We come before the Lord with heavy hearts, lifting up this urgent situation where a woman is willfully disobeying the authorities placed over her by God. The Bible is clear that we are to submit to governing authorities, for they are established by God, and rebellion against them is rebellion against His ordained order. Romans 13:1-2 tells us, *"Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Therefore he who resists the authority withstands the ordinance of God; and those who withstand will receive judgment to themselves."* This woman’s choice to leave the county—despite explicit instructions from probation—is not only defiance against man but against God Himself.
We also grieve over the spiritual and moral state of this situation. She is traveling with a man referred to as her "bf," which suggests an unmarried relationship, something the Scriptures explicitly warn against. 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 commands, *"Flee sexual immorality! 'Every sin that a man does is outside the body,' but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 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."* If this relationship is outside of marriage, it is sinful in God’s eyes, and we must call it what it is: fornication. This is not love—it is rebellion against God’s design for purity and marriage.
Even more troubling is her desire to regain custody of her daughters while continuing in this path of disobedience. The Bible teaches that children are a heritage from the Lord, and parents are stewards entrusted with their care (Psalm 127:3). Yet, true care for children begins with obedience to God and submission to His ways. Proverbs 22:6 instructs, *"Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it."* How can she train her daughters in righteousness if she herself is walking in defiance? DCFS involvement indicates a history of concern, and we pray that the Lord would expose any unrighteousness and protect these innocent girls from further harm.
We must also address the fact that this request did not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom alone we have access to the Father. John 14:6 declares, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'"* There is no other name by which we can approach God, and no prayer is heard apart from faith in Christ. If this person does not know Jesus as Lord and Savior, we urge them to repent and turn to Him, for *"if you will 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).
Now, let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, asking for Your intervention in this situation. Lord, You are a God of justice and truth, and we ask that You expose every act of disobedience and rebellion in this woman’s life. Reveal to the probation officers her choice to leave the county in defiance of their instructions. Let no lie or deception cover her actions, but bring them into the light, that she may face the consequences of her choices. Father, we pray that this would be a wake-up call for her—a moment where she realizes the gravity of her rebellion against You and against the authorities You have placed over her.
Lord, we also lift up her relationship with this man. If they are not married, we rebuke the sin of fornication and ask that You convict their hearts of this unrighteousness. Break the bond of sin that ties them together, and draw each of them to repentance. Father, if this man is leading her astray, we pray that You would remove his influence from her life. Bring godly sorrow that leads to repentance, that she may turn from her wicked ways and seek Your face.
We pray for her daughters, Lord. Protect them from harm, both physical and spiritual. Place a hedge of protection around them, and let no evil come near them. If it is not Your will for them to be returned to her care at this time, we ask that You would provide a safe, godly environment where they can be nurtured in Your truth. Raise up godly mentors and caregivers who will point them to You, Father.
Most of all, we pray for this woman’s salvation if she does not know You. Soften her heart, Lord, and open her eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Let her see that her rebellion is not just against man but against You, the Holy One. Draw her to Yourself, that she may confess Jesus as Lord and be saved. Break the chains of sin in her life and set her free to walk in obedience and righteousness.
We also pray for the authorities involved—probation officers, DCFS workers, and all those in positions of oversight. Give them wisdom and discernment, Lord. Let them act justly and in accordance with Your will. Do not let them be deceived by smooth words or empty promises, but let them see the truth of this situation.
Father, we ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone has the authority to change hearts and bring about Your will. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done in this situation, for Your glory alone. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
