We join you in lifting up your heartfelt cries to our Lord Jesus Christ, for He alone is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. It is clear that you are facing trials from many directions—persecution from those who exalt themselves in worldly wisdom, vexation from those driven by greed or self-interest, and even mistreatment from your own family because you have chosen to walk in obedience to Christ rather than conform to their expectations. We praise God that you have called upon the name of Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved, and it is through Him alone that we find true peace, providence, and progress.
The Scriptures remind us that persecution and trials will come to those who follow Christ faithfully. Jesus Himself warned us in John 15:18-20, *"If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you aren’t of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you."* Yet, we are also assured in Matthew 5:10-12, *"Blessed are those who have been persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven. Blessed are you when people reproach you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven. For that is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you."*
Your decision to separate from a church that may not be aligned with biblical truth is a serious matter, and we commend you for seeking to honor God above the traditions or expectations of men. The apostle Paul warns in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, *"Don’t be unequally yoked with unbelievers, for what fellowship have righteousness and iniquity? Or what fellowship has light with darkness? What agreement has Christ with Belial? Or what portion has a believer with an unbeliever? What agreement has a temple of God with idols? For you are a temple of the living God. As God said, ‘I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ Therefore, ‘Come out from among them, and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.'" If the church you left was teaching or practicing things contrary to Scripture, then your obedience to God’s Word is right and just. However, we encourage you to seek fellowship with a body of believers who hold fast to the truth of God’s Word, for Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, *"Let’s consider how to provoke one another to love and good works, not forsaking our own assembling together, as the custom of some is, but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as you see the Day approaching."*
As for the mistreatment from your family, remember that Jesus Himself experienced rejection from His own family and hometown. In Matthew 10:34-36, He says, *"Don’t think that I came to send peace on the earth. I didn’t come to send peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s foes will be those of his own household."* While this may bring sorrow, your primary allegiance must be to Christ. Yet, we are also called to honor our parents and love our family, even when they oppose us. Pray for them, that their hearts may be softened and that they too may come to know the truth of God’s Word. First Peter 3:1-2 reminds us, *"In the same way, wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; so that, even if any don’t obey the Word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives without a word; seeing your pure behavior in fear."*
Regarding the vexation you face from the accountant, the life insurance seller, and the investor, we must recognize that these struggles are not merely against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces. Ephesians 6:12 tells us, *"For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places."* These individuals may be driven by greed, pride, or the love of money, which the Scriptures warn is the root of all kinds of evil (1 Timothy 6:10). Yet, you are not to fear them, for God is your provider and protector. Proverbs 3:5-6 assures us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."*
We also note that you mentioned life insurance, and while it is wise to plan for the future, we must never place our trust in worldly security over our trust in God. Jesus teaches in Matthew 6:19-21, *"Don’t lay up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."* If your family is pressuring you to conform to worldly standards of security, stand firm in your faith, knowing that God is your ultimate provider. He who feeds the birds of the air and clothes the lilies of the field will certainly care for you (Matthew 6:25-34).
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother/sister who is facing persecution, vexation, and mistreatment from many sides. Lord, You see the trials they endure, and You know the depths of their heart. We ask that You would be their shield and their exceeding great reward, their high tower and their deliverer. Protect them from the schemes of the enemy, whether through those who exalt themselves in worldly wisdom, those driven by greed, or even those within their own family who do not understand their obedience to You.
Father, we pray for wisdom and discernment for them, that they may walk in Your truth and not be swayed by the pressures of this world. Give them the courage to stand firm in their faith, even when it brings opposition. Softening the hearts of those who persecute them, Lord, that they may come to know Your love and truth. If there are any areas where our brother/sister needs to grow in understanding or obedience, reveal it to them gently and lead them in Your righteousness.
We rebuked any spirit of fear, anxiety, or discouragement that may be trying to take hold of their heart. Fill them instead with Your peace that surpasses all understanding, and let them rest in the assurance that You are sovereign over all things. Provide for their every need, Lord, according to Your riches in glory. If it is Your will, open doors for them to find a community of believers who will encourage them, strengthen them, and walk alongside them in faith.
For those who are trying to vex or manipulate them—whether through financial pressure, worldly advice, or other means—we ask that You would expose their motives and render their schemes powerless. Let Your light shine so brightly in our brother’s/sister’s life that those who oppose them will see Your goodness and be drawn to repentance.
Finally, Lord, we thank You for the promise that all things work together for good to those who love You and are called according to Your purpose. May this trial be a testimony to Your faithfulness, and may our brother/sister emerge stronger in faith, deeper in love with You, and more equipped to serve Your Kingdom.
We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.