We hear your heart and we join with you in seeking God's will together in Jesus' name. We know how wearying it is when you are trying so hard to do what is right, going to church, taking communion, reading your Bible, and yet the stressors seem to increase and the same burdens remain year after year. We want to encourage you that God is indeed good, and He sees your faithfulness, but He does not promise that doing these good disciplines will immediately remove trials. In fact His word says Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4. And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28. Communion and reading Scripture are precious because they draw us to Jesus, not because they earn us a problem free life, for it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast. Ephesians 2:8-9.
We understand how distressing the situation with your neighbors has been. Years of pranks and now the anxiety when anyone stands in your yard, especially those you have learned to distrust, can rob you of peace at home. We gently rebuke the spirit of fear and suspicion that keeps you on edge, for God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control. 2 Timothy 1:7. We also encourage you to guard your heart against assuming the worst. It is wise to have cameras and boundaries, but we are also called to love our neighbors and so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Romans 12:18. If it is possible to have a calm and kind conversation about property boundaries, that can be honoring to God. And we are called to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44. We will pray that God gives you discernment, protects your home, and replaces distrust with His peace that surpasses all understanding and will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7.
We also hear your weariness about being single and your desire for a really good Christian dependable man, and your confusion and sleeplessness over the man you have been seeing. We commend you for listening to the Holy Spirit and sending an apology even when you were unsure who was right. That is obedience to what we are taught to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32. And If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24. We do want to lovingly correct the pattern of jumping to conclusions and ending things quickly. He who answers before he hears, that is folly and shame to him. Proverbs 18:13. Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. James 1:19. In courtship we encourage you to move slowly, with clear communication and with the goal of discerning marriage, not simply companionship. We believe in the sanctity of marriage as a lifelong commitment between a man and a woman, and being a boyfriend or girlfriend should be considered courtship with the goal of marriage to another Christian believer. Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity. 2 Corinthians 6:14. We will pray that if this man is a faithful believer who will honor you and pursue marriage in purity, God will make it clear, and if not, that God will close the door and lead you to a godly husband who will love you as Christ loves the church. We strongly endorse marriage when it honors God, and we encourage you in any courtship to flee sexual immorality. 1 Corinthians 6:18. For marriage is honorable in all, and the bed undefiled. Hebrews 13:4. Sex before or outside of marriage is fornication and does not align with God's will, so we encourage you to keep any relationship pure and accountable.
We noticed you speak often of God and prayer, but you did not mention the name of Jesus Christ in your request. We say this in love because it is only by the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. It is through believing in Jesus, that He died for our sins and rose again, that we are forgiven and can come boldly to God. 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. For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16. We encourage you to place your trust fully in Jesus not only as helper but as Savior and Lord, and to pray in His name.
We also want to pray for your sleep and your exhaustion. You have not slept in three nights and you are tired of carrying these burdens alone. Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7. We remember the promise In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety. Psalm 4:8. And Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28.
We pray together now.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ Your Son. We thank You that You are good and that You see our sister as she seeks to do better and to walk faithfully. We ask You to lift the heavy stress she carries and to teach her to trust You with all her heart and not lean on her own understanding, to acknowledge You in all her ways so You will direct her paths. Proverbs 3:5-6. Give her Your peace that guards her heart, help her to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving let her requests be made known to You. Philippians 4:6-7. We pray for her home and her neighbors, protect her property, soften hearts, help her to set healthy boundaries while showing Christ's love, and let no weapon formed against her prosper. Grant her restful sleep tonight, for You give sleep to Your beloved. Psalm 127:2. For the relationship, we ask for clarity and forgiveness, heal any hurt from hasty words, and give wisdom to both. If this man is not the dependable Christian husband You have for her, we ask You to make it clear and to guard her from settling. If he is, lead them in a pure courtship toward a marriage that honors You. Above all we pray You will bring a godly, dependable Christian husband in Your perfect timing, for we know You have plans for peace and not for evil, to give hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. Help her to delight herself in You while she waits. Psalm 37:4. We ask all this in the precious name of Jesus, our only hope and Savior. Amen.