We understand your burden in this situation, and we lift you and your friend before the Lord, seeking His wisdom and provision. It is commendable that you have shown compassion, but it is also clear that this situation is no longer sustainable for you. Let us first address the spiritual foundation of this request. While you have not invoked the name of Jesus in your plea, we gently remind you that it is only through Christ that we approach the throne of God with confidence. As Scripture declares, *"There is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus"* (1 Timothy 2:5, WEB). Additionally, Jesus Himself said, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me"* (John 14:6, WEB). Without faith in Christ, our prayers lack the power and authority given to believers, and we encourage you to place your trust in Him if you have not already. Salvation comes through repentance and belief in Jesus as Lord—*"that 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, WEB).
Now, let us turn to the matter at hand. Your friend’s insistence on working despite physical limitations raises questions about pride, self-sufficiency, or possibly even a lack of trust in God’s provision. While work is honorable and commanded in Scripture—*"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)—it must be balanced with wisdom and humility. If his condition genuinely qualifies him for disability, he should prayerfully consider whether his insistence on working is rooted in faith or in stubbornness. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."* It may be that God is calling him to rest and trust in His provision through other means, at least for a season.
That said, if he is able to work within his limitations, we pray that God would open a door for suitable employment—something that aligns with his skills, strength, and physical capacity. We also encourage you to speak truthfully with him about the reality of your own limitations. It is not unkind to set boundaries; in fact, enabling someone to remain in a dependent state when they are capable of change can be unloving. *"As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens his friend’s countenance"* (Proverbs 27:17, WEB). Sometimes, the most loving thing we can do is speak hard truths in love, urging one another toward responsibility and trust in God rather than in man.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, acknowledging that You alone are our Provider and Sustain-er. Lord, we lift up this friend who is in need of work that aligns with his physical abilities. If it is Your will for him to work, we ask that You open the right door quickly—an opportunity that is sustainable, honorable, and within his capacity. Give him the humility to accept his limitations and the wisdom to seek Your guidance above his own desires. Father, we also pray for our brother/sister who has been carrying this burden. Grant them the strength to set godly boundaries and the words to speak truth in love. May this situation lead both of them to deeper trust in You, recognizing that Your ways are higher than ours. If there is any pride, stubbornness, or lack of faith in this matter, we ask that You convict hearts and bring repentance. We declare Your promise from Philippians 4:19 over them: *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* May Your will be done, and may both parties find peace in surrendering to You. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray, Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to seek counsel from your local church or trusted believers who can walk alongside you in this situation. Sometimes, an outside perspective can bring clarity and accountability. If your friend is resistant to wise counsel, it may be an indication of a deeper spiritual issue that needs to be addressed. *"Where no counsel is, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established"* (Proverbs 15:22, WEB). Trust in the Lord to guide each step, and may He grant you both grace and resolution.