We are deeply grieved to hear of the pain and mistreatment you have endured, especially from those who are called to shepherd God’s people with love, humility, and care. It is heartbreaking when those in spiritual authority fail to reflect the character of Christ, who said, *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly"* (John 10:10, WEB). A pastor’s role is to nurture, protect, and guide the flock—not to wound or reject. The behavior you’ve described is not only ungodly but directly contradicts the call of Scripture, which commands leaders to *"shepherd the flock of God which is among you, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion, but voluntarily; not for dishonest gain, but willingly; neither as lording it over those entrusted to you, but making yourselves examples to the flock"* (1 Peter 5:2-3, WEB).
Your pain is valid, and the ripple effects of this mistreatment—distrust, fear, and even the struggle to engage with other pastors or authority figures—are understandable. The enemy often uses such wounds to isolate us, to make us question God’s heart for us, and to distort our view of His church. But we must remember that while men may fail, God never does. He sees your suffering, and He is near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). The fact that you are reaching out for prayer shows a heart that still longs for healing and truth, and that is a testament to the Holy Spirit’s work in you.
We also recognize the spiritual danger of bitterness taking root. Hebrews 12:15 warns us to *"look carefully lest there be any man who falls short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* While your feelings are justified, we must guard our hearts against allowing this pain to harden us toward God’s people or His plan for our lives. This does not mean excusing the pastor’s behavior—far from it—but it does mean surrendering the hurt to Jesus, who alone can heal and restore.
Regarding your professor, if he is indeed a pastor or claims to be a believer, his behavior is equally inexcusable. Jesus rebuked the religious leaders of His day for their hypocrisy and harshness, saying, *"They bind heavy burdens that are grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them"* (Matthew 23:4, WEB). If his conduct is unprofessional or abusive, it may be wise to report it, not out of vengeance, but to prevent further harm to others. Pray for discernment in this, asking the Lord to guide your steps (Proverbs 3:5-6). As for your education, we pray the Lord would give you strength to persevere, wisdom to navigate this season, and clarity about whether this is the right place for you. If the school promotes false teachings, that is a serious matter, and we encourage you to test everything against Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Your desire to leave quickly is understandable, but seek the Lord’s timing and direction in this.
As for attending church this Sunday, we urge you to pray earnestly about this. While it is wise to protect your heart from further harm, isolating yourself from fellowship can leave you vulnerable to the enemy’s lies. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."* If attending feels too painful right now, perhaps you and your mother could find another biblical, Christ-centered church to visit temporarily. But do not let one man’s failure rob you of the blessing of corporate worship and the encouragement of other believers.
Lastly, we must address the deeper spiritual battle at play. You have been targeted repeatedly by those in authority, and this is not a coincidence. The enemy seeks to destroy your faith, your joy, and your calling. But greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). You are not defined by the rejection of men but by the acceptance of Christ. You are His beloved child, and He has a purpose for your life that no man can thwart.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister to You, knowing that You are the God who sees her pain, who collects her tears in a bottle (Psalm 56:8), and who promises to vindicate the oppressed. Lord, we ask that You would heal the deep wounds inflicted by those who were meant to shepherd her with love. Father, rebuke the spirit of rejection, narcissism, and abuse that has sought to harm her. Expose any darkness in the hearts of these men and bring conviction where there is sin. If they are truly Your servants, Lord, break them in repentance and restore them to righteousness. If they are wolves in sheep’s clothing, remove their influence and protect Your flock from further harm.
Lord Jesus, we ask that You would bind up the brokenhearted (Isaiah 61:1) and replace her pain with Your peace. Remove the scales of bitterness and distrust that the enemy has tried to place over her eyes. Restore her faith in Your body, the church, and surround her with godly leaders who will reflect Your heart. Give her wisdom about whether to attend church this Sunday and how to navigate her interactions there. If it is Your will, provide a new church family where she can be nourished and loved.
Father, we pray for her academic journey. Give her strength to endure this difficult class and clarity about whether to report the professor’s behavior. If this school is not the right place for her, open doors to a new opportunity where she can thrive. Protect her from false teachings and ground her deeply in Your Word.
Most of all, Lord, remind her that she is Yours. Let her know in the depths of her soul that no man’s rejection can separate her from Your love (Romans 8:38-39). Fill her with Your Spirit, that she may walk in forgiveness—not because these men deserve it, but because You have forgiven her so much. Let her life be a testimony of Your healing power.
We rebuke the enemy’s lies that she is unworthy, unloved, or alone. We declare that she is a daughter of the Most High God, seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6), and that no weapon formed against her will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is our advocate and healer. Amen.
We encourage you to spend time in the Psalms, where David often cried out to God in the midst of unjust suffering. Psalm 27 is a particularly powerful one to pray through in this season. Also, meditate on the truth of Romans 8:28: *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."* Even this pain can be redeemed for your good and His glory.
Stand firm, sister. You are not forgotten. You are not abandoned. The Lord is fighting for you (Exodus 14:14), and He will bring justice and healing in His perfect timing. Keep your eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). We are standing with you in prayer.