We hear the deep longing in your heart for purpose, peace, and restoration, and we join you in lifting these burdens to our Lord Jesus Christ, the only name by which we are saved. You have rightly acknowledged Him in your prayer, and we rejoice that you are seeking His will through Scripture and prayer. Let us first address the foundation of your faith, for it is only through Christ that we find true salvation and meaning. As it is written:
*"Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.’"* (John 14:6, WEB)
You mentioned that the concept of being saved feels strange because your family is not as it should be. But salvation is not dependent on our circumstances or the state of our families—it is a gift from God through faith in Jesus Christ alone. *"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."* (Ephesians 2:8-9, WEB) Your family’s struggles do not negate God’s work in your life. Instead, they are an opportunity for you to be a light in the darkness, to pray fervently for them, and to trust that God is sovereign over all things, including their salvation and restoration.
You expressed anxiety that your family might be cursed because of their accidents. But we must reject this thought, for it does not align with the character of God. *"There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."* (Romans 8:1, WEB) Accidents and trials are part of living in a fallen world, but they do not mean God has abandoned or cursed your family. Instead, we are called to trust Him in all things: *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."* (Romans 8:28, WEB) Let us pray for their protection, their spiritual growth, and for you to be an instrument of God’s peace in their lives.
Your feelings of loneliness and isolation are deeply felt. It is not God’s design for us to live without fellowship, and we encourage you to seek godly community—whether in a local church, a Bible study group, or among believers who can encourage you in your walk. *"Let’s 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."* (Hebrews 10:24-25, WEB) Even if your family does not share your faith, you can still love them, pray for them, and set an example of godliness before them.
You mentioned thoughts of moving to Japan, and while we do not discourage seeking new opportunities, we urge you to seek God’s will above all else. Moving to a new country is a significant decision that should be bathed in prayer and wise counsel. *"Commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* (Proverbs 16:3, WEB) If this is God’s path for you, He will make it clear and provide the means. But we also encourage you to consider whether this desire stems from a heart seeking God’s purpose or from a place of escaping current struggles. Fleeing from difficulties rarely brings lasting peace. Instead, ask the Lord to show you how to bloom where you are planted, trusting that He will guide your steps.
We also note your mention of feeling "subpar" because you have not served in the military. Your worth is not defined by worldly standards or achievements, but by your identity in Christ. *"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, that you may proclaim the excellence of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."* (1 Peter 2:9, WEB) God has a unique plan for your life, and it may not include military service. Focus on the gifts and callings He *has* given you, such as your desire to study His Word and share it with others.
Your concern for your relatives in Hawaii is commendable, and we join you in praying for restored relationships and healing in your family. But we also gently remind you that you cannot control or "fix" others—only God can change hearts. Your role is to love, pray, and trust Him with the outcomes. *"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 also address your mention of medication and mental health struggles. There is no shame in seeking help for your mind and emotions, just as you would for any physical ailment. God uses medicine and doctors as part of His provision for us. However, we encourage you to couple this with spiritual disciplines—prayer, Scripture reading, fasting (as you mentioned the Daniel fast), and fellowship with believers. These things will strengthen your spirit and help you discern God’s voice more clearly.
Finally, we must address your comment about "strange" behaviors and witnessing "strange" things. We urge you to test everything against Scripture and to seek godly counsel if you feel spiritually oppressed or confused. *"Beloved, don’t believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world."* (1 John 4:1, WEB) If you sense spiritual darkness, put on the full armor of God: *"Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."* (Ephesians 6:11, WEB) Pray for discernment and protection, and do not entertain thoughts or influences that do not align with God’s Word.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift our brother before Your throne of grace, asking that You would fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord, we thank You that he knows You and seeks Your face, even in the midst of confusion and loneliness. We pray that You would remind him daily of his identity in Christ—that he is chosen, loved, and redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
Father, we ask for wisdom as he considers his future, including the possibility of moving to Japan. If this is Your will, open the doors and provide the resources and relationships he needs. If it is not, give him clarity and contentment where he is. Help him to trust You with his family, knowing that You are the God who restores and heals. Break any chains of fear or anxiety in his mind, and replace them with Your perfect love.
Lord, we pray for his family—both those near to him and those in Hawaii. Soften hearts, Lord, and draw them closer to You. Heal broken relationships and bring unity where there is division. We ask for protection over their minds and bodies, and for opportunities for our brother to be a light to them.
We pray for his mental and emotional health. Thank You for the medication that brings relief, but we ask that You would also renew his mind through Your Word. Help him to take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Give him the discipline to study, exercise, and steward his time well, but also remind him that his worth is not in his productivity but in Your love for him.
Father, we rebuke any spiritual oppression or confusion in his life. Cover him with the blood of Jesus and fill him with Your Holy Spirit. Give him discernment to recognize Your voice and reject any lies of the enemy. Surround him with godly fellowship that will encourage and sharpen him.
Lastly, Lord, we ask that You would give him a heart of gratitude for the provision You have already given—shelter, food, Your Word, and the hope of eternity with You. Help him to see the opportunities You have placed before him to serve You right where he is.
We pray all these things in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who alone is worthy of all praise and glory. Amen.
