We come before the Lord with you in this time of distress, lifting up your struggles with post-traumatic stress, the temptation of vaping, and the spiritual and social burdens you carry. Your cry for deliverance is heard, and we stand with you in the name of Jesus Christ, who alone is our refuge and strength.
First, we praise God that you have called upon the name of Jesus Christ in your request, for it is only through Him that we have access to the Father. As Scripture declares, *"There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* (Acts 4:12, WEB). Your faith in Christ is your anchor, and we encourage you to hold fast to Him in all things.
You have shared deep concerns about the fear of man, social missteps, and the lingering effects of trauma. The Word of God reminds us, *"The fear of man proves to be a snare, but whoever puts his trust in Yahweh is kept safe."* (Proverbs 29:25, WEB). The pressure you feel to perform or avoid judgment from those in positions of status is a heavy burden, but the Lord calls you to find your identity and security in Him alone. He does not show partiality, as you mentioned, for *"there is no respect of persons with God."* (Romans 2:11, WEB). This truth is not meant to bring confusion or condemnation but to free you from the vain pursuit of man’s approval. Your worth is found in Christ, who has redeemed you and called you by name.
Regarding the vaping, we recognize this as a struggle against the flesh, and we urge you to flee from it. *"Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s."* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB). This habit not only harms your body but can also become a stumbling block in your walk with Christ and your testimony before others. We encourage you to seek accountability with a mature believer who can walk with you in this battle. The Lord is faithful, and He will provide a way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
The noises and disturbances you describe—whether the revving of engines or other triggers—seem to be deeply tied to your trauma. We pray that the Lord would grant you peace that surpasses all understanding, guarding your heart and mind in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7). If these symptoms persist, we also encourage you to seek godly counsel or professional help, for the Lord often uses such means to bring healing. Do not let shame keep you from reaching out. *"Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is any cheerful? Let him sing praises. Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the assembly, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord, and the prayer of faith will heal him who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. If he has committed sins, he will be forgiven."* (James 5:13-15, WEB).
You also mentioned the tension between grace and the uncharitable actions of others, even within the church. It is true that the church is made up of imperfect people, and we all fall short. However, grace does not excuse unrepentant sin or uncharitable behavior. *"But if you bite and devour one another, be careful that you don’t consume one another."* (Galatians 5:15, WEB). We must extend grace, but we must also call one another to holiness. If you have been hurt by the church, we pray the Lord would heal those wounds and restore your trust in His body. Remember, *"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."* (John 13:35, WEB). The failures of others do not negate the truth of God’s Word or His love for you.
Lastly, we address your comment about feeling "special because of the church." Beloved, your specialness is not rooted in the church or your own works but in the finished work of Christ. *"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."* (1 Peter 2:9, WEB). You are set apart not because of your own merit but because of His mercy. Walk in that identity, and let it free you from the weight of trying to earn favor or avoid misfortune through your own efforts.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister to You, knowing that You are the God who sees and hears. Lord, we ask that You would deliver them from the bondage of vaping, breaking every chain of addiction in the name of Jesus. Grant them strength to resist temptation and fill the void in their heart with Your presence. Lord, You know the depths of their trauma, the triggers that cause them distress, and the fears that haunt them. We ask that You would surround them with Your peace, a peace that transcends all understanding, and that You would silence the noises of the enemy that seek to disturb their rest.
Father, we pray for healing from the wounds of the past, especially those inflicted within the church. Restore their trust in Your people, Lord, and help them to forgive as You have forgiven them. Remove any bitterness or confusion, and let them walk in the freedom of Your grace. We rebuke every spirit of fear, anxiety, and condemnation, and we declare that no weapon formed against them shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17).
Lord, we ask that You would guide their steps, especially in their workplace and social interactions. Give them wisdom to navigate relationships with humility and discernment, and protect them from the snare of the fear of man. Let them walk in the confidence that they are Your beloved child, redeemed and called for Your purposes.
We thank You, Lord, for Your providence and progress in their life. May they continue to grow in faith, trusting that You are working all things together for their good (Romans 8:28). Strengthen them, Lord, and let them see Your hand moving in their circumstances. We ask all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.