We hear the deep sorrow and exhaustion in your heart, and we join you in crying out to the Lord for wisdom, strength, and divine intervention in this overwhelming trial. You have carried this burden alone for far too long, and we want you to know that God sees your tears, your sacrifices, and your unwavering love for your daughter—even when she rejects it. You are not alone, though it may feel that way. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and He promises to sustain those who are weary (Psalm 34:18, Isaiah 40:29-31).
First, we praise God that you have called upon the name of Jesus in this cry for help. There is power in His name, and it is only through Christ that we can find true hope and transformation. You have shown incredible perseverance in seeking help for your daughter—through doctors, counselors, and the church—and yet, the battle rages on. But take heart, dear sister, for our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). This is not a battle you can win in your own strength, but it is one that Jesus has already overcome. We must fight on our knees, armed with the Word of God and the authority we have in Christ.
Your daughter’s behavior is not just rebellion; it is evidence of a heart that is enslaved to sin and in desperate need of the Holy Spirit’s conviction and redemption. The lies, theft, deception, and manipulation she engages in are not merely teenage defiance—they are the fruit of a soul that is lost without Christ. While you have taught her right from wrong, head knowledge alone cannot change a heart. Only the Gospel can break the chains of sin. We must pray fervently for her salvation, that God would open her eyes to her need for a Savior. *"The heart is deceitful above all things, and it is exceedingly corrupt: who can know it? I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings"* (Jeremiah 17:9-10). Your daughter’s heart is in God’s hands, and He alone can soften it.
We also recognize the deep pain of betrayal you have endured—especially the false accusations to CPS and the manipulation of neighbors. This is not just disrespect; it is wickedness, and it grieves the heart of God. Proverbs 6:16-19 tells us that *"There are six things which Yahweh hates; yes, seven which are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are swift in running to mischief, a false witness who utters lies, and he who sows discord among brothers."* Your daughter’s actions align with what Scripture calls an abomination, and this is not something to be taken lightly. However, we must remember that even in our righteous anger, we are called to love as Christ loves—speaking truth in love while leaving room for God’s justice and mercy.
You mentioned considering giving her over to the state, and we understand why this thought has crossed your mind. The weight of this decision is immense, and we urge you to seek godly counsel from your pastor or a trusted, mature believer before taking such a step. While the state may offer temporary structure, it cannot offer the spiritual transformation she needs. However, if her behavior is putting her life or others in danger, or if she is engaging in illegal activity that could have lifelong consequences, it may be wise to involve authorities—not out of revenge, but out of love for her soul. Proverbs 19:18 says, *"Discipline your son, for there is hope; don’t be a willing party to his death."* Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is allow consequences to teach what our words cannot.
That said, we must also address the weariness in your own heart. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and if you are physically injured, emotionally drained, and spiritually exhausted, you will not have the strength to continue fighting this battle. It is not selfish to prioritize your own well-being; in fact, it is necessary. Jesus Himself often withdrew to lonely places to pray (Luke 5:16). You must do the same. Seek respite, even if it is just for a few hours a week. Ask your church for help—perhaps there is a godly woman who can mentor your daughter or provide temporary relief for you. If your church is not stepping up, then it is time to seek out a body of believers who will. *"Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). You should not have to walk this path alone.
As for your daughter’s father, his absence and deception have undoubtedly left deep wounds in her heart. While she may hate him, that hatred is likely rooted in pain—pain that has festered into bitterness and rebellion. Pray that God would heal her from the father wound she carries. Ask the Lord to break the generational cycles of sin and brokenness in her life. *"A father of the fatherless, and a defender of the widows, is God in his holy habitation"* (Psalm 68:5). God can be the Father she never had, but she must turn to Him.
Now, let us pray together for you and your daughter:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up this precious sister who is weary, broken, and at the end of her strength. Lord, You see the tears she has cried in secret, the sleepless nights, the betrayals, and the relentless battle she faces. You know the depth of her love for her daughter, and You know the hardness of her daughter’s heart. Father, we ask for Your divine intervention. Break the chains of sin and rebellion in this young woman’s life. Convict her by Your Holy Spirit of her need for Jesus. Soften her heart, Lord, and draw her to repentance. Let her see the destruction her choices are leading to, and grant her a spirit of humility and surrender.
Lord, we rebuke the spirit of deception, theft, and manipulation that has taken hold of her. We bind the enemy’s work in her life and command every stronghold to be torn down in the name of Jesus. Let no weapon formed against this family prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Father, expose every lie she has believed—about herself, about her mother, about her worth. Replace those lies with Your truth. Let her know that she is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that her identity is found in Christ alone.
We pray for supernatural wisdom for this mother. Give her discernment to know when to speak, when to act, and when to step back and let consequences teach. Strengthen her physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Surround her with Your peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Lord, provide godly support for her—whether through her church, a counselor, or a community of believers who will stand in the gap with her. Do not let her walk this path alone.
Father, we also pray for protection over this home. Guard it from further destruction and theft. Let Your presence be a wall of fire around this family (Zechariah 2:5). If there are legal or authoritative steps that need to be taken for her daughter’s safety or future, give her clarity and courage to act wisely.
Lord, we know that You are the God of redemption. You specialize in turning ashes into beauty (Isaiah 61:3). We ask for a miracle in this situation—one that brings glory to Your name. Let this daughter’s story be a testimony of Your grace and power. And Father, if there is any area where this mother has fallen short or made mistakes, we ask for Your forgiveness and healing. Show her where she needs to repent, and restore what has been broken.
Finally, Lord, we pray for this daughter’s future. Do not let her be lost to the enemy’s schemes. Raise up godly influences in her life—mentors, teachers, or friends who will point her to You. If she is meant for marriage one day, prepare a godly husband for her who will lead her in Your ways. If she is called to singleness, give her a heart fully devoted to You. Above all, save her soul, Lord. Let her come to know Jesus as her Savior and Lord.
We thank You, Father, that You hear our prayers and that You are at work even when we cannot see it. We trust You with this situation, and we ask for Your perfect will to be done. In the mighty and holy name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Sister, we want to leave you with this encouragement: *"Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we don’t give up"* (Galatians 6:9). You are doing good, even when it feels fruitless. Keep praying. Keep loving. Keep seeking God’s face. And when you are too weak to stand, lean on Him. He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6).
We also urge you to spend time in the Psalms. David cried out to God in raw, honest desperation, and God heard him. Let his words become your prayers. Finally, if your daughter is engaging in sexual immorality, drug use, or any other destructive behavior, it is crucial to address it directly with Scripture. Do not shy away from calling sin what it is, but always speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15).
You are loved. You are seen. And God is not done writing this story. Hold on to Him.