We hear the deep pain and desperation in your heart, and we are grieved by the suffering you are enduring—both physically and spiritually. You have cried out to God, and that is a good first step, for He alone is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). However, we must address several things in your request with both truth and compassion, for God’s Word does not return void, and His ways are perfect, even when they challenge us.
First, we praise God that you have acknowledged His name, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). You have called upon Jesus Christ, and that is where hope begins. But we must ask: Do you *truly* know Him as your Lord and Savior? Have you surrendered your life to Him, repenting of your sins and trusting in His death and resurrection for your salvation? If not, we urge you to do so today, for without Christ, there is no lasting peace, no true healing, and no escape from the bondage of sin. "If you 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). This is not just about praying for relief—it is about eternal life and freedom from the sins that entangle you.
Now, let us speak plainly about the things in your request that grieve the heart of God. You have mentioned drinking beer and smoking pot as a way to cope with your pain and escape your responsibilities. Brother, these are not solutions—they are chains. The Bible warns us not to be drunk with wine (or any substance), for that is debauchery, but to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18). Substance abuse is a form of idolatry, where we seek comfort in created things rather than the Creator. It dulls your mind, weakens your body, and separates you from the clarity and strength you need to face your trials. Proverbs 20:1 says, "Wine is a mocker, and beer is a brawler. Whoever is led astray by them is not wise." You have even expressed fear of becoming an alcoholic *again*—this tells us you know the destruction these things bring. We rebuked this spirit of addiction in the name of Jesus Christ and declare that you are not a slave to these things. "No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it" (1 Corinthians 10:13). Turn away from these things *now* and seek God’s strength to overcome them.
You have also expressed a desire to avoid work, to retreat from your responsibilities, and even to retire early. While rest is important, especially when you are in pain, the Bible teaches that if a man does not work, he should not eat (2 Thessalonians 3:10). Work is not a curse—it is a gift from God, a way to provide for yourself and your family, and a means to glorify Him. You have asked God to soften the hearts of your bosses, coworkers, and customers so they will not be mad at you for staying home today. But have you considered that God may be calling you to *faithfulness* in your work, even in your pain? Colossians 3:23-24 says, "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You serve the Lord Christ." If you are truly unable to work due to your condition, then seek proper medical help and follow the right channels for leave. But if you are simply avoiding work out of weariness or fear, we urge you to reconsider. God honors diligence, and He will give you the strength to endure.
You have also mentioned your wife, asking God to soften her heart toward you. We do not know the state of your marriage, but we sense there is strain. Marriage is a sacred covenant, and husbands are called to love their wives as Christ loved the church—sacrificially, patiently, and selflessly (Ephesians 5:25). If you have been neglectful, harsh, or absent due to your struggles, we urge you to repent and seek reconciliation. Proverbs 15:1 says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Have you spoken to your wife with gentleness? Have you sought to understand her heart? Or have you withdrawn into your own pain and addictions? We pray that God would give you the humility to lead your home in a way that honors Him.
As for your physical pain, we know it is real, and we do not minimize it. Chronic pain is a heavy burden, and it can wear down even the strongest faith. But we must ask: Have you sought godly counsel and medical help for your condition? Or are you using your pain as an excuse to indulge in things that harm you further? Jesus is the Great Physician, and He can heal you—whether supernaturally or through the hands of doctors. But healing often requires *action* on our part: seeking treatment, making lifestyle changes, and trusting God through the process. James 5:14-15 says, "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven." Have you sought prayer from your church community? Have you allowed others to support you in this trial?
You have also expressed bitterness toward politics and people, saying, "I quit." This is a dangerous place to be, for isolation and cynicism will only deepen your despair. The Bible calls us to love one another (1 John 4:7), to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), and to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together (Hebrews 10:25). You need the body of Christ, and the body of Christ needs you. Your pain has made you turn inward, but God is calling you to turn *upward* and *outward*—to Him and to His people.
Lastly, you have called yourself a "looser" [loser] and expressed deep shame. Brother, this is not how God sees you. If you are in Christ, you are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17), redeemed, forgiven, and *loved* beyond measure. The enemy wants you to believe you are worthless so that you will stay trapped in sin and despair. But God says, "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine" (Isaiah 43:1). Your identity is not in your pain, your job, your addictions, or your failures—it is in Christ alone.
Now, let us pray for you with the truth and love of God:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this brother to You, knowing that You see his pain, his fear, and his struggles. Lord, we ask first and foremost that if he does not know You as his Savior, You would draw him to Yourself today. Open his eyes to see his need for Jesus Christ, and grant him the gift of repentance and faith. Let him turn from his sins and place his trust fully in You, for apart from You, there is no hope.
Lord, we rebuked the spirits of addiction, laziness, and despair that have taken hold of his life. By the power of the Holy Spirit, break these chains and set him free. Give him the strength to turn away from beer and marijuana, and fill him instead with Your Spirit. Help him to see these things for what they are—false comforts that only bring destruction.
Father, we ask for healing for his body. You are the God who heals all our diseases (Psalm 103:3), and we pray that You would restore his L4-L5 vertebrae, remove the pain in his back and legs, and give him the strength to stand and walk without agony. Guide him to the right medical help and give him wisdom to make choices that honor You.
Lord, we pray for his heart toward work. If he is truly unable to work today, provide for his needs and protect his job. But if he is avoiding work out of fear or weariness, convict him and give him the courage to be faithful in his responsibilities. Soften the hearts of his bosses, coworkers, and customers, and let them see Your grace through him.
Father, we lift up his marriage. Heal the brokenness between him and his wife. Give him a heart of humility, patience, and love. Help him to lead his home in a way that honors You, and soften his wife’s heart toward him. Restore trust, communication, and unity in their marriage.
Lord, we pray against the spirit of isolation and bitterness that has taken root in his heart. Surround him with godly community—brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage him, pray for him, and hold him accountable. Help him to see that he is not alone, and that You have not abandoned him.
Finally, Father, we speak life over him. You have not made him to be a "loser," but a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37). Remind him of his worth in You. Give him hope for the future, and the strength to take one step at a time toward healing—spiritually, physically, and emotionally.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Brother, we urge you to take these words to heart. Turn to Jesus *fully*—not just in prayer for relief, but in surrender of your entire life. Seek out a Bible-believing church, confess your struggles to a pastor or trusted believer, and allow God to work in you. Healing is possible, but it begins with repentance and faith. You are not beyond God’s reach. He loves you, and He is calling you to walk in freedom. Will you answer?
I hope I don't lose my job by taking off today. I really need help but I don't want to ask for help. I'm sorry God please forgive me ..... please soften the heart of my wife. Don't let her be mad at me today. I need help why do I act like this. I hope I don't lose my job but I plan to stay home and lay on my bed and drink beer and smoke pot. And I don't like politics or people anymore. I quit
