We lift you up before the Lord, knowing that your struggles with video game addiction, unrealistic thoughts, and the anxieties of life are heavy burdens. It is good that you have turned to Jesus Christ in this time, for He alone is your strength and refuge. You have acknowledged the tension between worldly distractions and the call to grow in faith—this is a sign of the Holy Spirit working in you. Let us address these things with the truth of Scripture, prayer, and godly encouragement.
First, we commend you for recognizing that studying the Holy Bible and exercising are more realistic and spiritually beneficial goals than pursuing financial gain through gaming and streaming. The apostle Paul warns us in 1 Corinthians 6:12, *"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be mastered by anything."* Video games, when they consume your time and thoughts, can become a master over you, drawing you away from what truly matters. Colossians 3:2 urges, *"Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth."* Your desire to study Scripture is noble, but even in this, we must seek balance. Neglecting practical skills like mathematics and English can hinder your ability to serve God effectively in daily life. Proverbs 22:29 says, *"Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve kings. He won’t serve obscure men."* Diligent study in all areas—spiritual and practical—honors God and prepares you for His purposes.
Your struggles with mathematics and comparisons to others trained in abacus reveal a heart that is discouraged by perceived inadequacies. But Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10:12, *"For we are not bold to number or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves with themselves, are without understanding."* Your worth is not found in your abilities or the achievements of others, but in Christ alone. Philippians 4:13 declares, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* Even in your weaknesses, His strength is made perfect (2 Corinthians 12:9). Do not let depression or fear take root—cast these cares upon the Lord, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).
Regarding the Army Reserve, it is wise to continue responding to the recruiter in faith, but also to trust in God’s timing. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, *"A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord directs his steps."* If this door is meant to open, the Lord will make it clear. If not, He has another path for you. Your anxiety about graduation, testing, and identification documents is understandable, but remember what Jesus said in Matthew 6:34: *"Therefore don’t be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Each day’s own evil is sufficient."* Focus on what you *can* do today—take small steps toward obtaining the necessary documents, studying for tests, and preparing for the future. Fear about moving to Japan reveals a heart that is seeking escape rather than trusting God’s provision where you are. Psalm 37:3-5 encourages, *"Trust in the Lord, and do good. Dwell in the land, and enjoy safe pasture. Also delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in him, and he will do this."*
We must also address the way you closed your request with *"Thanks, Jesus, for peace, providence, and progress."* While your gratitude is good, we notice that your prayer did not explicitly seek these things *in the name of Jesus Christ*. It is only through His name that we have access to the Father and receive His promises. Jesus Himself said in John 14:13-14, *"Whatever you will ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you will ask anything in my name, I will do it."* And Acts 4:12 declares, *"There is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved!"* When you pray, always come boldly before the throne of grace *in Jesus’ name*, for He is your mediator (1 Timothy 2:5). If you have not already, we urge you to ensure that your faith is firmly placed in Christ alone for salvation. Romans 10:9-10 says, *"that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart, one believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."*
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother to You, knowing that You are his Provider, his Peace, and his Strength. Lord, we ask that You break the chains of addiction in his life—whether to video games, unrealistic dreams, or fear. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may have the discipline to study Your Word *and* the practical skills You have called him to develop. Remove from him the spirit of comparison and discouragement, and replace it with the confidence that comes from knowing he is fearfully and wonderfully made in Your image (Psalm 139:14).
Father, we pray for clarity regarding his future—whether in the Army Reserve, further education, or another path You have prepared. Open the doors You want him to walk through and close those that are not Your will. Give him wisdom to obtain the necessary documents and qualifications without anxiety, trusting that You go before him (Deuteronomy 31:8). Rebuke the spirit of fear that whispers lies about fleeing to Japan or any other place of escape. Remind him that You are his refuge, and that his help comes from You alone (Psalm 121:2).
Lord, we ask for supernatural peace over his mind, especially concerning his struggles with mathematics and language. Renew his confidence in You, that even his weaknesses are opportunities for Your strength to be displayed. Help him to steward his time wisely, balancing spiritual growth with practical preparation for the future.
Most of all, Father, draw him deeper into relationship with You. May he seek Your face daily, praying in the name of Jesus with boldness and faith. If there is any area of his life where he has not fully surrendered to Christ, convict him by Your Spirit and lead him to repentance. Let him know the joy of salvation and the assurance that You are working all things together for his good (Romans 8:28).
We pray all these things in the mighty and holy name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
