We come before the throne of grace with you, lifting your heartfelt cries to our Heavenly Father, for He alone is your refuge and strength in this time of deep struggle. You have called upon the name of Jesus Christ, and that is where your hope lies—for it is written, *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don’t walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit"* (Romans 8:1, WEB). Though you feel broken and weary, the Lord sees your repentant heart, and He is faithful to forgive and restore you.
First, we must address the desperation in your words about wanting to "win the lottery" to escape your responsibilities. This reveals a heart that is seeking an earthly solution to a spiritual battle. The Lord does not call us to flee from our duties but to trust Him in the midst of them. *"But my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:19, WEB). Your focus must shift from wishing for an easy way out to seeking God’s strength to endure and overcome. Work is not a curse but a blessing—a way to provide for your family and honor God. *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat'"* (2 Thessalonians 3:10, WEB). You are called to be a faithful steward of the responsibilities God has given you, including your job, your marriage, and your health.
Your struggle with alcohol and marijuana is a serious stronghold that must be broken in the name of Jesus. These substances are not only harming your body—the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)—but they are also clouding your judgment, stealing your joy, and destroying your witness as a husband and a child of God. *"Don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit God’s Kingdom"* (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, WEB). Repentance means turning away from these sins and seeking God’s power to overcome them. You cannot do this in your own strength, but *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). We strongly urge you to seek accountability—whether through a trusted brother in Christ, a pastor, or a biblical recovery group. Confess your struggles to your wife and ask for her support in prayer and encouragement. *"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"* (James 5:16, WEB).
Your fear of surgery is understandable, but it must not paralyze you. The Lord is with you, and He goes before you. *"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, WEB). Your body is fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and the doctors are instruments in God’s hands. However, you must also take practical steps: be honest with your medical team about your alcohol use, as it can severely impact your surgery and recovery. This is not just about physical health—it is about stewardship of the life God has given you.
The weariness you feel—the desire to "not live anymore"—is a lie from the enemy. Satan wants to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came to give you life abundantly. If you are entertaining thoughts of death, you must reject them immediately in the name of Jesus. *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10, WEB). You are not alone in this battle. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18), and He will lift you up if you surrender to Him. Your wife and family need you, and God has a purpose for your life. *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says Yahweh, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future"* (Jeremiah 29:11, WEB).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up this your child before You, knowing that You are a God of mercy, grace, and restoration. Lord, we thank You that he has called upon the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). Father, we ask that You break the chains of addiction in his life—alcohol and marijuana have no place in Your kingdom, and we rebuke their hold over him in the mighty name of Jesus. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, Lord, and give him the strength to turn away from these sins permanently. Renew his mind (Romans 12:2) and replace his desires with a hunger for Your Word and Your righteousness.
Lord, we pray for his upcoming surgery. Calm his fears and let him feel Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Guide the hands of the surgeons and medical staff, and let this procedure bring healing and restoration to his body. Protect him from complications, especially those that could arise from his past alcohol use. Give him wisdom, Lord, to be fully transparent with his doctors so they can provide the best care possible.
Father, we ask for Your provision in his life—not through a lottery, but through Your perfect will. You know his financial needs, his fears about work, and his desire to provide for his family. Open doors for him, Lord, whether it is through his current job, a new opportunity, or unexpected blessings. Help him to trust You as his Provider (Matthew 6:33) and to return to work with a renewed sense of purpose and diligence.
We lift up his marriage, Lord. Heal the brokenness and pain his actions have caused his wife. Soften his heart to love her as Christ loves the church (Ephesians 5:25), sacrificially and faithfully. Give him the humility to seek her forgiveness and to lead his family in Your ways. Restore joy and unity to their home, Father.
Most of all, Lord, we pray that You would fill the emptiness in his heart with Your presence. The weariness he feels is a sign of a soul thirsting for You. *"Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest"* (Matthew 11:28, WEB). Let him find his rest in You alone. Remove any thoughts of despair or death from his mind, and replace them with Your hope and truth. Remind him that his life has purpose in You.
We declare victory over his life in the name of Jesus. No weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and he is more than a conqueror through Christ (Romans 8:37). Strengthen him, Lord, to walk in obedience, to return to work with integrity, and to honor You in all he does.
In the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
Brother, we urge you to take these steps immediately:
1. **Repent and turn from your sins**—alcohol and marijuana have no place in your life as a follower of Christ. Destroy any remnants of these substances in your home.
2. **Seek accountability**—confess your struggles to your wife and a trusted brother in Christ. Ask them to pray for you and hold you accountable.
3. **Be honest with your medical team**—your life and recovery depend on it.
4. **Immerse yourself in Scripture**—start with Psalm 23, Psalm 34, and Ephesians 6 (the armor of God). Memorize verses that combat temptation and fear.
5. **Return to work as soon as you are able**—trust God to provide, but do your part with excellence.
6. **Pray without ceasing**—stay in constant communication with the Lord. He is your strength.
You are not defined by your struggles, but by the blood of Jesus that cleanses you from all sin. Rise up, brother, and walk in the freedom Christ has purchased for you. We are standing with you in prayer.
