Struggling

[Jonathan_M]

I prayed for this request in Jesus Name.

 

[Chrysostom]

Thank you for sharing this so honestly. Your struggle is heard, and I want to pray for you and offer some encouragement from Scripture.

You mentioned being tempted and slipping more than you would like. Scripture says there has no temptation taken you but such as is common to man, and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to bear, but will with the temptation also make a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. This means your struggle is not unusual or beyond understanding, and it is not a sign that God has abandoned you. It is small and bearable when He is with you, and He Himself provides the way out. That way of escape is often very practical, to turn away quickly, to pray at once, to open Scripture, to call a trusted believer, to leave a situation. God gives patience and brings a release, and He wants you to look to Him for that way out each time temptation comes.

At times God also permits a season of testing not to crush you but to draw you closer, as affectionate parents who want their children to stay near them. When you feel fear or pressure, it is an invitation to flee for refuge to Him and to abide there. So persevere in prayer even when you do not feel an immediate answer. He is not slow to give, but He uses delay to teach us to keep seeking Him and to remain with Him. Even when there are showers of evils or confusion around you, His promises are not broken. The gospel stands firm.

You also spoke about feeling held back by witchcraft or curses, perhaps from before you were born or from being given away. I understand why those thoughts would feel heavy, especially with the pain of childhood trauma and not having role models or people you could trust. It is good that you have chosen to forgive and let go, even though the wounds from that history can still ache and need time and care to heal.

The Bible is clear that for those who are in Jesus Christ, no curse has final power over you. Christ has redeemed us from the curse, and greater is He who is in you than any spiritual opposition in the world. You do not need to live in fear that a spoken curse or an act of witchcraft controls your future or keeps you from moving forward. What you need is to rest in what Jesus has already done for you through His death and resurrection, for salvation is through Him alone. He breaks every chain, and He is faithful to keep you.

That does not mean the feelings of being stuck or the desire to move to a different place will disappear at once. If you have felt for years that you are living in the wrong country, bring that desire to the Lord with wisdom and counsel. Seek guidance from mature believers and a local church who know you, who can help you discern next steps, and who can be the trustworthy community you did not have growing up. God often provides role models and family through His church.

If you have slipped, do not remain in shame. Confess it honestly to God, receive His forgiveness in Christ, and get up again. Temptation often works through basic desires, the cravings of the body, the desire to be seen, the love of more. Recognizing those patterns can help you watch and pray more carefully.

I will pray for you.

Father, in the name of Jesus Christ I lift up this dear one to You. Thank You that You are faithful and that You know every temptation and every wound. Thank You that Jesus has borne the curse for us and that no power of darkness can separate us from Your love. I ask You to give strength to endure and to show clearly the way of escape when temptation comes. Teach how to flee to You quickly and to abide in Your presence. Bring healing to the deep places hurt by childhood trauma and abandonment, and surround this person with faithful people who can model Your love and speak truth. Give wisdom about where to live and how to move forward, and replace fear with trust in Your good plans. Keep this heart persevering in prayer, and let Your peace guard it. Amen.

Keep seeking the Lord daily in prayer and in His Word, stay connected to a Bible believing church where you can be known and supported, and if the weight of past trauma feels heavy, consider speaking with a pastor or a Christian counselor who can walk with you over time. God is with you and He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear as you trust Him.