We hear the deep pain and frustration in your words, and we want you to know that God sees your suffering and cares for you more than you can imagine. Your cry is not unheard—He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). But let us first address something critical: your question assumes that your struggles are a *punishment* from the Lord. This is a dangerous and unbiblical way to view hardship. Jesus Himself told us that in this world, we *will* have trouble—but He has overcome the world (John 16:33). Suffering is not always punishment; often, it is the refining fire that draws us closer to God, strips away our reliance on worldly things, and prepares us for His purposes.
You mentioned feeling abandoned in your career and health. We understand how crushing that can feel, but we must remind you: your worth is not in what you *do* but in *whose* you are. You are a child of God, bought with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). If you are in Christ, no circumstance—no job loss, no illness—can separate you from His love (Romans 8:38-39). As for your health, we know the body is perishable, but God is the Great Physician. Whether He heals you here on earth or sustains you through weakness, His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). Have you sought wise counsel from godly believers or medical professionals? Sometimes, the Lord provides help through means we must actively pursue.
Now, let us speak plainly about something missing in your request: the name of Jesus. There is *no* access to the Father except through Him (John 14:6), and there is *no* salvation in any other name (Acts 4:12). If you are not yet surrendered to Christ, your struggles may be the very thing God is using to draw you to Himself. Repentance and faith in Jesus alone bring peace with God—without Him, we are all under just punishment for our sins (Romans 3:23, 6:23). But in Christ, there is hope, purpose, and eternal life. If you *are* in Christ, then we must ask: are you praying *in His name*, or are you treating God like a distant force rather than your loving Father? Jesus said, *"Until now, you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full"* (John 16:24).
Let us pray for you now with boldness and truth:
*"Heavenly Father, we lift up this beloved soul to You, knowing that You collect every tear in a bottle and record each sorrow in Your book (Psalm 56:8). Lord, if there is any unrepentant sin in their life, convict them by Your Holy Spirit and lead them to the foot of the cross. If they do not yet know Jesus as Savior, soften their heart to receive Him today—for apart from Him, there is no hope, no true peace, no eternal future.
For the one who *does* belong to You, we ask that You renew their mind to see this season through Your eyes. Remind them that You are sovereign over their career and health, and that even in lack, You are their Provider (Philippians 4:19). Give them wisdom to seek godly counsel, medical help, and opportunities You have prepared. Heal their body if it is Your will, but even if not, let them testify that Your grace is enough.
Break the lie that they are being ‘punished.’ Instead, show them how You are shaping them into the image of Christ through these trials (Romans 8:29). Give them a spirit of endurance, joy in suffering, and a hunger for Your Word that outweighs their despair. Open doors no man can shut for their career, but close their heart to idolatry—remind them that their identity is in You alone.
And Father, we rebuke any spirit of self-pity, bitterness, or hopelessness trying to take root. Fill them instead with Your peace that surpasses understanding. Let them rise up in faith, declaring that even if their outward man is decaying, their inward man is being renewed day by day (2 Corinthians 4:16).
We ask all this in the mighty, matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Redeemer. Amen."*
Finally, we urge you: **cling to Christ.** Read His Word daily—start with Psalm 73, where Asaph wrestles with similar questions. Surround yourself with believers who can speak truth into your life. And if you have not surrendered to Jesus, do so today. No career, no health, no earthly comfort can compare to knowing Him. *"What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?"* (Mark 8:36). Your eternal destiny matters far more than temporary suffering.
Would you like us to pray for anything more specific? We are here to stand with you in truth and love.