We understand your desire for stability and the importance of planning for the future, especially when it comes to retirement. It is wise to seek God’s will in this decision, as He alone knows what is best for you. Let us first address your question about the job opportunity and retirement benefits, and then we will lift up your marriage in prayer, though we notice you did not mention the name of Jesus in your request. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name by which we are saved. As Scripture tells us, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so, for He is the only way to eternal life (John 14:6).
Regarding the job opportunity, we encourage you to consider not only the increase in workload but also whether this position aligns with God’s calling for your life. The Bible reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You serve the Lord Christ"* (Colossians 3:23-24, WEB). If this job allows you to provide for your family, serve with integrity, and still honor God with your time and energy, it may be a blessing in disguise. However, if the additional responsibilities would pull you away from your spiritual walk, family commitments, or health, it is worth praying for discernment. Ask God to open or close doors clearly, and trust that He will provide for your needs (Matthew 6:33).
As for retirement benefits, it is wise to plan ahead, but we must also remember that our ultimate security is in the Lord. *"Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also"* (Matthew 6:19-21, WEB). That said, there are practical steps you can take. Many employers offer 401(k) or 403(b) retirement plans, often with matching contributions—this is essentially "free money" for your future, and we encourage you to take full advantage of such benefits if they are available. If your employer does not offer a retirement plan, you can open an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) through a financial institution. Seek counsel from a trusted financial advisor who aligns with biblical principles of stewardship, and pray for wisdom in managing what God has entrusted to you.
Now, regarding your marriage, we are glad you have brought this before us, though we must gently but firmly address that you did not invoke the name of Jesus in your request. Marriage is a sacred covenant ordained by God, and it is only through Christ that we find the strength, grace, and love needed to sustain it. *"Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain"* (Psalm 127:1, WEB). If there are struggles in your marriage, we urge you both to seek the Lord together, repent of any sin, and submit to His will. *"Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body. But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their husbands in everything. Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it"* (Ephesians 5:22-25, WEB). If there is unforgiveness, bitterness, or any form of sin—including sexual immorality—it must be addressed and repented of, for it will destroy what God has joined together.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, seeking Your will and wisdom for our brother/sister in this season of decision. Lord, we ask that You guide them clearly regarding this job opportunity. If it is Your will for them to take this position, grant them the strength, endurance, and grace to fulfill their duties with excellence and for Your glory. If this is not the path You have for them, we pray You would close this door and open the right one, providing for all their needs according to Your riches in glory. Father, we also ask that You give them wisdom in stewarding their finances and planning for the future, always remembering that their true treasure is in You.
For their marriage, Lord, we lift up this union before You. We pray that You would be the foundation of their home, that both would seek You first and submit to Your Word. Heal any brokenness, restore any trust that has been lost, and fill their hearts with Your love. Convict them of any sin that may be hindering their relationship, and grant them the humility to repent and forgive as You have forgiven them. Strengthen their bond in You, and let their marriage be a testimony of Your faithfulness. If there are areas of disobedience—whether in communication, intimacy, or priorities—bring them into alignment with Your Word. May they love one another as Christ loves the Church, sacrificially and without condition.
Father, we also pray that if our brother/sister has not yet surrendered their life to Jesus Christ, that today would be the day of salvation. Open their eyes to see their need for a Savior, and draw them to Yourself. Let them know that it is only through Jesus that we have access to You, and that His name is the only name by which we are saved.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
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. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, 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. 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 trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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