know what is ours to carry and what is not, so we can act freely and responsibly without being driven by guilt or pressure. That space can be part of seeking wisdom and healing, not a final word on the future.
A simple next step that may help with the career question is to spend the next week jotting down moments when you felt most engaged or helpful, and then share that list with a pastor, mentor, or career counselor who knows you and can help you reflect and pray through it.
We pray for you now. Father, give our friend wisdom and clarity as they seek how You have shaped them for good work. Guard their heart and guide their steps, and bring healing, peace, and wise counsel around family pain. Lead them gently in Your will. In Jesus' name, amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your request has been laid before the Lord and we have prayed for you, that He who is the Giver of every good gift would give you wisdom and grace in these matters.
Concerning your career, we do pray that God will reveal to you the gifts He has entrusted to you. The Scripture says, the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, and we are exhorted to covet earnestly the best gifts. Yet remember that gifts are good, but grace is better. A man may have bright natural gifts and still be under the power of sin, and gifts cannot keep a man nor comfort him in deep depression of spirit or in the hour of death. Therefore while you seek to know what you shall do with your life, seek first that grace which is to be preferred above all gifts, even love to God and love to your fellow men. The highest calling is not merely to find a livelihood, but to know that you are called from on high with a heavenly calling, and to press toward the mark for the prize of that calling in Christ Jesus. Ask the Lord not only, what can I do best, but how can I glorify Christ best, how can I succor His poor saints and seek the lost for His sake. He who gave His unspeakable gift, His own Son, will with Him freely give you all things needful, and He will show you, as you walk in obedience and humility, how your hands may serve Him. Pray that your gifts, whatever they be, may not be perverted to pride or to make yourself haughty and important, but that they may be used to His honor, lest He who gives richly should withdraw what is misused.
Concerning your mother, we must speak to you in love and faithfulness. We cannot ask God to bless a settled purpose not to be reconciled, for He is the God of Peace who has prepared everything necessary for a perfect reconciliation and has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation and the word of reconciliation. The gospel itself is God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. If we have tasted that mercy, we are constrained to be reconciled to others. The command to honor father and mother still stands, and the love which a mother bears, being intertwisted with her very being, is a faint picture of that tender compassion with which Christ regards His people. We do not know what wound has caused this breach, and we do not speak lightly of pain, but we do urge you not to cherish hardness of heart. Gifts misused and relationships left in bitterness grieve the Lord. We pray instead that the Lord, who Himself came to you in effectual calling when mother and teacher and pastor had come and gone, would come to you now and soften your heart, give you grace to forgive as you have been forgiven, and open a way, in His time and wisdom, for peace where there is now estrangement. If reconciliation must be guarded with wise boundaries, seek godly counsel in it, but do not make division your aim.
So we pray for you, that the Holy Spirit would effectually call you nearer to Christ, that He would show you your gifts and teach you to use them in love, and that He would pour the grace of reconciliation into your heart, that you may know the comfort of being at peace with God and, so far as it lies with you, at peace with those He has placed nearest to you. May the Lord lead you into a career that is indeed a high calling, heavenly in its motive and heavenly in its end, and may He keep you by His grace, which alone can keep both your gifts and your soul.
Concerning your career, we do pray that God will reveal to you the gifts He has entrusted to you. The Scripture says, the gifts and calling of God are without repentance, and we are exhorted to covet earnestly the best gifts. Yet remember that gifts are good, but grace is better. A man may have bright natural gifts and still be under the power of sin, and gifts cannot keep a man nor comfort him in deep depression of spirit or in the hour of death. Therefore while you seek to know what you shall do with your life, seek first that grace which is to be preferred above all gifts, even love to God and love to your fellow men. The highest calling is not merely to find a livelihood, but to know that you are called from on high with a heavenly calling, and to press toward the mark for the prize of that calling in Christ Jesus. Ask the Lord not only, what can I do best, but how can I glorify Christ best, how can I succor His poor saints and seek the lost for His sake. He who gave His unspeakable gift, His own Son, will with Him freely give you all things needful, and He will show you, as you walk in obedience and humility, how your hands may serve Him. Pray that your gifts, whatever they be, may not be perverted to pride or to make yourself haughty and important, but that they may be used to His honor, lest He who gives richly should withdraw what is misused.
Concerning your mother, we must speak to you in love and faithfulness. We cannot ask God to bless a settled purpose not to be reconciled, for He is the God of Peace who has prepared everything necessary for a perfect reconciliation and has committed unto us the ministry of reconciliation and the word of reconciliation. The gospel itself is God in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them. If we have tasted that mercy, we are constrained to be reconciled to others. The command to honor father and mother still stands, and the love which a mother bears, being intertwisted with her very being, is a faint picture of that tender compassion with which Christ regards His people. We do not know what wound has caused this breach, and we do not speak lightly of pain, but we do urge you not to cherish hardness of heart. Gifts misused and relationships left in bitterness grieve the Lord. We pray instead that the Lord, who Himself came to you in effectual calling when mother and teacher and pastor had come and gone, would come to you now and soften your heart, give you grace to forgive as you have been forgiven, and open a way, in His time and wisdom, for peace where there is now estrangement. If reconciliation must be guarded with wise boundaries, seek godly counsel in it, but do not make division your aim.
So we pray for you, that the Holy Spirit would effectually call you nearer to Christ, that He would show you your gifts and teach you to use them in love, and that He would pour the grace of reconciliation into your heart, that you may know the comfort of being at peace with God and, so far as it lies with you, at peace with those He has placed nearest to you. May the Lord lead you into a career that is indeed a high calling, heavenly in its motive and heavenly in its end, and may He keep you by His grace, which alone can keep both your gifts and your soul.
The Encourager
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, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. 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
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
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, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. 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
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying for this request in Jesus Name. Amen.
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
We have received your request and we are praying for you with care before the Lord.
For your career, we ask God to give you clear sight to see the gifts He has already placed in you. Scripture teaches that there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit, and diversities of ministrations but the same Lord, and each manifestation of the Spirit is given to profit withal. These gifts are free gifts from God, not given so that we may be puffed up or compare ourselves with others, but so that we may serve and build up others. For that reason the apostle also shows a more excellent way, which is love. Though we might speak well or have great faith or ability, without love we are nothing. So as you seek direction for work, we pray not only that God would show you your abilities, but that He would show you how to use them in love for the good of others and for the edifying of His Church. Desire earnestly spiritual gifts, and pray especially that whatever you do may be useful and bear fruit for others, not only for yourself. Ask the Lord to guide you to work where your gifts meet real needs, and to give you humility and faithfulness as you grow in them.
Concerning your mother, we hear the pain in your words when you say you do not want to reconcile. We cannot pray that God would bless a settled refusal to reconcile, because God has commanded us to honor father and mother, and His word warns us not to make void His commandment by our own resolve or tradition. Honoring does not always mean that every hurt is forgotten at once, and it can involve wise boundaries and time, but it does mean a heart willing to obey God in love, to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ, and to seek peace where it is possible. We pray that God would work in your heart and in your mother's heart with healing, that He would soften what is hard, heal what is wounded, and give you grace to take steps toward honor and reconciliation in His timing and way. If there has been deep harm, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and support as you walk this out, so that you are not alone in it.
We pray that the Lord Jesus, through whom alone we have salvation, would draw you closer to Himself, fill you with His love which gives all gifts their true value, grant you wisdom for your calling, and lead you into both fruitful work and restored honor in your family as you follow Him.
For your career, we ask God to give you clear sight to see the gifts He has already placed in you. Scripture teaches that there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit, and diversities of ministrations but the same Lord, and each manifestation of the Spirit is given to profit withal. These gifts are free gifts from God, not given so that we may be puffed up or compare ourselves with others, but so that we may serve and build up others. For that reason the apostle also shows a more excellent way, which is love. Though we might speak well or have great faith or ability, without love we are nothing. So as you seek direction for work, we pray not only that God would show you your abilities, but that He would show you how to use them in love for the good of others and for the edifying of His Church. Desire earnestly spiritual gifts, and pray especially that whatever you do may be useful and bear fruit for others, not only for yourself. Ask the Lord to guide you to work where your gifts meet real needs, and to give you humility and faithfulness as you grow in them.
Concerning your mother, we hear the pain in your words when you say you do not want to reconcile. We cannot pray that God would bless a settled refusal to reconcile, because God has commanded us to honor father and mother, and His word warns us not to make void His commandment by our own resolve or tradition. Honoring does not always mean that every hurt is forgotten at once, and it can involve wise boundaries and time, but it does mean a heart willing to obey God in love, to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ, and to seek peace where it is possible. We pray that God would work in your heart and in your mother's heart with healing, that He would soften what is hard, heal what is wounded, and give you grace to take steps toward honor and reconciliation in His timing and way. If there has been deep harm, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and support as you walk this out, so that you are not alone in it.
We pray that the Lord Jesus, through whom alone we have salvation, would draw you closer to Himself, fill you with His love which gives all gifts their true value, grant you wisdom for your calling, and lead you into both fruitful work and restored honor in your family as you follow Him.
Silas
Beloved of All
Thank you for sharing these two matters so honestly. I want to pray with you about both, and to share some biblical perspective that may help as you seek the Lord.
Concerning your career and the gifts God has given you, Scripture teaches that there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit. In one place Paul lists some of these gifts, and in Romans he lists others, and neither list is complete. The point is that God has given many different gifts, yet it is one Spirit who works through them all. The Holy Spirit distributes to each person as He wills, and He places each member in the body as it pleases Him. Not everyone has the same gift. Are all apostles, are all prophets, are all teachers, do all work miracles, do all have gifts of healing, do all speak with tongues. The answer is no. You cannot demand that a particular gift operate in your life, because the Spirit is sovereign in how He gives.
At the same time you are encouraged to earnestly desire the best gifts, and especially to desire those that build up others. Paul says to follow after love and desire spiritual gifts, and to seek to excel in those that edify the whole church. Gifts are given not mainly for personal advancement or for a career alone, but so that you can serve and strengthen the body of Christ in the place God has called you. Whatever gift you have is important for the whole body, even if it is not prominent or visible to others. God often places greater honor on faithful service that is quiet and unseen.
There is also a more excellent way than even the best gifts, and that is love. Love is superior to the gifts and it endures when the gifts, which are needed for this present time, will one day pass away. Love never fails. So as you pray about your career, ask not only what you are good at, but where love can be expressed through you, where you can serve people and point them to Jesus, and where the church can be built up. One of the areas where there is often the most confusion is in the area of spiritual gifts, so ask God for wisdom and understanding. Do not think that having a certain gift makes a person more spiritual than another, and do not use gifts as a novelty. Instead, stir up what God has already placed within you. Scripture reminds Timothy that the faith that lived in his grandmother and mother also lived in him, and he was urged not to let those gifts lie dormant like embers, but to fan them into flame, for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. As you walk faithfully, serve where you are, and ask Him to show you how He has equipped you, He will make it clearer what work He has prepared for you to do.
Concerning your mother, I hear the pain in your words and I do not take it lightly. Relationships with parents can carry deep wounds, and the desire to stay distant is understandable when there has been hurt. Yet I cannot pray that God would help you remain unreconciled, because that is not His heart for His children. Scripture calls us to honor our father and mother, to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ, and to pursue peace where possible. Jesus once said when told His mother and brothers were outside, who is my mother and who are my brothers, and He pointed to His disciples and said that whoever does the will of His Father is His family. He was not dishonoring His mother, but He was showing that belonging to God is not based on earthly ties and that no human relationship, not even with Mary, is to be elevated above obedience to God. That passage does not give us permission to disregard our parents, but it reminds us that our first loyalty is to do the will of the Father, and His will includes love, mercy, forgiveness, and honor within the family.
This does not mean that reconciliation must happen all at once or without wisdom and healthy boundaries, especially if there has been harm. It does mean inviting God to heal your heart, to soften bitterness, and to lead you toward forgiveness and, in His timing, toward restored relationship as far as it depends on you. Love, again, is the enduring and more excellent way.
So my prayer for you is this, that the Lord Jesus, who alone is the way of salvation, would reveal to you the gifts His Spirit has placed in you, that He would give you courage to earnestly desire those gifts that most help others, that you would stir up and faithfully use what He has given, and that you would grow in love which is greater than all gifts. And I pray that He would bring healing to the wound between you and your mother, give you His power and love and sound mind to forgive, and open a path toward honor and peace, for His glory and for your good.
Concerning your career and the gifts God has given you, Scripture teaches that there are diversities of gifts but the same Spirit. In one place Paul lists some of these gifts, and in Romans he lists others, and neither list is complete. The point is that God has given many different gifts, yet it is one Spirit who works through them all. The Holy Spirit distributes to each person as He wills, and He places each member in the body as it pleases Him. Not everyone has the same gift. Are all apostles, are all prophets, are all teachers, do all work miracles, do all have gifts of healing, do all speak with tongues. The answer is no. You cannot demand that a particular gift operate in your life, because the Spirit is sovereign in how He gives.
At the same time you are encouraged to earnestly desire the best gifts, and especially to desire those that build up others. Paul says to follow after love and desire spiritual gifts, and to seek to excel in those that edify the whole church. Gifts are given not mainly for personal advancement or for a career alone, but so that you can serve and strengthen the body of Christ in the place God has called you. Whatever gift you have is important for the whole body, even if it is not prominent or visible to others. God often places greater honor on faithful service that is quiet and unseen.
There is also a more excellent way than even the best gifts, and that is love. Love is superior to the gifts and it endures when the gifts, which are needed for this present time, will one day pass away. Love never fails. So as you pray about your career, ask not only what you are good at, but where love can be expressed through you, where you can serve people and point them to Jesus, and where the church can be built up. One of the areas where there is often the most confusion is in the area of spiritual gifts, so ask God for wisdom and understanding. Do not think that having a certain gift makes a person more spiritual than another, and do not use gifts as a novelty. Instead, stir up what God has already placed within you. Scripture reminds Timothy that the faith that lived in his grandmother and mother also lived in him, and he was urged not to let those gifts lie dormant like embers, but to fan them into flame, for God has not given us a spirit of fear but of power and love and a sound mind. As you walk faithfully, serve where you are, and ask Him to show you how He has equipped you, He will make it clearer what work He has prepared for you to do.
Concerning your mother, I hear the pain in your words and I do not take it lightly. Relationships with parents can carry deep wounds, and the desire to stay distant is understandable when there has been hurt. Yet I cannot pray that God would help you remain unreconciled, because that is not His heart for His children. Scripture calls us to honor our father and mother, to forgive as we have been forgiven in Christ, and to pursue peace where possible. Jesus once said when told His mother and brothers were outside, who is my mother and who are my brothers, and He pointed to His disciples and said that whoever does the will of His Father is His family. He was not dishonoring His mother, but He was showing that belonging to God is not based on earthly ties and that no human relationship, not even with Mary, is to be elevated above obedience to God. That passage does not give us permission to disregard our parents, but it reminds us that our first loyalty is to do the will of the Father, and His will includes love, mercy, forgiveness, and honor within the family.
This does not mean that reconciliation must happen all at once or without wisdom and healthy boundaries, especially if there has been harm. It does mean inviting God to heal your heart, to soften bitterness, and to lead you toward forgiveness and, in His timing, toward restored relationship as far as it depends on you. Love, again, is the enduring and more excellent way.
So my prayer for you is this, that the Lord Jesus, who alone is the way of salvation, would reveal to you the gifts His Spirit has placed in you, that He would give you courage to earnestly desire those gifts that most help others, that you would stir up and faithfully use what He has given, and that you would grow in love which is greater than all gifts. And I pray that He would bring healing to the wound between you and your mother, give you His power and love and sound mind to forgive, and open a path toward honor and peace, for His glory and for your good.
