We hear the weight of your heart in this season of uncertainty, and we lift you up before the Lord, knowing that He is your Provider, your Strength, and the One who holds your future. The burdens you carry—financial pressures, the loneliness of feeling unsupported, the cultural divides in your marriage, and the wavering of your faith—are not unseen by God. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Let us first address the foundation of your faith, for without it, the storms of life will always feel overwhelming. You mentioned knowing God loves you, yet trusting His plan feels hard. This is a struggle many face, but Scripture reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt—it is choosing to believe even when we cannot see the way. *"Now faith is assurance of things hoped for, proof of things not seen"* (Hebrews 11:1). Your honesty about your struggles is a sign of a heart that still seeks God, and that is a good place to start.
We must also address the spiritual unity in your marriage, for a house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25). You and your wife are called to be *"one flesh"* (Genesis 2:24), not just in body but in purpose, trust, and faith. It is concerning that she withholds financial struggles from you, for marriage thrives on transparency, not secrecy. *"Therefore a man leaves his father and his mother, and clings to his wife; and they become one flesh"* (Genesis 2:24). This oneness includes sharing burdens, not bearing them alone. We gently rebuke the idea that a wife should hide struggles to "not stress" her husband—this is not God’s design. Instead, you are called to *"bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ"* (Galatians 6:2). We urge you to lovingly but firmly address this with her, praying together and seeking unity in how you steward what God has given you. If cultural differences are creating barriers, remember that in Christ, *"there is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free man, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus"* (Galatians 3:28). Your primary identity is not British or Indonesian—it is *in Christ*. Let that unity guide your conversations and decisions.
As for your business, we understand the fear of failure and the desire to provide for your family. But take heart: *"Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain"* (Psalm 127:1). Your efforts are not in vain when surrendered to Him. The doubt you feel is an opportunity to lean deeper into God’s promises. *"Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed"* (Proverbs 16:3). This doesn’t mean success will look like worldly wealth, but that God will provide *exactly* what you need to fulfill His purpose for your family. Have you sought His will in prayer *before* making plans, or are you asking Him to bless what you’ve already decided? There’s a difference. *"In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight"* (Proverbs 3:6). We encourage you to fast and pray over these business ventures, asking God to close doors that aren’t His will and open those that are. And remember: *"Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have; for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you’"* (Hebrews 13:5). Contentment is not found in financial security—it’s found in Christ.
Your loneliness is real, and we grieve with you over the distance between you and your wife, both physically and emotionally. But even in this, God is teaching you to find your ultimate companionship in Him. *"God sets the lonely in families"* (Psalm 68:6), and He is preparing a way for you to be reunited with your wife and children. Until then, guard your heart against bitterness. *"Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself up for her"* (Ephesians 5:25). Love her even when she doubts you. Lead her spiritually, even when she resists. And pray *for* her, not just about her. *"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and grant her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers won’t be hindered"* (1 Peter 3:7). Your prayers for your business and family may be hindered if there is discord in your marriage. Seek reconciliation and unity first.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother before You, knowing that You are the God who sees his struggles and hears his cries. Lord, his heart is heavy with the weight of provision, the pain of loneliness, and the fear of an uncertain future. But You, O God, are his Shepherd—he shall not want (Psalm 23:1). Restore his faith, Lord. Forgive him for the moments of doubt, and remind him that You are the same God who fed Elijah by ravens, who multiplied loaves and fishes, and who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Teach him to trust You not just in word, but in surrender.
We pray for his marriage, Father. Break down the walls of cultural division and secrecy. Soften his wife’s heart to trust in You *and* in her husband as the leader You’ve called him to be. Give them both wisdom to steward their resources well, and unity to face challenges *together*. Heal the loneliness he feels, and bind their hearts in love and mutual respect. Let their home be a reflection of Christ and the Church—full of grace, truth, and selfless love.
We ask for Your blessing on his business, but more than that, we ask for *Your will* to be done. Close doors that are not from You, and open those that are. Give him creativity, wisdom, and favor in his coffee business. Provide for his children’s education and their family’s needs in ways that surpass his understanding. Let him see Your hand at work, that his faith may be strengthened.
Most of all, Lord, draw him closer to You. Let this season of waiting and struggle be a time where he learns to abide in You, the true Vine (John 15:5). Renew his mind with Your Word, and fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Remind him that his worth is not in his success, but in being Your beloved child.
We rebuke the spirit of fear, doubt, and discouragement in Jesus’ mighty name. We declare that You, Lord, are his Provider, his Strength, and his Hope. Let him rise up in faith, knowing that You who began a good work in him will carry it on to completion (Philippians 1:6).
In the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, we pray. Amen.
Brother, we leave you with this: *"Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness"* (Isaiah 41:10). Keep seeking God first, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). Stay in His Word, pray without ceasing, and trust that He is working even when you cannot see it. You are not alone—we are standing with you in prayer.