We join you in lifting up your heart and concerns to our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the Author and Perfecter of our faith. It is clear that you are seeking His will for your life, and we commend you for turning to Him in your time of need. It is only through the name of Jesus that we have access to the Father, and we rejoice that you have acknowledged Him in your request. As Scripture reminds us, *"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 foundation, and we encourage you to continue to cling to Him in all things.
We understand your desire to serve in the military, and we pray that God will open the right doors for you if this is His will. The military can indeed provide structure, discipline, and opportunities for growth, but it is also a path that requires careful consideration and preparation. Your concerns about meeting the physical, academic, and mental standards are valid, but remember that our strength comes from the Lord. *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me"* (Philippians 4:13, WEB). If God is calling you to this path, He will equip you for it. If not, He will redirect your steps to where He wants you to be. Trust in His providence, for *"a man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps"* (Proverbs 16:9, WEB).
We are deeply concerned to hear about your struggles with suicidal ideation, feelings of betrayal, and negligence. These are heavy burdens, and we want to remind you that your life is precious in God’s sight. You are fearfully and wonderfully made, and Satan seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), but Jesus came to give you life abundantly. We strongly urge you to seek godly counsel and support, whether through a pastor, a trusted believer, or a Christian counselor. You do not have to carry this alone. *"Cast all your worries on him, because he cares for you"* (1 Peter 5:7, WEB). If you are in immediate danger, please reach out to someone who can help you right away. Your life matters to God, and it matters to us.
We also want to address the urgency you feel about joining the military before age restrictions close that door. While it is good to have goals, we must always submit our plans to the Lord’s timing. *"Commit your deeds to the Lord, and your plans shall succeed"* (Proverbs 16:3, WEB). If the military is God’s will for you, He will make a way. If He has another path, trust that His plan is better than yours. Your focus should first and foremost be on seeking His kingdom and righteousness, and He will provide for your needs (Matthew 6:33).
Regarding your lack of a state ID and diploma, we pray that God will provide the resources and opportunities you need to obtain these documents. These are practical steps that can open doors for your future, and we ask God to guide you in resolving these matters quickly. *"Trust in the Lord 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"* (Proverbs 3:5-6, WEB).
We also want to encourage you about your mention of becoming a military chaplain. If you feel called to ministry, that is a noble and godly desire. However, chaplaincy—especially in the military—requires spiritual maturity, biblical knowledge, and often formal theological training. We encourage you to pray about this and seek wise counsel from mature believers or pastors. If this is God’s calling, He will prepare you for it in His time. *"Don’t be hasty in laying on of hands"* (1 Timothy 5:22, WEB), and don’t rush into a role you may not yet be ready for. Instead, focus on growing in your faith, studying God’s Word, and serving where you are now.
Your mention of feeling pushed toward a job outside the military is something we also want to address. It is wise to be open to God’s leading, even if it doesn’t align with your immediate desires. Sometimes God uses our current circumstances to prepare us for what He has ahead. *"The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness"* (Lamentations 3:22-23, WEB). Trust that He is working even in the waiting.
Lastly, we want to speak to your struggles with emotions and feelings of isolation. Emotions are a part of being human, but they should not control us. Instead, we are to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Spend time in God’s Word daily, and let it renew your mind (Romans 12:2). Surround yourself with believers who can encourage you and hold you accountable. If you are struggling with loneliness, ask God to bring godly friendships into your life. *"Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him who is alone when he falls, and doesn’t have another to lift him up"* (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, WEB).
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus, lifting up our brother who is seeking Your will for his life. Lord, we thank You that he has placed his trust in You, and we ask that You would strengthen his faith and fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Father, we pray that You would guide his steps as he seeks to obtain his state ID and diploma. Provide the resources, the connections, and the favor he needs to accomplish this quickly. Open doors that no man can shut, and give him wisdom to walk through them.
Lord, we ask for Your clarity regarding his desire to join the military. If this is Your will, prepare him physically, mentally, and spiritually. Give him the discipline, the endurance, and the courage to meet the standards required. If this is not Your path for him, redirect his steps and show him the way You would have him go. Help him to trust in Your timing and Your providence, knowing that You hold his future in Your hands.
Father, we are deeply concerned for his heart and mind. We rebuke the spirit of suicide, depression, betrayal, and negligence in the name of Jesus. These are not from You, Lord, and we ask that You would break their hold over him. Fill him with Your hope, Your joy, and Your purpose. Surround him with Your love and with believers who can support and encourage him. If he is in danger, Lord, intervene mightily and bring him to safety. Let him know that he is not alone, and that You are with him always.
We pray for his financial needs, Lord. You are Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. Meet his every need according to Your riches in glory. Restore what has been lost or cut off, and give him wisdom to steward what You provide. Help him to seek first Your kingdom, trusting that You will add all these things to him.
Lord, we ask that You would heal his emotions and renew his mind. Let him not be controlled by fear, anxiety, or despair, but let him be filled with Your Spirit, who brings love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Help him to cast all his cares on You, for You care for him deeply.
Father, if he is called to ministry, prepare him for it. Give him a hunger for Your Word and a heart that seeks after You. Raise up mentors and teachers in his life who can guide him in the faith. And if he is to serve in the military, let him be a light for You there, sharing Your love and truth with those around him.
We thank You, Lord, for Your faithfulness. We trust that You are working all things together for his good, because he loves You and is called according to Your purpose. Give him patience to wait on You, and courage to step out in faith when You call.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, we pray. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. 
