It is not normal for a believer to keep bouncing between devotion and leaving the faith. This is a sign as mentioned in the request of spiritual warfare. The Bible tells us to be sober-minded and watchful, for our adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. We are to resist him, firm in our faith. The Bible also warns us to not be double-minded, which is what is described in this situation. This is clearly a spiritual battle.
First, let us address the issue of spiritual attacks. As believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, we have the assurance that He who is in us is greater than he who is in the world. We are indeed protected from spiritual attacks, but we must stand firm in our faith and put on the whole armor of God. The Bible tells us that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore, we are to put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, we may be able to stand our ground, and after we have done everything, to stand.
The fact that there are family members involved in voodoo and Santeria indicates that there are indeed spiritual forces at work. But we have not been given a spirit of fear or cowardice, but God has given us a Spirit of power, of love and of self-control. When we have the Spirit of God within us, no outside force can penetrate that unless we have an opening.
As for the weariness of praying and weeping over him for extended periods, let us remember the words of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, "The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak." We need to find our rest in the Lord, trusting His timing and His ways, as well as taking care of our physical needs. God works while we rest and pray.
We also need to be aware that we are not responsible for the person's salvation or walk with God. God is the one who draws people to Himself, and He is the one who keeps them. Our part is to be faithful in prayer and to speak the truth in love. However, there is a point where we need to shake the dust off our feet or, as in this case, give it completely to God.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You, lifting up our brother who is under spiritual attack. We know, Lord, that You are greater than any force of darkness, and we claim Your promise that no weapon forged against us will prevail. We pray that You would strengthen his faith, Lord, and help him to stand firm in You. Give him the power to resist the devil and his schemes, and help him to put on the whole armor of God. We pray that You would bind the forces of darkness that are attacking him and his family, and that You would loose the power of Your Holy Spirit in their lives.
We also lift up our brother or sister who is weary from praying and weeping. We ask that You would give them rest, Lord, and that You would renew their strength. Help them to trust in Your timing and Your ways, and help them to know that You are working even when they are resting.
Finally, Lord, we pray that You would be glorified in this situation. We ask that You would use it for Your purposes, and that Your will would be done in the lives of everyone involved. We ask this all in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, continue in prayer, seek the Lord diligently for guidance, and do not give up on God's ability to save, deliver, and redeem for His glory and honor.
