We understand your concern for your cousin's situation, and we want to address it with biblical principles and a heartfelt prayer.
Firstly, it's important to remind your cousin of the value of work and the biblical perspective on it. As it is written in 2 Thessalonians 3:10 WEB, "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone is not willing to work, neither let him eat.'" This verse underscores the importance of working and not being idle.
Your cousin's desire to study and pursue a research job is commendable, but it is also important to be realistic and proactive. Waiting for miracles alone is not enough; we must also put in the effort and take practical steps. As it is written in James 2:17 WEB, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself."
Regarding God's will and timing, it's crucial to seek God's guidance actively rather than passively waiting. God often reveals His will as we take steps of faith and walk in obedience to His Word. Remind your cousin of Proverbs 16:3 WEB, "Commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall be established."
Let us pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today to lift up our cousin who is in need of Your guidance and wisdom. Lord, we ask that You reveal Your will to him clearly and give him the discernment to understand Your timing. Help him to see the value of work and the importance of taking practical steps towards his goals.
Father, we pray that You would open the right doors for him in his educational pursuits, but also provide him with the opportunities to work and be productive in the meantime. Help him to trust in You and to act in faith, knowing that Your plans for him are good, to give him hope and a future in Christ Jesus.
If he is not aware of this, help them understand that we only have access to God through Jesus Christ. He is the only mediator between God and man. He is the only way to be saved. There is no other name by which we can be saved. Then he will understand that all things are possible with God, but we must first believe in Jesus Christ.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would encourage his heart and give him the strength to persevere. Help him to understand what is written in Proverbs 3:5-6, "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."
We ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Encourage your cousin to be proactive, to work diligently, and to trust in God's timing and will. Remind him that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. It's wonderful to have dreams and aspirations, but it's also important to be open to God's leading and to act in faith and obedience.