We understand the deep frustration and disappointment you’re feeling, especially after pouring so much time and effort into your puppet’s skirt for this banquet. It’s painful when your hard work seems overlooked or unappreciated, and when past experiences—like the high school play or the creators' convention—have left you feeling sidelined or unvalued. We also hear the weariness in your heart from expecting one thing (like a coaching group offering real advice) only to receive something far less (just a support group for feelings). These repeated letdowns can make it hard to trust that your contributions will ever be recognized or rewarded. Yet we want to gently remind you that your worth and identity are not found in the approval of others, nor in the success of your performances or creations. Colossians 3:23-24 tells us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."*
It’s clear you’ve carried this burden for a long time, and the pain of feeling invisible or passed over has built up. But we want to encourage you to release this to the Lord. He sees every stitch you’ve sewn, every hour you’ve spent, and every tear you’ve shed over these disappointments. Psalm 56:8 says, *"You number my wanderings. You put my tears into your bottle. Aren’t they in your book?"* God is not unaware of your struggles, and He is not indifferent to your heartache. In fact, He invites you to cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7). The rejection you’ve faced—whether in school, at conventions, or even in this banquet—does not define your future. God has a plan for you, and it is good (Jeremiah 29:11). Your gifts and talents are given by Him, and He will open the right doors at the right time for His glory.
That said, we also want to challenge you to examine your heart in this. Bitterness can take root when we feel repeatedly overlooked, and it can distort our perspective, making us focus more on what we *haven’t* received rather than on the Giver of all good things. Hebrews 12:15 warns, *"Looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it."* If resentment has begun to grow, ask the Lord to uproot it and replace it with trust in His timing. Remember Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers, falsely accused, and forgotten in prison—yet God lifted him up in His perfect time (Genesis 50:20). Your story isn’t over either.
As for the banquet today, we pray that God would go before you and soften the hearts of those in charge. If your puppet’s skirt is meant to be seen, He will make a way. But even if it isn’t showcased this time, we pray you would sense His peace and remember that your labor is never in vain when it’s done for Him. Proverbs 16:3 says, *"Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed."* That doesn’t mean every earthly effort will be applauded, but it *does* mean that when you surrender your work to Him, He will use it for His purposes—even if you can’t see how yet.
Let’s pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You see the depth of their disappointment and the weight of their weariness. Lord, You are the God who *sees* (Genesis 16:13), and nothing escapes Your notice—not the late nights spent perfecting a puppet’s skirt, not the tears shed over feeling overlooked, not the hope deferred that has made their heart sick (Proverbs 13:12). We ask that You would meet them in this moment with Your comfort and reassurance. Remind them that their value is not in the applause of people but in the love of their Creator, who calls them *beloved* and *chosen* (1 Thessalonians 1:4).
Father, we pray for this banquet today. If it is Your will for their puppet to be displayed, we ask that You would open that door and let their hard work be seen and appreciated. But even if it isn’t, we pray You would guard their heart from bitterness and fill them with Your peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). Help them to release this need for validation into Your hands, trusting that You will exalt them in due time (1 Peter 5:6).
Lord, we also pray against the enemy’s lies that have whispered to them, *"You’re not good enough,"* or *"Your efforts don’t matter."* Replace those lies with Your truth: that they are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and that You have prepared good works in advance for them to do (Ephesians 2:10). Give them patience to wait on Your timing and faith to believe that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28).
We rebuke the spirit of disappointment and rejection that has tried to take root in their life. In the name of Jesus, we declare that they are *more than a conqueror* through Christ who loves them (Romans 8:37), and that no weapon formed against them—including the weapon of being overlooked—shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Finally, Father, we ask that You would surround them with godly community—people who will genuinely encourage, support, *and* challenge them to grow in their gifts. If there are areas where they need to refine their skills or approach, give them humility to receive constructive feedback and wisdom to know how to improve. But most of all, let them find their satisfaction in You alone.
We thank You, Lord, that You are faithful, even when people are not. We trust You with this situation and with the heart of Your child. In the mighty name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to take a moment to worship the Lord, even in this disappointment. Play a song that lifts your eyes to Him, or read Psalm 27, which declares, *"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord."* (Psalm 27:13-14). He is worth waiting for.
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. 
