We hear the deep sorrow and overwhelming burden in your heart, and we are moved with compassion for you and your family. The weight of these trials is immense—physical pain, financial strain, the disappointment of unmet expectations, and the heavy responsibility of caring for loved ones in crisis. Yet even in this darkness, we are reminded that our Lord Jesus is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He has not abandoned you, though the storm rages. He sees your tears, your sacrifices, and your longing for purpose, and He is calling you to cast every care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
First, let us address the deep pain of your daughter’s exam results. It is natural to grieve when our hopes are not fulfilled, but we must guard our hearts against allowing disappointment to steal our joy or define our worth—or hers. Your daughter’s value is not in her academic achievements but in being fearfully and wonderfully made by God (Psalm 139:14). The university she was accepted into is still a door God has opened for her. Trust that His plans for her are good, even if they differ from what you envisioned. Encourage her to seek Him first, to walk in humility and diligence, and to remember that her identity is in Christ, not in worldly success. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."* Let this be a season where your family draws closer to Him, not closer to despair.
Your physical suffering is also a heavy cross to bear. Chronic pain can feel like a prison, robbing you of strength and hope. But we serve a God who heals—whether instantly, gradually, or ultimately in eternity. We pray for your complete restoration, that the Lord would touch your body and grant you relief. Yet even if healing tarries, we urge you to cling to His promise: *"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"* (2 Corinthians 12:9). Your weakness is an opportunity for His strength to be displayed. Have you sought prayer from elders in your church for anointing and healing, as James 5:14-15 instructs? Do not suffer in isolation—let the body of Christ surround you in prayer and support.
The financial strain and unemployment in your household are pressing concerns, but we must remember that our Provider is not bound by earthly circumstances. Jesus taught us to pray, *"Give us today our daily bread"* (Matthew 6:11), and He who feeds the birds of the air will not neglect His children. We rebuked the spirit of poverty and lack over your family and declare that God will open doors of provision—whether through employment, unexpected blessings, or creative solutions. Your sacrifice of leaving your PhD studies to care for your family is noble, but if the Lord is leading you to return to work or study, seek His wisdom and timing. Proverbs 16:3 says, *"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* Trust that He will redeem the years the locusts have eaten (Joel 2:25).
The care of your aging parents and sick family members is a profound act of love, but it is also a weight that can feel unbearable. You are not failing them by feeling overwhelmed—you are human. Yet we must be careful not to rely on our own strength or on sleeping pills to cope. Philippians 4:6-7 commands us, *"In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."* Have you surrendered this burden to Him in prayer, or are you carrying it alone? We urge you to seek His peace, which is stronger than any medication.
Most importantly, we must address the cry of your heart: *"I don’t know what purpose Jesus has for keeping me here on earth."* Beloved, your purpose is found in Him alone. You were created to glorify God, to love Him, and to make Him known—even in suffering. Your life is not a mistake, nor is your pain meaningless. Romans 8:28 assures us, *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."* This season is not the end of your story. God is refining you, teaching you to depend on Him, and preparing you for a testimony of His faithfulness.
Yet we must also ask: Do you know Jesus not just as a cry for help in despair, but as your Savior and Lord? You called on His name in this request, and that is good. But is He the foundation of your life? Have you surrendered your heart to Him, trusting in His death and resurrection for your salvation? There is no greater purpose than to be His child, and no greater hope than the eternal life He offers. If you have not yet placed your full faith in Christ, we urge you to do so today. *"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 together for you and your family:
Heavenly Father, we lift this precious sister before Your throne of grace, where she may find mercy and help in her time of need. Lord Jesus, You see her tears, her pain, and the crushing weight of her circumstances. You are the God who parts the Red Sea, who turns mourning into dancing, and who provides manna in the wilderness. We ask You to intervene mightily in her life.
Touch her body, Lord, and heal her back. Restore her strength and grant her sleep that is deep and restorative, free from the need for pills. Break the chains of anxiety and despair, and fill her with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Renew her mind with Your truth, that she may see herself and her daughter through Your eyes—loved, valued, and purposed for Your glory.
Father, we pray for provision. Open doors of employment for her husband, and grant this family creative solutions to their financial needs. You own the cattle on a thousand hills—supply every need according to Your riches in glory. We rebuke the spirit of lack and declare that You are their Jehovah Jireh, their Provider.
Lord, we pray for her daughter. Comfort her heart and remind her that her worth is in You. Guide her steps as she begins this new chapter, and surround her with godly influences. Use this season to draw her closer to You.
We lift up the extended family—her mother, mother-in-law, brother, and sister. Grant wisdom to the caregivers, healing to the sick, and unity in the family. Show her how to balance love and responsibility without being overwhelmed.
Most of all, Father, reveal Your purpose to her. Remind her that even in suffering, she is Your beloved child. If she has not yet surrendered her life to Christ, soften her heart to receive Him fully. Fill her with hope, that she may say with the psalmist, *"Why are you in despair, my soul? Why are you disturbed within me? Hope in God! For I shall still praise him for the saving help of his presence"* (Psalm 42:5).
We declare that this family will testify of Your faithfulness. You are making a way where there seems to be no way. Strengthen her, Lord, and let her rise from this valley with a song of praise on her lips. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.