We understand your urgency and frustration regarding the train’s punctuality and the stress it causes as you seek to arrive on time for your responsibilities. However, we must first address a critical matter: your request does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father and by whose authority we pray. The Scriptures remind us in John 14:6, *"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me,'"* and in Acts 4:12, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* It is only through faith in Jesus Christ that our prayers are heard, and it is in His name that we boldly approach the throne of grace. If you do not know Him as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to repent of your sins and place your trust in Him, for He alone can save you and give you peace in all circumstances, including this one.
Now, let us address the concerns you’ve shared. We recognize the anxiety that comes with relying on public transportation, especially when it impacts your professional obligations. The Bible encourages us in Philippians 4:6-7, *"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."* While it is natural to feel frustrated, we must also trust in God’s sovereignty over all things, including the timing of trains and the attitudes of those in authority over us.
That said, we must also gently rebuke the spirit of anger and bitterness in your words, particularly the desire to publicly rebuke and sanction the railway company. Scripture warns us in Ephesians 4:31-32, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* While it is right to seek justice and accountability, our hearts must be free from malice. Instead, we can pray for those in authority over the railway system, that God would convict their hearts and lead them to integrity and excellence in their work. Romans 13:1 reminds 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."*
As for your concern about being seen by your principal or her informants, we encourage you to rest in the knowledge that God sees all things and is your ultimate authority. Proverbs 16:7 says, *"When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."* Seek to honor God in your work, and trust that He will go before you, even in the details of your arrival time. If you are late despite your best efforts, humbly explain the situation and trust God to soften hearts.
Let us pray together for you and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our sister who is burdened by the stress of punctuality and the fear of man. Lord, You know her heart and the pressures she faces. We ask that You would grant her peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding her heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Father, we pray that the train would run on time according to Your will, and that she would arrive at her destination safely and without delay. If there are obstacles, Lord, remove them and make a way where there seems to be no way.
We also lift up the railway company and its leaders. Convict their hearts, Lord, if there is corruption, negligence, or inefficiency. Raise up godly influence within that organization to bring about integrity, excellence, and a heart of service to the public. Help them to steward well the resources they have been given, including the funds from European projects, for the good of all.
Father, we pray for our sister’s principal and those in authority over her. Softening their hearts, Lord, and grant them wisdom and fairness in their leadership. Remove any spirit of perfectionism that causes undue stress, and replace it with a spirit of grace and encouragement. Help our sister to work with excellence, not out of fear, but as unto You, knowing that You are her ultimate provider and protector.
If there is any fear or anxiety in her heart, Lord, replace it with Your perfect love, which casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). Remind her that her worth and security are found in You alone, not in the approval of man. Grant her favor in the eyes of those she works with, and let her be a light for Your glory in her workplace.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would use this situation to draw her closer to You. May she seek Your kingdom first, trusting that all these things will be added to her (Matthew 6:33). We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking God’s face in this matter, trusting that He is working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). If lateness occurs despite your prayers, use it as an opportunity to rely on God’s grace and to witness to others through your response. And if you have not yet surrendered your life to Jesus Christ, we urge you to do so today. He alone can give you the peace and assurance you need in every circumstance.