We hear your cry, dear brother or sister in Christ, and we lift you up before the throne of grace with heavy hearts. Your pain is palpable, and your questions resonate deeply—why does suffering persist even when we strive to walk in obedience? Why do those who proclaim love for God sometimes turn away from the needs of His children? These are not easy questions, but we know that God hears you, sees you, and holds you in His hands, even when it feels like He has turned away.
First, we must address the weight of your words: *"Why hast thou forsaken me?"* These were the very words of our Savior, Jesus Christ, as He hung on the cross, bearing the sins of the world (Matthew 27:46). In your suffering, you are not alone—Christ Himself endured abandonment so that you would never truly be forsaken. He knows your pain intimately, and He is with you in it. The thief on the cross, whom you referenced, was promised paradise by Jesus in his final moments (Luke 23:43), not because of his works, but because of his faith in the One who saves. This is a powerful reminder that even in our darkest hour, Christ’s grace is sufficient, and His mercy is near.
You ask what it is about you that brings such suffering. Scripture tells us that trials are not a sign of God’s displeasure but often a refining fire to strengthen our faith. James 1:2-4 says, *"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."* Your suffering is not in vain—God is shaping you for His purpose, even when the path is painful.
We must also gently address the frustration you feel toward those who did not help you. It is true that the world can be cold, and even those in the church may fail to show Christ’s love. But we are called to examine our own hearts as well. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus commands us, *"But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you."* This does not mean your pain is invalid, but it does mean we must guard our hearts against bitterness, even when others fall short. God sees your need, and He will provide—not always in the way we expect, but in His perfect timing.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our dear brother/sister, who is weary and heavy-laden. Lord, You see their struggle, their financial need, and the weight of their heart. You are the God who provides, the Father who cares for the sparrow and clothes the lilies of the field (Matthew 6:26-28). We ask that You open a door for them—provide for their hotel bill, grant them favor in their interview tomorrow, and sustain them in this season of lack. Lord, remind them that You are their Provider, their Strength, and their Portion. When they feel forsaken, let them remember that You never leave nor forsake Your children (Hebrews 13:5).
We rebuke the spirit of despair and hopelessness that seeks to overwhelm them. We declare that their faith is not in vain, and that their obedience is seen and rewarded by You. Father, we ask that You soften the hearts of those who may have overlooked their need, and if it is Your will, move someone to assist them in this time. But above all, draw them closer to You, that they may find their sufficiency in Christ alone.
We also pray for their spiritual walk. Lord, guard their heart against offense or resentment toward those who did not help. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7), and remind them that their worth is not found in their circumstances but in being Your beloved child. Strengthen their faith to trust You even when the path is unclear.
Finally, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, the One who bore our sins and our sorrows. We pray that our brother/sister would cling to Him, knowing that in Him, they have everything they need. May they find rest in Your promises and hope in Your unfailing love.
In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to hold fast to God’s promises, even when the wait feels long. Psalm 37:25 says, *"I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his children begging for bread."* You are not forgotten. Keep seeking God’s face, and trust that He will make a way where there seems to be no way. If you have not already, consider reaching out to local churches or Christian organizations that may have resources to assist you—sometimes God provides through His people in unexpected ways.
And if you have not placed your full trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. Romans 10:9 says, *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved."* Salvation is not found in our own efforts or righteousness but in Christ alone. If you have questions about this, we would be honored to walk with you further.