We hear the deep burden in your heart, and we are grateful you have turned to Jesus Christ in this time of uncertainty and struggle. It is clear you are wrestling with many things—financial pressures, the fear of debt, the call to ministry, and the practical challenges of life in a difficult place. Let us first affirm that your faith in Jesus Christ is your anchor, and it is by His name alone that we find wisdom, provision, and peace. You have invoked His name, and that is where true hope lies, for there is no other name under heaven by which we must be saved (Acts 4:12). It is only through Christ that we can approach the throne of grace with confidence, receiving mercy and finding grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Your concerns about debt and the financial burdens of starting a church or pursuing land are valid and serious. The Bible warns us clearly about the dangers of debt and the love of money, which can become a snare. Proverbs 22:7 tells us, *"The rich rules over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender."* Debt can become a heavy yoke that hinders our ability to serve God freely and obey His calling. We must also consider the words of Jesus in Luke 14:28-30: *"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? Lest perhaps, after he has laid a foundation and isn’t able to finish, everyone who sees begins to mock him, saying, ‘This man began to build and wasn’t able to finish.’"* If the land and the vision you are considering would require taking on overwhelming debt—especially debt that seems impossible to repay—we must urge caution. God does not call us into financial bondage, but into wise stewardship of the resources He has given us.
You mentioned the possibility of local spirits influencing these decisions. We must be sober-minded about this. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 6:12 that *"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."* If there is spiritual opposition or deception at work, we must resist it in the name of Jesus, putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:11). However, we must also test the spirits (1 John 4:1) and ensure that our decisions are led by the Holy Spirit, not by fear, pressure, or ungodly influences. If this land or venture feels driven by something other than the peace of God, it is wise to step back and seek His will more clearly.
You also expressed discomfort at the idea of being alone and far from family. This is understandable, as God designed us for community and relationship. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages us *"to 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."* Being isolated can leave us vulnerable spiritually and emotionally. If God is calling you to a place of independence, He will also provide the support and community you need—but it is wise to seek His confirmation and not rush into isolation without clear direction from Him.
Your mention of needing to learn new skills, like driving different vehicles or construction, shows a willingness to work hard and adapt. This is commendable! The Bible honors diligence and labor. Proverbs 10:4 says, *"He becomes poor who works with a lazy hand, but the hand of the diligent brings wealth."* Colossians 3:23 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men."* If God is leading you into new areas of work, He will equip you. However, we must also trust that He will open doors in His timing and not force our way into things we are not prepared for. Philippians 4:13 assures us, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* But this does not mean we should take on burdens He has not assigned to us.
We notice that you thanked "Jesus of ### rotisserie chicken with Tabasco for bodybuilding." While we understand this may have been said in a moment of lightheartedness or gratitude for provision, we want to gently remind you that our Lord Jesus Christ is not to be associated with trivial or worldly things. He is the King of kings, the Savior of the world, and the One who gave His life for our redemption. Let us honor Him with reverence and awe, for He alone is worthy (Revelation 5:12-13). Our gratitude should be directed toward Him for who He is, not for temporary or earthly comforts.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, lifting up our brother who is seeking Your will in the midst of great uncertainty. Lord, You know the burdens he carries—the fear of debt, the pressure of decisions, the longing for independence, and the desire to serve You faithfully. We ask that You grant him wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy (James 3:17). Guard his heart from fear, from haste, and from any influence that is not of You.
Father, if there are spiritual forces at work seeking to deceive or oppress, we rebuke them now in the name of Jesus Christ. We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and that Your truth will be his shield and buckler. Give him discernment to recognize Your voice above all others and the courage to walk in obedience, even if it means stepping away from what seems like an opportunity.
Lord, we pray for provision and clarity. If this land or venture is not of You, close the door firmly and redirect his steps. If there is a path You have for him, make it clear and provide the resources, skills, and community he needs to walk in it without unnecessary burden. Remind him that Your yoke is easy and Your burden is light (Matthew 11:30), and that You do not call us into bondage but into freedom.
We ask that You surround him with godly counsel—men and women of faith who can speak truth into his life and help him count the cost. Give him peace about his family and relationships, and if it is Your will for him to remain near them, make a way for that to happen without compromise.
Father, we pray for his heart as he considers learning new skills and taking on new challenges. Give him confidence not in his own ability, but in Your strength. Open doors for training, mentorship, and growth, and let him see Your hand in every step.
Most of all, Lord, we pray that he would seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness, trusting that all these things will be added to him (Matthew 6:33). Let his focus be on You, not on the pressures of this world, and let him find his satisfaction in You alone.
We thank You, Father, for Your faithfulness. We trust that You will lead him in the way he should go and that Your plans for him are for good and not for evil, to give him a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). We pray all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Finally, we encourage you to spend time in God’s Word daily, seeking His face in prayer. Psalm 32:8 says, *"I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go. I will counsel you with my eye on you."* Trust that He is speaking, even in the silence. Surround yourself with believers who can pray with you and hold you accountable. And remember, the Lord is near to all who call on Him in truth (Psalm 145:18). Keep calling on Him, and He will answer.