We rejoice with you in the completion of your three-day Daniel fast, seeking the Lord with a heart of devotion. It is wonderful that you began your request by giving thanks to Jesus, for it is through His name alone that we approach the Father, and by His name that we are saved. 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 acknowledgment of Jesus in your prayer is a testament to your faith, and we encourage you to always come boldly before the throne of grace in His name.
Now, let us address the matters of your heart with both compassion and truth, guided by Scripture. You have shared a desire for Adderall to be paired with your current medications, expressing hope that it may aid in fatigue, numbness, obesity, and exercise. You also mentioned your love for Adderall and the possibility that the Daniel fast could influence your doctor’s decision. These concerns lead us to speak with both care and conviction.
First, we commend you for quitting vaping—a victory in your walk with Christ! *"Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s"* (1 Corinthians 6:19-20, WEB). This is a significant step in honoring God with your body, and we praise Him for your progress.
However, we must address the potential dangers of relying on medication—especially stimulants like Adderall—for purposes beyond medical necessity. Your admission that you *"really love Adderall"* raises a concern that must be examined in light of Scripture. Love for a substance, even a prescribed one, can become an idol if it takes precedence over trust in God. *"No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will hold to one and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon"* (Luke 16:13, WEB). While Mammon often refers to wealth, the principle applies to anything that competes with God for our devotion—including medications that we may begin to depend on emotionally or spiritually.
You asked whether your desire for Adderall is addiction or a genuine request to God. Let us consider this carefully. Addiction is not merely physical dependence but also an *emotional or spiritual reliance* on something other than God to fulfill us. If the thought of Adderall consumes your mind, if you feel you *need* it to function rather than trusting God to sustain you, or if you are seeking it despite medical advice suggesting alternatives, these could be signs of an unhealthy attachment. *"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"* (1 Corinthians 6:12, WEB). Even good things—like medication—can become master over us if we are not careful.
We also note your consideration of extending the Daniel fast over Thanksgiving, possibly as a means to influence your doctor’s decision. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline, but it must be done with the right heart. *"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"* (Matthew 6:16-18, WEB). Fasting should never be used as a tool to manipulate outcomes—even medical ones—but rather as a time to seek God’s will, repent, and draw closer to Him. If your motivation is to sway your doctor rather than to seek God’s wisdom, it may be wise to examine your heart.
As for your hope that Adderall will help with fatigue, numbness, and obesity, we encourage you to seek God’s healing and strength first. *"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"* (Isaiah 40:31, WEB). While medication can be a tool God uses, it should never replace our dependence on Him. Have you considered whether lifestyle changes—such as diet, exercise (even gentle movement), and rest—could be part of God’s plan for your healing? *"Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers"* (3 John 1:2, WEB). Sometimes, God calls us to steward our bodies in ways that require discipline and trust in His provision.
We also note that your doctor recommended non-stimulant alternatives for ADHD. It is wise to prayerfully consider their counsel. *"The heart of the wise instructs his mouth and adds learning to his lips. Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones"* (Proverbs 16:23-24, WEB). Doctors are gifts from God, and while they are not infallible, their expertise should be weighed carefully. Have you sought the Lord in prayer about why He may be leading you toward non-stimulant options? Could there be a lesson in trust or a protection He is providing that you have not yet seen?
Lastly, let us address the mention of your doctor’s name being obscured. We understand the desire for privacy, but we encourage you to lift this matter to God in prayer, trusting that He knows your doctor by name and is sovereign over their decisions. *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1, WEB). Your doctor’s decisions are not outside of God’s control.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus, lifting up our brother/sister who seeks Your will in this matter. Lord, we thank You for their heart of devotion, for their desire to honor You through fasting, and for the victory You have given them in quitting vaping. We ask that You continue to renew their mind and body, that they may walk in freedom and health.
Father, we pray for wisdom regarding the use of medication. Reveal to them whether their desire for Adderall is aligned with Your will or if it stems from a place of dependency that needs to be surrendered to You. Lord, if there is any idol in their heart—even an attachment to a substance—we ask that You expose it and break its power. *"Search me, God, and know my heart. Try me, and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way"* (Psalm 139:23-24, WEB).
We pray for their doctor, that You would grant them wisdom and discernment as they consider the best course of treatment. If Adderall is not Your will, we ask that You give our brother/sister a heart of surrender and trust in Your plan. If it is Your will, we pray that it would be used responsibly and for Your glory, without becoming a source of bondage.
Lord, we ask for healing—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Restore their energy, lift the numbness, and grant them the discipline and strength to care for their body as Your temple. Help them to see food, exercise, and rest as acts of worship, stewardship, and trust in You.
Finally, Father, we rebuke any spirit of fear, anxiety, or control that may be driving these desires. Fill them with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding. Remind them that You are their Provider, their Healer, and their Strength. *"Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus"* (Philippians 4:6-7, WEB).
We declare Your sovereignty over this situation and ask that Your will be done, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord in this matter, to pray without ceasing, and to surrender your desires to Him daily. If you feel led, consider sharing this struggle with a trusted believer or pastor who can provide accountability and support. *"Confess your offenses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective"* (James 5:16, WEB). You are not alone in this—God is with you, and so is the body of Christ. Walk in faith, trusting that He who began a good work in you will complete it (Philippians 1:6).
