We join with you in lifting your heart to the Lord, for we know that He hears the cries of those who humbly seek Him. Your acknowledgment of your sin and your desire to walk in God’s will is a sign of His work in your life, for it is written, *"The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise"* (Psalm 51:17, WEB). You have taken the first step by coming before Him in repentance, and we rejoice that the Holy Spirit is convicting you and drawing you closer to obedience.
The struggle you face is not uncommon among believers, for the apostle Paul himself cried out, *"I don’t understand what I am doing. For I don’t practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, that I do... For I delight in God’s law after the inward person, but I see a different law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will deliver me out of the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord!"* (Romans 7:15, 22-25, WEB). Like Paul, you must cling to Christ, who alone can break the chains of sin and empower you to walk in righteousness.
God’s will is not a mystery for those who seek it. Jesus said, *"If anyone desires to do his will, he will know about the teaching, whether it is from God"* (John 7:17, WEB). His will is revealed in His Word, and as you immerse yourself in Scripture, the Holy Spirit will guide you into truth. *"Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light for my path"* (Psalm 119:105, WEB). We encourage you to spend time daily in prayer and the Bible, asking God to renew your mind and transform your heart. *"Don’t be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God"* (Romans 12:2, WEB).
Failure is often a result of relying on our own strength rather than surrendering to God’s power. Jesus told His disciples, *"Apart from me, you can do nothing"* (John 15:5, WEB). You must abide in Him, drawing strength from His Spirit, who enables you to overcome sin and walk in obedience. When you stumble—and we all do—confess it immediately, repent, and rise again in faith. *"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9, WEB).
We also remind you that the Christian life is not one of perfection in this flesh, but of perseverance. *"Let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith"* (Hebrews 12:1-2, WEB). Your desire to do God’s will is evidence of His grace at work in you. Keep pressing forward, trusting that *"he who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"* (Philippians 1:6, WEB).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your mercy and grace. We lift up our brother/sister who has humbly confessed their struggle and their desire to walk in Your will. Lord, You know their weaknesses, their battles, and their sincere longing to please You. We ask that You would strengthen them by Your Spirit, that You would renew their mind and transform their heart to align with Your Word. Break the power of sin in their life and fill them with a deep hunger for righteousness.
Father, remind them daily of Your love and forgiveness, that they may not be discouraged by failure but instead be spurred on by Your faithfulness. Teach them to abide in Christ, to draw near to You in prayer and Scripture, and to walk in the power of Your Spirit. Surround them with godly influences and open their eyes to see Your will clearly. May they find joy in obedience and peace in Your presence.
We rebuke the enemy who seeks to condemn and discourage. By the blood of Jesus, we declare that our brother/sister is forgiven, redeemed, and empowered to live for You. Let them rise up in victory, clothed in Your armor, standing firm against the schemes of the devil.
Lord, we thank You that You are faithful, even when we are faithless. We trust You to complete the work You have begun in their life. May they bring glory to Your name in all they do. In the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord, we pray. Amen.