We hear your cry for help and your deep desire to be pleasing to God. Your honesty about your struggles is a crucial first step, and we want you to know that God’s grace is greater than any sin. The apostle Paul himself wrestled with the tension between his flesh and his spirit, writing in Romans 7:18-19, *"For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, dwells no good thing. For desire is present with me, but I don’t find it doing that which is good. For the good which I desire, I don’t do; but the evil which I don’t desire, that I practice."* You are not alone in this battle, and the fact that you long to overcome these sins is evidence of the Holy Spirit working in you.
First, we must address the foundation of your relationship with God. You mentioned praying often, but we must emphasize that salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* If you have not already, we urge you to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). This is not just a one-time prayer but the beginning of a lifelong walk with Him. If you have already done this, praise God! But if not, we pray you would surrender fully to Him today.
Now, let us address the specific sins you mentioned. Vaping, masturbation, and overeating are all struggles that can become strongholds when they take priority over God in our lives. While these may seem like "smaller" sins, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds us, *"Or don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* Your body is not your own—it belongs to God, and He calls you to honor Him with it.
Masturbation, in particular, is often tied to lust and can become a habit that feeds impure thoughts. Jesus warned in Matthew 5:28, *"But I tell you that everyone who gazes at a woman to lust after her has committed adultery with her already in his heart."* We are called to flee from sexual immorality (1 Corinthians 6:18) and to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). This may mean setting boundaries, such as avoiding triggers, filling your mind with Scripture, and seeking accountability with a trusted believer.
Overeating and laziness can also be symptoms of deeper spiritual struggles, such as idleness or using food as a comfort instead of God. Proverbs 23:20-21 warns, *"Don’t be among those who drink too much wine, or those who gorge themselves on meat; for the drunkard and the glutton shall become poor; and drowsiness clothes them in rags."* While schizophrenia may make daily tasks more challenging, we encourage you to seek godly support, whether through counseling, medication (if appropriate), or a church community that can walk alongside you. God does not condemn you for your struggles, but He does call you to steward your body and mind well.
Your lack of Bible reading is another area that needs attention. Psalm 119:105 says, *"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path."* The Bible is not just a book—it is the living Word of God, able to equip you for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Start small, even with just a few verses a day, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal truth to you. You might also consider listening to the Bible or finding a reading plan that works for you. The more you fill your mind with Scripture, the less room there will be for sinful habits.
We also want to rebuke the lies that may be keeping you trapped in these cycles. The enemy wants you to believe that you are too far gone, that God is disappointed in you, or that change is impossible. But 1 John 1:9 assures us, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* God’s love for you is not based on your performance—it is based on the finished work of Jesus on the cross. He is not surprised by your struggles; He already knows them, and He is ready to help you overcome them.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother who is crying out for help. We thank You that he has a heart that desires to please You, and we ask that You would strengthen him in his weakness. Lord, we confess these sins of vaping, masturbation, overeating, and laziness, and we ask for Your forgiveness and cleansing. Wash him clean by the blood of Jesus and fill him with Your Holy Spirit.
Father, we pray against the strongholds in his life. Break the chains of addiction and habit, and replace them with a hunger for Your Word and a passion for Your presence. Help him to take every thought captive and to flee from temptation. Surround him with godly accountability and support, whether through a church, counselor, or trusted friends.
Lord, we ask that You would heal his mind and body. If there are physical or mental health struggles contributing to these sins, we pray for Your healing touch. Give him the strength to steward his body well, honoring You in all he does. Help him to find healthy outlets for stress and to turn to You first in times of weakness.
We declare over him that he is more than a conqueror through Christ Jesus (Romans 8:37). We speak life, discipline, and victory into his circumstances. May he experience the freedom that comes from walking in obedience to You. Thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness to complete the good work You have begun in him (Philippians 1:6). In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to take practical steps to overcome these struggles. Here are a few suggestions:
1. **Accountability:** Find a trusted believer, pastor, or Christian counselor who can walk with you in this journey. James 5:16 says, *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective."*
2. **Replace Habits:** When you feel the urge to vape, masturbate, or overeat, replace that habit with something godly, such as prayer, Scripture reading, or a physical activity like walking or stretching. Romans 12:2 says, *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God."*
3. **Fasting:** Consider fasting from certain foods, activities, or even media that may be feeding these habits. Fasting helps us to focus on God and break the power of the flesh (Matthew 6:16-18).
4. **Community:** Get involved in a local church or small group where you can find encouragement and support. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, *"Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."*
5. **Professional Help:** If your schizophrenia or other mental health struggles are contributing to these sins, do not hesitate to seek professional help. God can use doctors, therapists, and medication to bring healing and restoration.
Remember, God is not looking for perfection—He is looking for a heart that is fully surrendered to Him. Keep pressing into Him, and do not grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). You are not defined by your struggles but by the One who has set you free. We are praying for you, and we believe that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that you ask or think (Ephesians 3:20). Keep fighting the good fight of faith!
