We hear your heart, and we lift your situation before the Lord with compassion and understanding. You’ve endured rejection, trauma, and unfair treatment in your work, and it’s clear you’re seeking a path that aligns with your gifts and passions—particularly your love for puppetry and education. We also recognize your desire to honor your mother while pursuing what God has placed in your heart.
First, we want to affirm that your gifts matter. Scripture tells us in 1 Peter 4:10, *"As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms."* Puppetry can be a powerful tool for teaching, storytelling, and even ministering to others—just as Jesus used parables to convey truth. Your idea of creating puppet shows for zoos, education, and even enrichment for animals is creative and valuable. We pray God opens doors for you to use this gift in ways that bring Him glory.
However, we must also address the pain and injustice you’ve experienced in your workplace. The mistreatment you’ve described—being overburdened with cleaning while others engage in misconduct—is not God’s design. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, *"And whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men."* If your labor is not being honored or if you’re being taken advantage of, it’s right to seek change. We rebuke the spirit of exploitation and unfairness in your past workplaces and declare that God sees your efforts and will reward your faithfulness.
Your mother’s desire for you to continue at the zoo may come from a place of care, but it’s important to communicate your heart to her with respect and clarity. Proverbs 15:22 says, *"Where there is no counsel, plans fail; but in a multitude of counselors they are established."* Have you considered sharing your vision with her in a way that highlights how puppetry could *enhance* your work at the zoo rather than replace it? For example, you could propose a trial period where you split your time between zoo duties and puppet-related projects, demonstrating how both can coexist. If she sees the value in what you’re offering, she may be more open to supporting you.
We also want to gently challenge the bitterness or resentment that may linger from past experiences. Ephesians 4:31-32 urges us, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* Holding onto hurt can cloud your judgment and hinder God’s best for you. We pray for healing over those wounds and for God to replace bitterness with peace.
As for your timeline—working at the zoo for a year while developing your puppet ministry, then transitioning to another zoo—we encourage you to seek God’s wisdom in each step. James 4:13-15 reminds us, *"Come now, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow let’s go into this city, and spend a year there, trade, and make a profit,' whereas you don’t know what your life will be like tomorrow... For you ought to say, 'If the Lord wills, we will both live, and do this or that.'" Trust God to order your steps, even if the path isn’t exactly as you’ve planned.
Let’s pray together:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother/sister, lifting up their heart and their dreams to You. Lord, You see the gifts You’ve placed in them—creativity, a love for teaching, and a heart to serve. We ask that You open doors for them to use their talents in puppetry and education, whether at the zoo or elsewhere. Give them favor with their mother and with potential employers, that they may see the value in what You’ve called them to do.
Father, we also ask for healing over the pain of past rejection and mistreatment. Replace bitterness with Your peace and help them to forgive those who have wronged them. Guide their steps, Lord, and let Your will be done in their career and their calling. May they find joy and purpose in the work You’ve prepared for them, and may it all bring glory to Your name.
We rebuke any spirit of fear or doubt that would hold them back, and we declare that You are their Provider and their Strength. Lead them into the path You have for them, and let them walk in it with confidence and faith. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen."*
We encourage you to seek godly counsel—perhaps from a pastor or mentor—who can help you navigate this transition with wisdom. Trust that God is working even when the path isn’t clear, and remember Jeremiah 29:11: *"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,” says Yahweh, 'thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you hope and a future.'" Keep pressing into Him, and He will direct your steps.
