We join you in lifting up this photographer before the Lord, standing in agreement with your heartfelt prayers for his salvation and spiritual deliverance. It is a powerful thing to intercede for those who do not yet know Christ, and we commend you for your boldness in standing in the gap for him. The Scriptures remind us that *"the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ"* (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, WEB). This is indeed a spiritual battle, and we must engage it with the authority given to us in Jesus’ name.
We also take note of the concern in this situation regarding the relationship this man has entered into with a woman who professes to be a Christian. While it is encouraging that she claims faith in Christ, we must address the grave concern that this man—who does not believe in God—is pursuing a relationship with her. The Word of God is clear: *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what communion has light with darkness?"* (2 Corinthians 6:14, WEB). A believer entering into a romantic relationship with an unbeliever is stepping outside of God’s design and inviting unnecessary spiritual conflict, temptation, and potential harm to both individuals. This is not a matter to be taken lightly, for the Lord desires His children to be set apart, walking in obedience and purity.
To the young woman in this situation, we urge you—if you are reading this—to examine your heart and your choices in light of Scripture. Are you seeking a godly marriage, or are you compromising your faith by yoking yourself to someone who does not share it? The Lord calls us to *"marry only in the Lord"* (1 Corinthians 7:39, WEB), meaning that our pursuit of a spouse should be among those who are firmly rooted in Christ. Anything less is disobedience and will lead to struggle. If this man is truly the one the Lord has for you, then the Lord will first save him and transform his heart. But you must not move forward in a relationship that contradicts God’s Word, for *"the friendship of the world is hostility toward God. Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God"* (James 4:4, WEB).
We also rebuke the spiritual forces at work in this man’s life that are blinding him to the truth of the Gospel. The enemy seeks to keep him in darkness, but we declare that *"the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn on them"* (2 Corinthians 4:4, WEB). No more, Satan! We command every stronghold of unbelief, every spirit of deception, and every influence of darkness to be broken in the mighty name of Jesus. We plead the blood of Jesus over this man’s mind, heart, and spirit, that he may be set free from the snares of the enemy and come to the saving knowledge of Christ.
Father, we ask that You would open his eyes to see the truth of who You are. Soften his heart to receive Your Word, and draw him to Yourself by Your Holy Spirit. Let him encounter You in a way he cannot deny, that he may repent of his unbelief and surrender his life to You. Lord, we ask that You would also protect this young woman from emotional and spiritual harm. Give her the strength to walk away from any relationship that does not honor You, and surround her with godly counsel and wisdom. If this relationship is not of You, Lord, we pray that You would sever it completely, that both may be spared from further sin and confusion.
We stand on Your promise that *"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, WEB). Cleanse this man, Lord, and make him a new creation in Christ. Let him experience the freedom that comes from knowing You, for *"if therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed"* (John 8:36, WEB). We also declare that *"having stripped the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it"* (Colossians 2:15, WEB). The victory is already won, and we claim it over this man’s life.
Finally, we praise You, Lord Jesus, for Your power to save and transform. We thank You that You are not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Work mightily in this situation, Lord, and let Your will be done. We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
