We join you in bringing this heavy burden before the Lord and we have heard your concern for your sister and for your whole family as you face both a storm and strife at home.
What you describe reveals a heart that has been captured by an idol. When concerts and tickets become the lens for everything, when food and clothing and generous gifts from family are despised unless they are tickets, and when everything is related back to that one desire, the heart is no longer set on the Lord. We are taught do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others Philippians 2:3-4. We must also gently rebuke the ungratefulness and self focus in claiming she alone will suffer while everyone else has fun. That is not true and it dishonors the family who are all facing the same fear and uncertainty of trying to find safety and shelter. We are commanded in everything give thanks 1 Thessalonians 5:18 and to have learned in whatever state we are to be content Philippians 4:11. To say she does not care for anything but tickets and to refuse food and gifts is to reject provision and to place a worldly craving above God. Do not love the world or the things that are in the world 1 John 2:15 and put to death therefore your members which are on the earth, sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry Colossians 3:5. We love our sister but this covetousness must be called what it is and turned from.
We also must speak clearly about refusing to evacuate. This is not only unwise but dangerous and dishonoring to parents and to the authorities God has placed for protection. A prudent man sees danger and hides himself, but the simple pass on and suffer for it Proverbs 22:3. To refuse to leave puts herself and all of you and even rescue workers at risk. Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right Ephesians 6:1 and honor your father and mother Ephesians 6:2 are not suggestions for when it is convenient. Demanding a concert in an evacuation city as a condition for safety is selfish and unloving and it seeks to control the family through manipulation rather than serving one another in love.
We encourage you to set firm and loving boundaries together as a family. Do not reward the idolatry by providing tickets as a bargain for obedience. Speak the truth in love, affirm your care for her, but make clear that safety and gratitude and respect are not negotiable. Help her see that true joy is not found in an event but in the Lord. Rejoice in the Lord always Philippians 4:4 and keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have Hebrews 13:5. Pray that God would open her eyes to see how her obsession has hurt those who love her and that He would give her a thankful heart.
We also noticed your request did not mention the name of Jesus. We want to gently remind you that it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to God and it is only through Him that we are saved. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. 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. If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved Romans 10:9. We urge you and your sister to place your trust fully in Christ, for He alone can change the heart and give lasting peace in the midst of any storm.
We pray together now in Jesus name.
Father in heaven, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ and we lift up this family to You. Lord, we ask for Your mercy and protection as the hurricane approaches. Grant wisdom to make safe decisions and provide shelter and provision for all who must evacuate. We pray for this dear sister, that You would break the hold that this obsession has on her heart, that You would show her the idolatry and ungratefulness and selfishness for what it is, and that You would lead her to repentance. Give her a new heart that finds contentment and joy in You rather than in concerts, and give her a spirit of thankfulness for family and for every gift You provide. Soften her heart to honor her parents and to consider others more significant than herself, and remove the demanding and manipulative spirit that is causing division. Lord, bring peace to this home, help this family to stand united in love and truth, and let Your will be done in all their decisions. Draw each one closer to Jesus, that they may know His salvation and His peace that passes all understanding. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
We encourage you to continue to pray and to seek godly counsel together as a family, to remain firm in love, and to trust the Lord to work in your sister's heart. We are standing with you in prayer for safety and for restoration.
