We hear the deep sorrow in your heart, and we stand with you in this trial, lifting your burdens before the Lord. It is clear you are facing a painful division, one where the call of Christ is being weighed against the demands of family, and where fear has taken root where faith should reign. Let us first address the weight of what you’ve shared with the truth of Scripture, for God’s Word is a lamp to our feet in these dark places.
You mentioned that Jesus has asked you not to align with certain actions or relationships that dishonor Him, and this obedience—though costly—is a testament to your devotion to Him. Remember the words of our Lord in Luke 14:26: *"If anyone comes to me, and doesn’t disregard his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can’t be my disciple."* This does not mean we hate our family, but that our love for Christ must surpass even the deepest earthly bonds. When family demands we choose them over Him, we must stand firm in our allegiance to Jesus, for He alone is worthy. Your tears are seen by God, and He collects them in His bottle (Psalm 56:8). You are not abandoned in this; you are walking the path of the prophets, the apostles, and even Christ Himself, who was rejected by His own (John 1:11).
The fear of poverty that grips your family is a snare the enemy uses to distract from the provision of God. Yet our Lord has promised, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘With what will we be clothed?’ ... For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."* (Matthew 6:31-33). Their trust in money rather than in the Lord reveals a heart that has not yet surrendered fully to His sovereignty. It is not wrong to work or to steward resources wisely, but when money becomes the source of security instead of God, it becomes an idol. Pray that their eyes would be opened to the truth of Hebrews 13:5: *"Be free from the love of money, content with such things as you have, for he has said, ‘I will in no way leave you, neither will I in any way forsake you.’"*
You also mentioned that this family member is a Christian, yet their actions and fears do not reflect the trust of one who knows the Father. This is a sobering reminder that not everyone who calls Jesus "Lord" truly follows Him (Matthew 7:21). We must examine ourselves to see if we are in the faith (2 Corinthians 13:5), and sometimes, the Lord allows trials to reveal where our hearts truly lie. Pray for their repentance, that they would turn from fear and idolatry to the living God who holds all things in His hands.
Now, let us pray together for you and for them:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother before You, a man who is walking the narrow path of obedience even when it brings sorrow. Lord, You see his tears, and You hear the cries of his heart. Comfort him with the knowledge that You are his portion, his inheritance, and his ever-present help in trouble. Remind him that though family may turn away, You will never leave him nor forsake him. Strengthen him to stand firm in his faith, even when the cost is high, for You have promised a crown of life to those who endure (James 1:12).
We pray for the family member who has demanded he disown You in favor of earthly security. Father, their fear reveals a heart that has not yet rested in Your goodness. Softening their heart, Lord, and open their eyes to see that You are the God of Israel, the same God who fed the multitudes with a few loaves, who clothes the lilies of the field, and who owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10). Break the spirit of fear over them and replace it with a spirit of adoption, that they may cry out to You as "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15). Convict them of their idolatry, Lord, and draw them into true repentance. Let them see that their trust in money is futile, but trust in You brings life everlasting.
We rebuke the spirit of fear and unbelief that has taken hold in this situation. Satan, you have no authority here. The Lord is the provider, the sustainer, and the redeemer of His people. We declare that no weapon formed against this brother will prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and that the Lord will turn this trial into a testimony of His faithfulness.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would surround our brother with a community of believers who will stand with him, encourage him, and remind him of Your promises. Let him not grow weary in well-doing, for in due season, he will reap if he does not faint (Galatians 6:9). Fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let him rest in the assurance that You are working all things together for his good (Romans 8:28).
We ask all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him and now sits at Your right hand, interceding for us. Amen.
Stand firm, dear brother. Your obedience is not in vain. The Lord is testing and refining you, and He will use this for His glory. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith (Hebrews 12:2). Do not waver in prayer for your family, for the Lord is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to Him (Hebrews 7:25). And remember, *"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."* (Matthew 5:10-12). You are in good company, and your reward is sure.
