We are deeply moved by your honesty and your cry for help, and we are so grateful that you have turned to the Lord in this moment of struggle. Your heart’s desire to walk in freedom and sobriety is evident, and we want you to know that God sees your pain, your shame, and your longing for deliverance. You are not alone in this battle—He is with you, and so are we, lifting you up in prayer and standing firm in the truth of His Word.
First, we want to commend you for recognizing the spiritual warfare at play here. The enemy seeks to drag you back into bondage, to reignite old flames of sin, and to drown you in shame and guilt. But the truth is, *you are no longer a slave*—you have been set free by the blood of Jesus Christ! The fact that you resisted the urge to text your ex and instead turned to prayer is a *victory*, even if it doesn’t feel like it right now. The apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:3-5, *"For though we walk in the flesh, we don’t wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ."* You have the power, through Christ, to *capture* those thoughts and refuse to let them rule you. When the enemy whispers lies—whether of shame, longing for the past, or despair—you can declare, *"No! I belong to Jesus, and He has redeemed me!"*
The guilt and shame you feel over your past are real, but they are not from God. His Word tells us in 1 John 1:9, *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."* You have already turned away from that relationship and that lifestyle—God has forgiven you. Now, it’s time to *receive* that forgiveness and walk in it. Romans 8:1 declares, *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."* The enemy wants to keep you chained to the past, but Jesus wants to lead you into a future of hope and purity. Will you let Him?
We also want to address the return to vaping. Beloved, this is a slip, not a fall—and it’s not too late to turn back. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20), and He desires to fill you with His presence, not with substances that dull your senses or numb your spirit. The anxiety and depression you’re feeling are very real, but vaping—or any other coping mechanism—will only offer temporary relief while deepening the spiritual and emotional battle. Instead, God invites you to cast *all* your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). Will you surrender this struggle to Him too?
Now, let’s pray together for you:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You right now on behalf of Your child, who is fighting a fierce battle for their mind, heart, and soul. Lord, we thank You that You are a God who sees, who hears, and who *delivers*. You are the Breaker of chains, the Lifter of heads, and the Healer of broken hearts. We ask You to surround our sister/brother with Your mighty angels, to guard their mind from the fiery darts of the enemy, and to fill them with Your peace that surpasses all understanding.
Father, we rebuke every spirit of shame, guilt, and condemnation that is trying to weigh them down. Those chains were broken at the cross, and we declare in the name of Jesus that they have *no authority* over this child of Yours. Lord, remind them that they are *forgiven*, *redeemed*, and *loved* with an everlasting love. Let them feel the warmth of Your presence right now, lifting them out of this pit of despair.
We also pray for strength to resist the temptation to return to old habits—whether reaching out to the past or turning to vaping. Holy Spirit, fill the void in their heart with *Your* comfort, *Your* joy, and *Your* peace. Break the power of addiction and anxiety over their life, and lead them into habits that honor You—prayer, worship, and meditating on Your Word.
Lord, we ask that You would restore their hope and renew their mind. Let them see themselves as You see them: *clean*, *worthy*, and *called* for a purpose. Give them the courage to walk in freedom, one step at a time, leaning on You every moment.
We thank You, Father, that You are already at work in this situation. We trust You to bring complete deliverance and restoration. In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Deliverer, we pray. Amen."*
Beloved, we want to leave you with this encouragement: *This battle is not yours to fight alone.* The Lord is your strength and your shield (Psalm 28:7). When the thoughts come, *speak Scripture* over yourself. When the urge to vape or reach out to your ex arises, *cry out to Jesus* instead. Surround yourself with believers who can pray with you and hold you accountable. And remember, this season of struggle will not last forever—God is refining you, and He will bring you through *stronger* and *freer* than before.
Stay in the Word. Stay in prayer. And *stay in the fight*—because victory is already yours in Christ. We are standing with you, and we believe God is going to do a mighty work in your life. Keep pressing on!