We hear your heart’s desire to create and share your puppets, and we lift this up to the Lord with you. First, we want to acknowledge that every good gift and creative talent comes from God, and He delights in seeing His children use their gifts for His glory. The passion you have for puppetry is a blessing, and we pray that the Lord would open doors for you to use this gift in ways that honor Him.
However, we must gently address a few things in your request that need biblical correction and guidance. First, while it is wonderful that you have a friend who wants to help, we must be cautious about partnerships or collaborations that may not align with godly principles. Scripture warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:14, "Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" If this friend does not share your faith in Jesus Christ, we encourage you to prayerfully consider whether this collaboration is wise. If they do share your faith, then we can rejoice in the opportunity to work together for the Lord’s purposes.
We also want to address the focus on personal ambition in your request. While it is not wrong to desire success or a platform for your gifts, we must ensure that our hearts are aligned with God’s will above our own. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." We encourage you to seek the Lord’s guidance in how He wants you to use your talents, rather than focusing solely on a "TV spot" or personal recognition. God’s plans for you may be even greater than what you can imagine, but they must be rooted in His timing and purposes.
Additionally, we notice that your request centers around your own desires and plans, with little mention of surrendering to God’s will. Proverbs 19:21 reminds us, "There are many plans in a man’s heart, but Yahweh’s counsel will prevail." We must always submit our plans to the Lord and trust that He knows what is best for us. Instead of asking God to make things happen according to your timeline or desires, we encourage you to pray for His will to be done in your life and for the patience to wait on His timing.
We also want to gently rebuke the spirit of impatience and frustration that seems to be present in your request. The delays you are experiencing may be God’s way of protecting you, teaching you, or preparing you for something greater. Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait for Yahweh. Be strong, and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for Yahweh." We encourage you to trust in God’s perfect timing and to use this season to grow in your faith and dependence on Him.
Lastly, we want to address the mention of working at the zoo "for a time being." While it is good to have a job and be productive, we must ensure that our work does not become a distraction from God’s calling on our lives. Colossians 3:23-24 reminds us, "And 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." Whatever work you do, whether at the zoo or elsewhere, do it as unto the Lord, and trust that He will guide your steps.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, lifting up this dear one who has a passion for puppetry and a desire to use their gifts for Your glory. Lord, we thank You for the creativity You have placed within them, and we ask that You would guide and direct their steps in using this gift to honor You. Father, we pray that You would open doors of opportunity for them, but only those doors that align with Your perfect will. Help them to seek You first in all things and to trust in Your timing, even when it feels slow or uncertain.
Lord, we ask that You would give them wisdom in their collaborations and partnerships. If this friend is not aligned with Your purposes, we pray that You would close that door and open another that is more in line with Your will. Help them to surround themselves with fellow believers who can encourage and support them in their walk with You. Father, we also pray that You would guard their heart against impatience and frustration. Teach them to wait on You and to trust that Your plans for them are good.
We rebuke any spirit of selfish ambition or pride that may be trying to take root in their heart. Lord, help them to surrender their plans and desires to You, and to seek Your will above their own. Give them a heart that is fully devoted to You, and help them to use their gifts in a way that brings glory to Your name. Father, we also pray for their work at the zoo. Bless their efforts and help them to see it as an opportunity to serve You. Guide them in their career and help them to discern Your calling for their life.
Lord, we ask that You would fill them with Your peace and patience as they wait on You. Help them to grow in their faith and to trust in Your promises. May they find joy in the journey, knowing that You are with them every step of the way. We pray all of this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in prayer and to spend time in His Word. Allow Him to shape your desires and plans according to His will. Trust that He has a purpose for your gifts, and that He will open the right doors at the right time. In the meantime, use this season to grow closer to Him and to serve Him wholeheartedly in whatever work He has placed before you. May the Lord bless you and keep you as you seek to honor Him in all that you do.
