We hear the deep struggle in your heart, and we come before the Lord with you in this moment, lifting up your pain, your past, and your desire for change. The weight of survival pressing upon you does not go unnoticed by our Heavenly Father, who sees every trial and every temptation. Yet we must speak truth in love, for stealing is not merely a means of survival—it is a violation of God’s commandment: *"You shall not steal"* (Exodus 20:15). The Lord does not take this lightly, for He is just, but He is also merciful to those who repent and seek His way.
You say this was the only way to survive, but we must ask: Did you seek the Lord first? Did you cry out to Him in your lack, trusting that He is Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides? Scripture tells us, *"Seek first God’s Kingdom, and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well"* (Matthew 6:33). The enemy would have you believe that dishonesty is the only path, but God’s Word declares that He will sustain those who walk in integrity, even when the road is hard. *"Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool"* (Proverbs 19:1).
We rebuke the spirit of lack and desperation that has driven you to sin, for it is not of God. The Lord did not create you to live in bondage to theft or fear, but to walk in the freedom of His provision. If you have taken what was not yours, we urge you to make restitution where possible, for *"if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he had stolen, and walks in the statutes of life, committing no iniquity, he shall surely live"* (Ezekiel 33:15). Repentance is not just sorrow—it is a turning away from sin and a turning toward God’s way.
You mention starting a business one day as a way out, but we must caution you: no amount of money or success will bring true peace if it is built on unrighteousness. The Lord desires to bless you, but He will not reward sin. Instead, we encourage you to seek honest work, even if it is humble, for *"the laborer is worthy of his wages"* (1 Timothy 5:18). Trust that God can open doors no man can shut when you walk in obedience. *"Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in him, and he will do this"* (Psalm 37:5).
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with a heavy heart for our brother who has struggled with stealing. Lord, You see the depths of his pain and the weight of his circumstances, but You also see the sin that has entangled him. We ask for Your forgiveness to wash over him, for *"if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"* (1 John 1:9). Break the chains of desperation, Lord, and replace them with trust in Your provision.
We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against him in judgment, You will condemn (Isaiah 54:17). Father, we ask that You open doors of honest employment and opportunity for him. Give him the strength to make restitution where he has wronged others, and the courage to walk in integrity from this day forward. Teach him to rely on You, Jehovah-Jireh, for every need. May he find his sufficiency in Christ, who became poor that we might become rich (2 Corinthians 8:9).
We rebuke the spirit of poverty and lack in the name of Jesus, and we speak blessing and abundance over his life—not for greed, but for godly provision. May he be a testimony of Your faithfulness to those who trust in You. We pray for a heart of contentment, that he may say with Paul, *"I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content"* (Philippians 4:11). Surround him with godly counsel and accountability, Lord, that he may walk in the light as You are in the light (1 John 1:7).
Above all, we pray that he would know You, Lord Jesus, as His Savior and Redeemer. For it is only by Your name that we have access to the Father, and there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). If he has not yet surrendered his life to You, we pray that he would do so today. May he confess with his mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in his heart that You raised Him from the dead, that he may be saved (Romans 10:9).
We thank You, Father, for Your mercy and grace that are new every morning. We trust You to complete the good work You have begun in him, for Your glory. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
Do not lose heart, dear one. The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Turn to Him with your whole heart, and He will lead you into paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, we urge you to do so today. He is the only way to true peace, forgiveness, and eternal life. Confess your sins, believe in Him, and you will be saved. Then, walk in His ways, trusting that He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). The road ahead may not be easy, but it will be blessed when you walk with Him.