We hear the deep pain and exhaustion in your words, and our hearts ache with you as you carry this heavy burden. The struggle you describe is real—being surrounded by those who claim Christ yet bear little fruit, while enduring attacks that feel orchestrated by the enemy himself. It is no small thing to feel targeted, especially when those closest to you seem to be used as instruments of spiritual warfare. We want you to know that your weariness is seen, and your cries for deliverance have not gone unheard by our Heavenly Father.
First, let us address the spiritual reality of what you are facing. The Bible is clear that we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, and spiritual forces of wickedness (Ephesians 6:12). Your brother-in-law and others in your family may indeed be under the influence of the enemy, but we must remember that our battle is not against them—it is against the darkness that seeks to use them. This does not excuse their behavior, but it reminds us to pray for their deliverance and protection, even as we seek our own.
You mentioned feeling targeted by Satan through your family. Scripture tells us that the enemy prowls like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But we also know that greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). We must stand firm in the armor of God—truth, righteousness, the gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Word of God—so that we may withstand the schemes of the devil (Ephesians 6:13-17). You are not powerless in this fight, and we encourage you to cling to these truths when the attacks feel overwhelming.
Your longing to be around godly believers who live out their faith is a holy desire. The Bible tells us not to forsake assembling together, as is the habit of some, but to encourage one another (Hebrews 10:25). It is right and good to seek fellowship with those who spur you on toward love and good deeds. However, we must also guard our hearts against bitterness, as the Word warns us to see to it that no root of bitterness springs up and causes trouble (Hebrews 12:15). Even in your pain, we pray that God would soften your heart toward your family, not out of obligation, but out of a desire to see them set free from the enemy’s grip.
You expressed regret over showing kindness to your family, feeling that it only worsened their behavior. This is a painful place to be, but we must remember that our acts of love and generosity are not ultimately for their response, but for the Lord. Jesus Himself taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean we must subject ourselves to abuse or enable sinful behavior, but it does mean we entrust justice to God. Vengeance belongs to Him, and He will repay (Romans 12:19). We encourage you to seek wisdom in setting boundaries—loving your family does not require you to endure constant mistreatment.
Your cry for a break is understandable. Even Jesus withdrew to lonely places to pray when the demands of ministry became overwhelming (Luke 5:16). Rest is not selfish; it is necessary for our spiritual and emotional well-being. We pray that God would provide you with moments of respite, whether through time away, godly fellowship, or simply quiet moments in His presence. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and God does not expect you to.
Now, let us come before the Lord together in prayer:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister, who is carrying a heavy burden. Lord, we ask that You would be their refuge and strength, a very present help in this time of trouble (Psalm 46:1). We pray against the schemes of the enemy, who seeks to use their family to bring discouragement, weariness, and despair. We declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against them in judgment, You shall condemn (Isaiah 54:17).
Father, we ask for Your deliverance—not just from the attacks, but from the bitterness and exhaustion that threaten to take root. Soften their heart toward their family, even as You protect them from further harm. Give them wisdom to set godly boundaries, and the strength to enforce them with love and grace. Provide them with godly fellowship, where they can be encouraged and built up in their faith.
Lord, we pray for their family members, especially their brother-in-law. We ask that You would break the chains of darkness over their lives and bring them into the light of Your truth. Open their eyes to see the fruitlessness of their ways and draw them to repentance. Let Your Holy Spirit move powerfully in their midst, convicting of sin and leading them to righteousness.
Father, we ask that You would refresh our brother/sister’s spirit. Give them moments of peace and rest, where they can be renewed in Your presence. Remind them that their kindness and love are not wasted, even when the response is ungrateful or hurtful. Help them to see their family through Your eyes, and to pray for them with a heart of compassion.
We declare that this season of suffering will not last forever. You are a God who hears the cries of Your children, and You will not abandon them in their time of need. Strengthen their faith, deepen their trust in You, and fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We want to leave you with this encouragement: God sees your suffering, and He is not indifferent to your pain. The psalmist cried out, "How long, O Lord? Will You forget me forever?" (Psalm 13:1), yet he ended that same psalm with, "But I have trusted in Your loving kindness; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation" (Psalm 13:5). Even in your weariness, God is working. Hold fast to Him, and do not lose heart. The battle belongs to the Lord, and He will fight for you.