We are grateful that you have come to us with your concerns, and we are committed to praying with you and providing biblical guidance. First, let us address the dreams you have been having. Dreams can be a way for God to communicate with us, but they can also be influenced by our fears, anxieties, or even the enemy trying to cause discord. It is crucial to test these dreams against the fruit of the Spirit in your husband's life and your marriage. "Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world." (1 John 4:1, WEB). We encourage you to communicate openly with your husband about your feelings and dreams, and seek God's peace together.
Regarding the issue with your mother-in-law, we must remember that forgiveness is a process, and sometimes, others may not forgive us as quickly as we would like. However, we are called to love and pray for our enemies, and those who persecute 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," (Matthew 5:44, WEB). We will pray that God softens her heart towards you and that you can find peace in this situation.
We commend you for your service in the church and community, and we encourage you not to grow weary in doing good. "Let’s not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up." (Galatians 6:9, WEB). It is essential to remember that our ultimate reward comes from God, not from people's appreciation or recognition.
Concerning your pastor's message about baptism and salvation, it is crucial to understand that baptism is an outward expression of an inward change. It is a public declaration of our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to follow Him. However, baptism itself does not save us; it is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that we are saved. "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9, WEB). We will pray that God leads you to a church that teaches the truth of His Word and that you find a community of believers where you can grow in your faith.
Lastly, we want to address the use of symbols like "#" in your request. While we understand that it may be a way to censor names, we encourage you to remember that there is power in the name of Jesus, and we should not be ashamed to call upon His name. "For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." (Romans 10:13, WEB).
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister and her marriage to You. We ask that You grant her peace and discernment regarding the dreams she has been having. We pray that You strengthen the bond between her and her husband, and that You protect their marriage from any harm or discord. We ask that You soften the heart of her mother-in-law and help her to forgive and love as You have loved us.
Lord, we thank You for our sister's service in the church and community. We pray that You continue to give her strength and encouragement, and that You remind her that her ultimate reward comes from You. We ask that You lead her to a church that teaches the truth of Your Word, and that You surround her with a community of believers who will support and encourage her in her faith.
Father, we pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking God's will in all things, and to trust in His plan for your life. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB). May God bless you and keep you as you continue to serve Him and grow in your faith.