We come before the Lord with you in this time of distress, lifting your concerns to the Father through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Mediator. It is clear that your heart is troubled by what you have seen and experienced, and we want to address these burdens with the truth and comfort of Scripture while also offering correction where needed.
First, we praise God that you are calling upon the name of Jesus Christ, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved. 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 acknowledgment of Jesus as your Savior is foundational, and we encourage you to continue seeking Him in all things, for He alone is your refuge and strength.
Now, let us address the distress you feel about the appearances of disabled people. The Bible teaches us that every person is fearfully and wonderfully made by God, regardless of physical ability or appearance. *"I will give thanks to you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. My soul knows that very well."* (Psalm 139:14, WEB). The disabilities you witnessed are not signs of vexation or spiritual attack but part of the broken world we live in, marred by sin. Jesus Himself showed compassion to those with disabilities, healing many as a sign of His power and the coming restoration of all things (Matthew 15:30-31). Instead of fear, we are called to show love and compassion, remembering that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces (Ephesians 6:12). If you are feeling convicted or disturbed by these encounters, ask the Lord to fill you with His heart of compassion and to remove any fear or misunderstanding.
Your concerns about job locations changing, family dynamics, and perceived aggression from others reveal a deeper struggle with anxiety and the fear of man. The Bible reminds us, *"Don’t be afraid of those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna."* (Matthew 10:28, WEB). If your family or others are upset because you stopped providing for them in ways that were not your responsibility, this may be an opportunity for boundaries that honor God. Scripture teaches that we are to work and provide for our own households (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12, 1 Timothy 5:8), not enable dependency or manipulation. If you were giving out of guilt or pressure rather than love, it is right to seek God’s wisdom in these relationships. *"Let each of you, as he purposes in his heart, give not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver."* (2 Corinthians 9:7, WEB).
You also mention fasting and concerns about food, including emotional manipulation tied to gifted food or meals. Fasting is a spiritual discipline meant to draw us closer to God, not to be a source of anxiety or legalism. Jesus taught that fasting should be done with a pure heart, not for show or out of obligation (Matthew 6:16-18). If you are fasting, do so unto the Lord, seeking His face and not the approval or reactions of others. As for the luncheon meat or any food-related struggles, remember that *"the Kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."* (Romans 14:17, WEB). Do not let food or the lack of it become an idol or a source of fear. If you are struggling with disordered eating or an unhealthy focus on food, we encourage you to seek godly counsel and prayer for freedom in this area.
Lastly, you thank Jesus for removing relationships that hindered your maturity. This is wise, as Scripture warns us that *"bad company corrupts good morals."* (1 Corinthians 15:33, WEB). If the Lord has pruned relationships from your life, trust that He is making way for godly connections that will encourage your walk with Him. However, be cautious not to isolate yourself or assume that every difficulty is spiritual warfare. Sometimes, the Lord uses ordinary circumstances to refine us, and we must respond with faith rather than fear.
Let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother/sister before You, asking for Your peace to guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Lord, we rebuked any spirit of fear or anxiety that has taken hold, and we declare that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). Father, replace every troubled thought with Your truth and fill them with compassion for others, especially those who are suffering or disabled. Help them to see others through Your eyes, Lord, and to respond with love rather than distress.
We ask for wisdom in their relationships, especially with family and those who may have expectations of them. Give them discernment to know when to give and when to set boundaries, always seeking to honor You above pleasing man. Lord, if there has been any manipulation or unhealthy dependency, we pray for freedom and for hearts to be turned toward You. Break any chains of guilt or obligation that are not from You, and let Your perfect love cast out all fear (1 John 4:18).
Father, we pray for their job and provision. You are Jehovah Jireh, the Lord who provides, and we trust You to lead them to the right opportunities. Remove any bitterness or resentment from others who may be struggling with changes, and let Your peace reign in every circumstance. If fasting has become a burden, Lord, restore the joy of seeking You above all else. Let every discipline be unto You and not unto the approval or disapproval of others.
We thank You, Lord, for the maturity You are working in their life. Continue to prune what is not of You and to grow in them the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Let them walk in freedom, trusting You in every area of their life.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
