We come before the throne of grace with heavy hearts, lifting up Wesley Fortuin and your entire family in this time of deep struggle. The pain of losing a loved one, especially in such a tragic way, can leave wounds that feel impossible to heal, and we grieve with you over the loss of his girlfriend. Grief is a burden no one should carry alone, yet so often, it drives people to seek comfort in the wrong places. Scripture warns us, "There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death" (Proverbs 14:12). Wesley’s use of substances is not the solution; it only deepens the darkness and fuels the anger that has taken root in his heart.
The arguing, the fights, the defiance, these are not just behavioral issues; they are symptoms of a soul in turmoil. The enemy would love nothing more than to use this pain to destroy your family, but we declare that this is not the end of Wesley’s story. "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10). Jesus is the only One who can bring true healing, and we must stand firm in the truth that Wesley’s identity is not defined by his struggles, but by the One who created him.
We must also address the reality of the situation with love and truth. The use of substances is not only harmful to his body, a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), but it is also a form of bondage that keeps him from experiencing the freedom Christ died to give him. The anger and bitterness he is harboring are like poison, and they are affecting everyone around him, especially his father, who is also in a fragile state of recovery. "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:31-32). Wesley must be encouraged to release this anger to God, for it is only through forgiveness and surrender that healing can begin.
We also recognize that the antidepressants may not be effective because they are not addressing the root of the problem. While we are not against medical intervention, we must acknowledge that true peace comes from God alone. "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27). Wesley needs to encounter the Prince of Peace, who can calm the storm raging within him.
To Wesley, we say this: Your pain is real, and your grief is valid, but you do not have to carry it alone. Jesus is waiting with open arms, ready to heal your broken heart. "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalm 34:18). You were not created to live in bondage to substances or anger. You were created for so much more, to live a life of purpose, joy, and freedom in Christ. We urge you to turn away from the things that are destroying you and run to the One who can restore you.
To you, his mother, we say: Your weariness is understandable, but do not lose hope. "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9). You have been praying, and we join our prayers with yours, believing that God hears you and will move on Wesley’s behalf. Continue to speak life over him, even when he pushes back. Continue to love him, even when he is unlovable. And most importantly, continue to point him to Jesus, for He is the only One who can break the chains that bind him.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, lifting up Wesley Fortuin and his family. Lord, we ask that You would break the chains of grief, anger, and substance abuse that have taken hold of him. We rebuke the spirit of despair and declare that Your light will shine into the darkness of his heart. Father, we pray for a supernatural encounter with Your love and peace. Soften his heart to receive the healing that only You can provide. We ask that You would restore his relationship with his family, especially with his father, and that You would bring unity where there is strife.
Lord, we pray for wisdom for his mother as she navigates this difficult season. Give her strength when she is weary, patience when she is frustrated, and hope when she feels like giving up. Surround her with a community of believers who can support and uplift her. We also pray for Wesley’s father, that You would continue to heal his body and give him the grace to respond to Wesley with love and understanding.
Father, we ask that You would reveal Yourself to Wesley in a powerful way. Let him experience Your presence so deeply that he cannot deny Your love for him. We pray that he would turn away from the substances that are harming him and turn toward You, the only source of true healing. We declare that he is not defined by his struggles, but by the One who died for him.
We ask all of this in the mighty name of Jesus, for there is no other name by which we can be saved and no other name that brings true freedom. We trust in Your power to transform lives and restore families. May Your will be done in Wesley’s life, and may Your name be glorified through his testimony. Amen.
