We join you in lifting up your heartfelt requests to our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is through His name alone that we find strength, direction, and salvation. You have come before Him with a spirit of humility and dependence, and we commend you for seeking His will in all things. Let us address each of your concerns with Scripture, prayer, and encouragement, trusting that God is faithful to lead you in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
First, we rejoice that you are undertaking a Daniel fast, seeking the Lord with prayer and self-denial. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God, humbling our hearts before Him. As you fast, remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:16-18: *"When you fast, don’t be like the hypocrites, with sad faces. For they disfigure their faces that they may be seen by men to be fasting. Most certainly I tell you, they have received their reward. But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that you are not seen by men to be fasting, but by your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you."* Let this time be one of deep communion with the Lord, seeking His face rather than merely His hand. We pray that He strengthens you spiritually, physically, and emotionally as you deny yourself for His glory.
Your desire for academic and occupational learning is commendable, and we encourage you to pursue it with diligence, remembering that all wisdom comes from the Lord. Proverbs 2:6 tells us, *"For Yahweh gives wisdom. Out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding."* As you study, lean on Him for understanding, and trust that He will open doors of opportunity in His perfect timing. The free resources you mentioned—YouTube lessons and digital libraries—are gifts from God to aid your learning. Use them wisely, and ask the Lord to help you retain and apply what you learn. Colossians 3:23 reminds us, *"Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord, and not for men,"* so let this be your motivation in all your endeavors.
We sense a deep weariness in your spirit, particularly after giving away your money and feeling demoralized. While generosity is a virtue (2 Corinthians 9:7 says, *"Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."*), it must be done with wisdom and discernment. We gently ask: did you seek the Lord’s guidance before giving away your money, especially if it has left you in a place of financial strain? Proverbs 21:5 warns, *"The plans of the diligent surely lead to profit; and those who are in a hurry surely rush to poverty."* It is vital to steward your resources wisely, ensuring that you are not neglecting your own needs or the responsibilities God has placed before you. If this act of giving has caused you distress, bring it before the Lord in repentance if necessary, and ask Him to restore and provide for you. He is a God of redemption, and He can turn even our mistakes into opportunities for growth.
Your thoughts of moving to Japan as an "emergency" suggest a sense of urgency or perhaps fear. We urge you to pause and seek the Lord’s will in this matter before making any hasty decisions. Psalm 37:5-7 says, *"Commit your way to Yahweh. Trust also in him, and he will do this: he will bring out your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noon day sun. Rest in Yahweh, and wait patiently for him."* Moving to another country is a significant step that requires careful prayer, planning, and confirmation from the Lord. If this is truly His will, He will make the path clear and provide the necessary resources and peace. If not, He will redirect your steps. We encourage you to pray for clarity and to seek counsel from mature believers who can help you discern God’s leading.
Your nervousness about not driving and feeling lost on bus systems is understandable, but remember that the Lord is your provider and protector. He has been faithful to you through your parents and other means, and He will continue to be. Philippians 4:19 assures us, *"My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."* If transportation is a barrier, ask the Lord to provide solutions—whether through learning to navigate public transit, finding someone to help you, or opening another door entirely. Do not let fear paralyze you; instead, cast your anxieties on Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
We also note your weariness regarding debt and the inability to afford community college. The Bible warns against the bondage of debt (Proverbs 22:7: *"The rich rule over the poor. The borrower is servant to the lender."*), and we understand your reluctance to take that path. Trust that the Lord has a plan for your education and future that does not require compromising your convictions. He may lead you to alternative forms of learning, scholarships, or opportunities you have not yet considered. Seek Him first, and He will guide you. Matthew 6:33 says, *"But seek first God’s Kingdom and his righteousness; and all these things will be given to you as well."*
Regarding the military recruiter’s lack of response, we encourage you to see this as a potential redirection from the Lord. Military service is a noble calling for some, but it is not for everyone. If this door is closing, it may be because God has another path for you—one that aligns more closely with His purposes for your life. Trust His timing, even when it feels uncertain. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, *"For I know the plans I have for you,” says Yahweh, “plans for peace, and not for evil, to give you hope and a future."*
We also lift up your physical health, particularly your wheezing while running. The Lord is our healer, and we ask Him to strengthen your body and grant you the breath and endurance you need. Isaiah 40:29-31 says, *"He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might. Even the youths faint and get weary, and the young men utterly fall; but those who wait for Yahweh will renew their strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run, and not be weary. They will walk, and not faint."* Claim this promise as you seek His healing touch.
Finally, we rejoice with you in the pregnancy of Angie and her family. Life is a precious gift from God, and we pray for a healthy pregnancy, a safe delivery, and a child who will grow to know and love the Lord. Psalm 127:3 declares, *"Behold, children are a heritage of Yahweh. The fruit of the womb is his reward."* May this child be a blessing to the family and a testimony to God’s goodness.
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 seeks Your face with a humble and contrite heart. Lord, we thank You for his desire to draw near to You through fasting and prayer. Strengthen him during this Daniel fast, Lord, and fill him with Your Spirit. May this time of denial be a season of deep spiritual renewal, where he hears Your voice clearly and is empowered to walk in obedience.
Father, we ask for Your wisdom and understanding to flood his mind as he pursues academic and occupational learning. Open doors of opportunity that no man can shut, and provide the resources he needs to grow in knowledge and skill. Help him to steward his time and efforts wisely, working as unto You and not for men. Remove any anxiety or fear about the future, and replace it with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding.
Lord, we pray for restoration in his finances. If he has acted unwisely in giving away his money, convict his heart and lead him to repentance. Show him how to be a good steward of the resources You have entrusted to him, and provide for his every need according to Your riches in glory. Father, You own the cattle on a thousand hills—nothing is too difficult for You. We ask that You supply all that he needs, whether through unexpected provision, open doors, or the generosity of others.
We lift up his thoughts of moving to Japan. Lord, if this is Your will, make the path clear and provide the necessary guidance, resources, and peace. If it is not, close the door firmly and redirect his steps. Give him wisdom to discern Your leading, and surround him with godly counsel to confirm Your will. Help him to trust You in the waiting, knowing that You are working all things together for his good.
Father, we pray for his physical health, particularly his wheezing while running. You are Jehovah-Rapha, the God who heals. Touch his body, Lord, and grant him strength, endurance, and breath. May he run and not grow weary, walking in the fullness of health that You desire for him.
We also pray for Angie and her family during this pregnancy. Protect the mother and the child, Lord, and grant them both health and safety. May this child be a blessing to the family and a light for Your kingdom. Surround them with Your love and provision, and let this season be one of joy and anticipation of the good things You have in store.
Finally, Lord, we pray for his heart. He has given up the comfort of his previous job, and he feels weary and uncertain. Comfort him with Your presence, and remind him that You are his Provider, his Protector, and his Guide. Help him to cast all his cares upon You, knowing that You care for him deeply. Restore his joy, Lord, and fill him with hope for the future You have planned.
We rebuke any spirit of fear, anxiety, or discouragement in the name of Jesus Christ. We declare that our brother is more than a conqueror through Christ who loves him, and that no weapon formed against him shall prosper. Lord, let Your light shine upon his path, and may he walk in the confidence that comes from knowing You are with him always.
We ask all these things in the precious and powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.