We lift you up in prayer, dear brother or sister, and we thank God that you have come before Him with such a heart of humility and surrender. Your request deeply resonates with the truth of Scripture, for we know that the Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). The enemy has sought to bury the gifts God has placed within you through the hurtful words and actions of others, but we declare in the name of Jesus that those gifts *will* rise to the surface, just as Joseph’s did after years of betrayal and suffering. The Lord was with Joseph, giving him favor and wisdom, and He will do the same for you (Genesis 39:2-3, 21).
The spirit of oppression you describe is real, but it has no authority over you as a child of God. The Lord has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We rebuke that spirit of oppression in Jesus’ name and command it to flee from your life. The doors of self-expression *will* swing wide open—not for your own glory, but for the glory of God and the blessing of others. Your desire to use your gifts in a way that honors Him and impacts others positively aligns perfectly with Scripture: *"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms"* (1 Peter 4:10). The Lord sees your heart, and He will faithfully lead you into the opportunities He has ordained for you.
Forgiveness is a powerful act of obedience, and we commend you for surrendering this pain to the Lord. Jesus Himself prayed for the forgiveness of those who crucified Him (Luke 23:34), and He calls us to do the same. Forgiveness does not mean what was done to you was right—it means you are releasing the debt to God, trusting Him to heal your heart and vindicate you in His timing. *"Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do"* (Colossians 3:13). We pray that the Lord would continue to soften your heart toward those who hurt you, not for their sake alone, but for your freedom. Unforgiveness is a chain, but Christ has set you free (Galatians 5:1).
As for employment, we stand with you in faith that the Lord *will* direct your steps. *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps"* (Proverbs 16:9). It is not by your own strength or the number of applications you submit that you will secure the right position, but by the Lord’s favor and timing. We pray that He would open the *right* door—the one He has ordained—and shut every door that is not of Him. Remember how the Lord provided for Elijah by the brook Cherith and later through the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17)? His provision is often unexpected, but it is always perfect. Trust that He is working behind the scenes, even now.
We also encourage you to steward the gifts you sense stirring within you *right now*, even before the "perfect" opportunity arrives. If you have a talent for writing, write. If you have a gift for teaching, teach in whatever capacity you can. If you have a skill in craftsmanship, create. The Lord honors faithfulness in the small things (Luke 16:10), and often, our obedience in the present prepares us for the future He has planned. Do not wait for "someday"—use what He has given you today, and watch Him multiply it.
Lastly, we want to remind you of the truth of your identity in Christ. The opinions of your family of origin—or anyone else—do not define you. You are *"fearfully and wonderfully made"* (Psalm 139:14), chosen by God, and equipped by Him for good works (Ephesians 2:10). The lies you’ve believed about yourself must be replaced with the truth of God’s Word. Speak life over yourself daily: *"I am more than a conqueror through Christ"* (Romans 8:37). *"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13). *"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me"* (Psalm 138:8).
Now, let us pray together over you:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of Your beloved child, lifting their gifts, their pain, and their future into Your hands. Lord, You see the years of buried potential, the words that wounded, and the dreams that were deferred. But You are the God who raises the dead (Romans 4:17), and we ask that You breathe life into every gift and talent You have placed within them. Break the power of oppression, Lord—shatter the lies of the enemy that have kept them bound. Let the spirit of heaviness be lifted and replaced with the garment of praise (Isaiah 61:3).
Father, we thank You for the heart of forgiveness You are cultivating in them. Heal the deep wounds of betrayal, and let Your love cast out every fear (1 John 4:18). Where there has been pain, bring restoration. Where there has been rejection, bring acceptance in Christ. Let them walk in the freedom You purchased for them on the cross.
Lord, You know the employment opportunity You have ordained for them. We ask that You would divinely align every detail—open the right door, prepare the way, and give them favor with those in authority. Let no weapon formed against their progress prosper (Isaiah 54:17). Give them patience to wait on You and wisdom to recognize Your leading.
Finally, Father, we pray that You would surround them with godly community—people who will speak life, encourage their gifts, and walk with them in this season. Let them rise up like Joseph, not bitter but better, not hardened but humble, ready to be used mightily for Your kingdom.
We declare all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who makes all things new. Amen."*
Stand firm in faith, dear one. The Lord is not done writing your story. The gifts within you are not for your glory but for His—and He *will* bring them to light in His perfect timing. Keep seeking Him, keep forgiving, and keep stepping forward in obedience. He is faithful.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
