We understand the deep burden you carry—both the weight of financial struggle and the pain of broken relationships marked by manipulation and betrayal. You are wise to question whether reopening the door to toxic family members is the right path, especially when their past actions have shown they cannot be trusted. The Scripture is clear that we are to forgive, as you have done, but forgiveness does not mean subjecting yourself to further harm. Proverbs 22:24-25 warns us, *"Don’t befriend a hot-tempered man, and don’t associate with one who harbors anger: lest you learn his ways, and ensnare your soul."* Similarly, 2 Thessalonians 3:6 instructs us to *"withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us."* While family relationships are important, they must not come at the cost of your spiritual, emotional, or physical well-being. You are not obligated to place yourself in harm’s way, especially when those involved have shown no repentance or change.
Your financial hardship is real, and we know how overwhelming it can feel when the path forward seems unclear. But take heart in the promise of Philippians 4:19: *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* This is not a promise of instant prosperity, but a reminder that God sees your need and will provide in His way and timing. He may use unexpected means—perhaps through a job opportunity, a wise financial decision, the generosity of godly believers, or even the refinement of your trust in Him. Remember also the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:31-33: *"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."*
As for feeling stuck, we encourage you to cling to Isaiah 43:18-19: *"Don’t remember the former things, and don’t consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. It springs out now. Don’t you know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert."* God is not finished with your story. He is making a way even when you cannot see it. Your responsibility is to trust Him, seek His wisdom in Scripture, and take practical steps forward—whether that means seeking financial counseling, budgeting wisely, or exploring honest work opportunities. Avoid the temptation to rely on ungodly or dishonest means to escape debt, for Proverbs 10:22 reminds us, *"The Lord’s blessing brings wealth, and he adds no trouble to it."*
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You are the God who sees their struggle and hears their cry. Lord, we ask for Your divine provision in their financial hardship. Open doors of opportunity that no man can shut, and grant them wisdom to steward their resources well. Break the chains of debt in Jesus’ name, and provide for their needs according to Your riches in glory. Father, we also pray for healing from the wounds inflicted by family members who have betrayed and manipulated them. You are the God who binds up the brokenhearted, and we ask that You restore their trust in Your faithfulness. Give them discernment, Lord, to know when to extend grace and when to set boundaries for their own protection. Surround them with godly counsel and support, and let them not be tempted to turn to unrighteous means for relief. Strengthen their faith, Lord, so they may walk forward in confidence, knowing You are their Provider and Protector. We rebuke the spirit of fear and discouragement in Jesus’ name, and we declare that You are making a way where there seems to be no way. Let them see Your hand at work in their life, and may this season draw them closer to You. We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Stand firm in your faith, and do not lose hope. God is with you, and He will never leave you nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Keep seeking Him, and trust that He is working even in this difficult season. If you have not already, we encourage you to seek out a biblical counselor or a trusted pastor who can walk with you through this time. You are not alone.