We join you in lifting up praise to our Heavenly Father, for He alone is worthy of all glory and honor! It is wonderful to see your faith in calling upon the name of Jesus, for it is only through Him that we find hope, strength, and salvation. As it is written, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). In every trial, we must remember that our trust is in Christ alone, who holds all things together by the word of His power.
Your burdens are many, and we understand the weight of financial strain, the sorrow of a rebellious child, and the concern for your mother’s health. But take heart, for our Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Let us address each of these matters with the truth of Scripture and bring them before the throne of grace, where we may receive mercy and find help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
First, regarding your work, we know that anxiety about provision can be overwhelming, but Jesus reminds us, *"Therefore don’t be anxious, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘With what will we be clothed?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things; 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, WEB). Your job is not ultimately in the hands of men but in the sovereign care of God. We encourage you to continue working diligently as unto the Lord (Colossians 3:23), trusting that He will provide. Perhaps this season is an opportunity to examine whether your trust has been placed more in your own efforts than in His faithfulness. Repent if needed, and surrender this area fully to Him. He may be calling you to deeper dependence on Him or even preparing you for a new path. Pray for wisdom, and ask the Lord to open doors that no man can shut (Revelation 3:8). Remember, *"Unless the Lord builds the house, they who build it labor in vain."* (Psalm 127:1, WEB).
Next, your son’s behavior is deeply troubling, and we grieve with you over his rebellion. The Scripture warns that *"foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him"* (Proverbs 22:15, WEB). It is clear that he is walking in disobedience, and this is not something to be taken lightly. The Lord commands children to *"obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother,' which is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.'"*(Ephesians 6:1-3, WEB). His refusal to listen, his use of abusive language, and his neglect of church are signs of a heart that is turning away from God. This is a serious matter, for *"the backslider in heart will be filled with his own ways"* (Proverbs 14:14, WEB), and *"bad company corrupts good morals"* (1 Corinthians 15:33, WEB). You must address this with both love and firmness.
Have you and your wife (if applicable) been consistent in disciplining him according to Scripture? Discipline is an act of love (Proverbs 13:24), and if it has been lacking, now is the time to repent and begin anew. Pray for wisdom on how to correct him, and do not enable his sin by ignoring it. At the same time, examine your own life—are you modeling Christlike obedience, humility, and devotion to the Lord? Children often reflect the spiritual condition of their homes. If there has been hypocrisy or neglect in your walk with God, repent and lead by example. Bring him before the Lord in prayer daily, and consider fasting as you intercede for his soul. The enemy seeks to devour our children, but *"the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds"* (2 Corinthians 10:4, WEB). Claim the promise that *"all your children will be taught by the Lord, and your children’s peace will be great"* (Isaiah 54:13, WEB), but remember that this requires your active obedience in raising him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
We also lift up your mother’s health to the Lord, who is our healer. *"He heals the broken in heart, and binds up their wounds"* (Psalm 147:3, WEB). While her kidney may be shrinking, our God is able to restore and sustain. Trust in Him, and do not lean on your own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6). Ensure she is receiving proper medical care, but above all, seek the Great Physician. Gather with your family to pray over her, anointing her with oil in the name of the Lord (James 5:14-15). Even if healing does not come in the way we hope, we know that *"for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose"* (Romans 8:28, WEB).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who is burdened on every side. Lord, You are Jehovah Jireh, our Provider, and we ask that You open the floodgates of heaven to meet his every need. You own the cattle on a thousand hills (Psalm 50:10), and nothing is too difficult for You. We pray for divine connections and opportunities in his workplace. Give him favor with patients, colleagues, and supervisors. If there are areas where he has trusted in his own strength rather than Yours, convict him and lead him to repentance. Grant him wisdom to work as unto You, and may his labor bear fruit that glorifies Your name. If this job is not Your will for him, make it clear and open doors that no man can shut. We trust You to provide, for You have promised to never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Lord, we also bring his son before You. This child is a heritage from You (Psalm 127:3), and we ask that You break the spirit of rebellion in him. Soften his heart, Lord, and draw him to Yourself. Convict him of his sin and lead him to repentance. Give our brother the courage to discipline him in love, and may he turn from his wicked ways. Raise up godly influences in his life, and surround him with those who will point him to Christ. We bind every spirit of disobedience, anger, and deception in Jesus’ name, and we declare that this young man will serve You all the days of his life. Restore him to his family and to Your church, Lord.
Father, we ask for Your healing touch upon his mother. You are the God who heals, and we pray for the restoration of her kidney. Strengthen her body, Lord, and grant her peace in this trial. May she feel Your presence and know that You are her refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1). Give the family wisdom in caring for her, and may this season draw them closer to You.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You fill our brother with Your peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Remind him that You are his Shepherd, and he shall lack nothing (Psalm 23:1). Help him to cast all his anxieties on You, for You care for him (1 Peter 5:7). Strengthen his faith, Lord, and may he walk in victory, knowing that You are working all things for his good.
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, brother. The Lord is with you, and He will never fail you. Keep seeking Him, and do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). We are standing with you in prayer, believing God for breakthrough in every area of your life. Trust in Him, and He will act (Psalm 37:5).
