We join you in lifting up your sister before the throne of grace and we weep with you over the pain of watching someone you love so dearly suffer so deeply. We see your faithfulness in caring for her for a year, your tears every day, and your love that has not grown weary. God sees it too and He has not forgotten her or you. He keeps your tears in His bottle and He is near even when He feels silent.
You shared that it feels like God is silent and we want to gently encourage you with truth. Silence does not mean absence. The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit Psalm 34:18. He promises that when we are overwhelmed, when our heart is faint, we can cry to Him and He will lead us to the rock that is higher than we are Psalm 61:2. He also says fear not, for I am with you. Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness Isaiah 41:10. Your sister's sudden struggle after being so faithful in work and school and youth ministry and witnessing does not mean God has abandoned her. We live in a fallen world where our minds and bodies can suffer, and the enemy does seek to steal and destroy, but Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly John 10:10. We pray against every work of the enemy over her mind and life and we ask God to restore what has been stolen, for He is the One who heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds Psalm 147:3, and who says But I will restore health to you and I will heal you of your wounds says Yahweh Jeremiah 30:17. He has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control 2 Timothy 1:7, and we pray He will replace confusion and heaviness with His peace that passes all understanding Philippians 4:7.
We also grieve with you over the terrible experience with her treatment, the medications started and not followed through, the calls ignored for weeks. This adds such a burden when you are already carrying so much. We pray for wisdom and advocacy for you as you care for her, that God will lead you to compassionate and competent help, whether through doctors, counselors, and pastors who will truly listen and follow through. We pray the Lord will give her providers diligence and integrity and open a door to better care. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God Philippians 4:6. Keep bringing every detail to Him and also keep seeking help from the body of Christ, your pastor, elders, and trusted believers who can bear this burden with you and pray with you in person. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ Galatians 6:2. You were not meant to carry this alone, and He will give rest to you who are weary and heavy laden Matthew 11:28.
We noticed in your request you speak often of God and prayer, which is beautiful, but you did not mention the name of Jesus. We want to lovingly remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me John 14:6. There is salvation in none other, for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, by which we must be saved Acts 4:12. It is because of His shed blood on the cross and His resurrection that we can boldly approach God and be heard, forgiven, and healed. If you have not already, we encourage you and your sister to place your full trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, believing that He died for your sins and rose again, and calling on His name. Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved Romans 10:13. It is in His name that we pray with confidence for healing and restoration.
We now pray together for your sister and for you.
Father in heaven, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and lift up this precious sister to You. You know her by name, You formed her, You called her to serve You in youth ministry and to witness for You, and You see how she is suffering now. Lord we ask You to touch her mind, her body, and her spirit. Bring stability where there is turmoil, clarity where there is confusion, and peace where there is fear. Heal her, restore her, and let her feel like herself again, even more whole in You. Restore her independence, her joy, and her hope, and let her be able to work and study and serve You again as You lead her. Break every chain of the enemy and fill her with Your Holy Spirit, Your power, love and sound mind. Lead her to the right treatment and to people who will care for her with excellence and compassion, and convict those who have neglected her to act with diligence. And Father we lift up this faithful sibling who has cared for her for a year with tears. Strengthen them when they are weary, comfort them when they feel You are silent, remind them daily that You hear every prayer and collect every tear. Renew their strength as they wait on You Isaiah 40:31, and surround them with Your church to help bear this burden. We ask all of this in the mighty and healing name of Jesus Christ, our only hope and Savior, amen.
