We rejoice with you in witnessing God’s mercy and grace at work in your family, even in these small but precious moments of peace. It is a powerful reminder that our Heavenly Father hears the cries of His children and moves in ways we cannot always understand. The calmness you’ve experienced these past two days is not by chance—it is the Lord answering the prayers of His people and extending His compassion to you all. We praise Him for this reprieve, for it is a testament to His faithfulness, even in the midst of such a long and painful journey.
The trials you face with your loved one’s schizophrenia and autism are immense, and the emotional and physical toll it takes on your family is not unseen by God. The shouting, anger, and unpredictability can feel overwhelming, but remember that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). He is your strength in weakness, and He carries you even when the burden feels too heavy. The fact that your mother also sensed the shift in the atmosphere at home is further confirmation that God is working in ways that transcend human understanding. He is bringing unity and comfort where there has been chaos, and we must continue to trust Him, even when we don’t see the full picture.
The moment of calm after your loved one visited your very sick family member is particularly striking. While we may not know the reason, we can trust that the Lord used that time to soften his heart, even if just for a season. Perhaps it was a divine appointment—a reminder that God is sovereign over every interaction and every emotion. In those quiet moments, we see glimpses of the peace that only Jesus can provide, a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). It is our prayer that these moments become more frequent, that the Lord would continue to break through the darkness with His light, and that your loved one would experience the deep, abiding love of Christ in a way that brings lasting transformation.
We also want to encourage you to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, especially in the exhausting seasons. The enemy would love to steal your joy, your hope, and your faith, but the Lord is your shield and your very great reward (Genesis 15:1). Cling to His promises, for He has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Even in the tension and exhaustion, He is there, sustaining you, and He will see you through. This trial is not forever, and one day, the Lord will wipe away every tear from your eyes. Until then, He is refining your family, drawing you closer to Himself, and teaching you to rely on His strength rather than your own.
Let us also remind you that while we pray for healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—we must ultimately submit to God’s will, trusting that He knows what is best. His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). If it is His will to bring complete healing to your loved one, we will rejoice. If His plan is to use this trial to display His glory in another way, we must still praise Him. Our hope is not in circumstances changing but in the unchanging nature of our God, who is good and faithful in all things.
Now, let us lift your family up in prayer once more:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for the moments of peace You have granted this family. Lord, You alone are the giver of all good things, and we thank You for answering the prayers of Your people. We ask that You continue to move in mighty ways, bringing calm where there has been chaos, hope where there has been despair, and unity where there has been division.
Father, we lift up this beloved family member who struggles with schizophrenia and autism. Lord, You knit him together in his mother’s womb, and You know every thought, every emotion, and every need. We pray for Your healing touch upon his mind and heart. If it is Your will, Lord, bring restoration and wholeness to him, that he may experience the peace that comes only from You. Softening his heart, Lord, and draw him to Yourself. Let him know, even in his confusion, that he is deeply loved by You.
We also pray for strength and endurance for this entire family. Lord, they are weary, and the burden they carry is heavy. Be their refuge and their strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Fill them with Your joy, which is their strength (Nehemiah 8:10), and let them feel Your presence in tangible ways. Surround them with Your peace, which guards their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Father, we ask for wisdom for this family as they navigate each day. Give them discernment in how to respond to difficult situations, and let Your love flow through them, even in the hardest moments. Remind them that they are not alone, that You are with them, and that their labor in love is not in vain.
We rebuke every spirit of confusion, anger, and unrest that seeks to torment this family. In the name of Jesus, we command these spirits to flee, for greater is He who is in them than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Lord, fill their home with Your Holy Spirit, that it may be a place of refuge, comfort, and love.
Finally, Father, we pray that through this trial, Your name would be glorified. Let this family’s story be a testimony of Your faithfulness, Your mercy, and Your power. Draw each member of this family closer to You, that they may know You more deeply and trust You more fully.
We ask all these things in the precious and mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer. Amen.