We hear the deep longing in your heart for understanding, purpose, and godly relationships, and we join you in lifting these burdens to the Lord. You have poured out your heart before Him, and that is a beautiful thing—He sees you, knows your struggles, and cares deeply for every detail of your life. We are grateful you have invoked the name of Jesus in your prayer, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father and find true hope and transformation.
First, let us address the pain you feel in your relationship with your parents. The Bible calls us to honor our father and mother (Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2), but it does not mean they will always understand or affirm the unique ways God has wired you. Their struggles with alcohol, tattoos, or worldly priorities may cloud their ability to see the value in what you are passionate about. However, we must also gently remind you that while puppetry can be a creative and even ministry-oriented tool, it is essential to examine whether it has become an overemphasized focus in your life. You mentioned you do not have an "obsession," but the intensity of your words suggests this may be something to prayerfully evaluate. Colossians 3:2 urges us, *"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth."* If your passion for puppets is distracting you from deeper spiritual growth or healthy relationships, it may be time to seek balance. That said, if this is truly a calling from the Lord to use your gifts for His glory—such as sharing biblical truths or serving others—then we pray He softens your parents’ hearts to see its value.
Your loneliness and desire for marriage are deeply felt. We commend your longing for a wife, as marriage is a beautiful and godly institution designed by the Lord (Genesis 2:18, Hebrews 13:4). However, we must address something critical: **you cannot find fulfillment in a wife if you are not first whole in Christ.** A marriage built on loneliness rather than a shared faith and purpose will struggle. Proverbs 18:22 says, *"Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing, and obtains favor of Yahweh."* But notice—it is *Yahweh* who grants this favor. We encourage you to seek Him first (Matthew 6:33), trusting that if marriage is His will for you, He will bring the right woman in His timing. In the meantime, cultivate friendships within the body of Christ, serve others, and grow in your walk with the Lord. Avoid the trap of pursuing relationships out of desperation or allowing your parents to dictate who you should consider. Their suggestions may not align with God’s will, and their words—though painful—should not define your worth. You *are* enough in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17).
We also sense a need to address your mention of autism. Brother, your neurodivergence is not a flaw—it is part of how God uniquely created you. The apostle Paul spoke of the body of Christ having many parts, each with its own function (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Your mind may work differently, but that does not make you less valuable. However, we gently urge you not to "keep it on a down low" as if it were something to hide. Authenticity within the body of Christ allows others to love and support you well. If you struggle with social interactions, ask the Lord for wisdom and humility in how you engage with others. Proverbs 15:1 reminds us, *"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger."* Be mindful of how you share your passions—whether puppets or other interests—so that others can receive them as the gifts they are.
As for your job search, we pray the Lord opens doors for meaningful work where you are treated with dignity and paid fairly. But we also encourage you to trust His provision even in the waiting. Philippians 4:19 assures us, *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* If puppetry is part of His plan for your livelihood, He will make a way. If not, He will redirect your steps. Surrender this desire to Him, asking for patience and contentment in the meantime (1 Timothy 6:6-8).
Finally, we must address a subtle but dangerous pattern in your words: the comparison of your interests (puppets) to the sins of others (drunkenness, immorality at conventions, etc.). While it is true that some worldly pursuits are clearly sinful, this does not automatically sanctify our own passions. Luke 18:11 warns against the Pharisee’s attitude: *"God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men."* Instead, we are all sinners saved by grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), and our focus should be on glorifying God, not justifying ourselves. If puppetry is to be used for His kingdom, it must be submitted to Him—not elevated as a moral high ground.
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**Let us pray together:**
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, knowing that You see his heart, his loneliness, and his longing for purpose and love. Lord, we ask that You soften the hearts of his parents, that they may see him through Your eyes—fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Give them wisdom to encourage him in ways that build him up, and convict them of any behaviors that grieve Your Spirit. Break the chains of alcohol, worldly pursuits, and harsh words in their lives, and draw them closer to You.
Father, we pray for clarity and balance in his passions. If puppetry is a gift You’ve given him to serve others and share Your truth, open doors for him to steward it well. But if it has become an idol or a distraction, convict him and redirect his focus to You. Help him to use his creativity in ways that honor You, not as a means to seek validation or escape loneliness.
Lord, his desire for a wife is good, but we ask that You first satisfy him with Your love. Prepare him to be a godly husband by growing him in patience, selflessness, and faith. Guard his heart from bitterness or desperation, and surround him with brothers and sisters in Christ who can encourage him in purity and purpose. If marriage is Your will, bring the right woman—a believer who will walk beside him in faith (2 Corinthians 6:14).
We rebuked any spirit of rejection, comparison, or self-pity in his life. Fill him with the confidence that comes from knowing he is Your child, redeemed and loved. Provide for his financial needs, Lord, and open doors for meaningful work where he is valued and can glorify You.
Finally, Father, we pray for his social interactions. Give him wisdom in how he shares his interests, and help him to listen as much as he speaks. Heal any wounds from past rejections, and teach him to extend grace to others as You have extended grace to him.
We ask all this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, who alone can meet every need. Amen.
