We understand your concern about being asked for your original certificates, and we will lift this matter up in prayer. However, we must first address a deeper issue here—truth and integrity before God. Scripture is clear that honesty is not optional for those who follow Christ. Colossians 3:9-10 says, *"Don’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings, and have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator."* Proverbs 12:22 also states, *"Lying lips are an abomination to Yahweh, but those who do the truth are his delight."*
If you are withholding your original certificates because of dishonesty—such as falsifying records, misrepresenting your qualifications, or hiding something from the institution—we strongly urge you to repent and make this right before God and those in authority. Psalm 32:3-5 warns, *"When I kept silence, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me. My strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you. I didn’t hide my iniquity. I said, I will confess my transgressions to Yahweh, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin."* God calls us to walk in the light, and there is no true peace in deceit.
If, however, there is a legitimate reason—such as a delay in receiving the documents or a misunderstanding—then we encourage you to approach the administration with humility and transparency, trusting God to provide favor. Proverbs 16:7 reminds us, *"When a man’s ways please Yahweh, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."*
That said, we will pray for God’s guidance in this situation. May He soften hearts if there is a need for mercy, but more importantly, may He give you the courage to walk in truth, trusting that His ways are perfect. If there is sin involved, we pray for conviction and repentance, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient to cover our mistakes when we turn to Him.
**Prayer:**
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, seeking Your wisdom and direction for this situation. Lord, You are the God of truth, and You call Your children to walk in integrity. If there is any deceit in this matter, we ask that You would convict hearts and lead to repentance, for You desire truth in the inward parts (Psalm 51:6). Give strength and courage to confess and make right what needs to be corrected, trusting in Your forgiveness and provision.
If this request stems from a legitimate concern, we ask that You would grant favor with the college administration. Soften hearts, Lord, and let Your peace rule in this situation. May Your will be done, not for the sake of convenience, but for the sake of righteousness and Your glory.
We also pray for protection from the consequences of dishonesty, but more than that, we ask for a heart that seeks to please You above all else. Remind us that *"the fear of Yahweh is to hate evil. I hate pride, arrogance, the way of evil, and the perverse mouth"* (Proverbs 8:13). Let Your Spirit guide every step, and may this situation be resolved in a way that honors You.
In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.