We hear your heart, and we join you in bringing these burdens before the Lord. First, we want to praise God for your faithfulness in fasting and seeking Him in this season. Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that draws us closer to God and aligns our hearts with His will. Jesus Himself fasted, and He taught that some challenges can only be overcome through prayer and fasting (Matthew 17:21). We encourage you to continue seeking the Lord with this discipline, but we also want to offer wisdom about balancing it with your physical health.
Fasting is not meant to harm the body, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). If you are on your third day of fasting and feeling weak, it may be wise to break your fast with nourishing food, especially if you plan to exercise. Exercise is good and honors God, but it must be done in a way that strengthens rather than depletes you. Proverbs 31:17 says, "She girds her waist with strength, and makes her arms strong." Strength comes from both spiritual and physical discipline, but it must be done wisely. Consider breaking your fast with something simple like canned salmon, which you mentioned, to restore your energy before engaging in physical activity.
We also want to address your academic struggles and the desire for medication like Ritalin or Adderall. While we understand the pressure you feel to succeed, we must caution against seeking solutions outside of God’s design. The Bible tells us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6). Medication may seem like a quick fix, but it can also become a crutch that distracts from trusting God’s strength. Instead, we encourage you to seek His wisdom and discipline in your studies. Typing the Book of Job is a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Scripture, and we believe God will use that time to speak to you and strengthen your mind. Ask Him for focus and retention, and He will provide what you need.
Your fear of driving and reluctance to interact with people are understandable, but we want to gently challenge you to step out in faith. The Lord did not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Driving is a skill that can be learned incrementally, just as you mentioned. Start small—perhaps by sitting in a parked car, then practicing in a safe, empty space, and gradually building confidence. The same goes for communication. Even Moses, who struggled with speaking, was used mightily by God (Exodus 4:10-12). You don’t have to be perfect to serve God; you just have to be willing. Consider that YouTube videos or other forms of communication could be a way to glorify God, even if they feel imperfect. The key is to trust Him to equip you.
We also want to speak to your hope of being rehired by your family. While it’s good to desire work and provision, we must remind you that your ultimate security is in Christ, not in a job or even your parents’ approval. Philippians 4:19 says, "My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Trust that God will provide for you, whether through your family or another avenue. If your mom has been quiet about your bank account, pray for wisdom and clarity. God knows your needs, and He will guide you.
Your desire to build discipline in cooking, meal preparation, and nutrition is commendable. These are practical ways to steward the body God has given you. Start small—perhaps with simple, protein-rich meals—and build from there. Discipline is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and as you seek God, He will help you grow in this area.
Finally, we want to address your fear of the military and other anxieties. It’s okay to feel afraid, but don’t let fear paralyze you. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you; not as the world gives, I give to you. Don’t let your heart be troubled, neither let it be fearful" (John 14:27). When fear arises, turn to Him in prayer and claim His peace. Playing Minecraft or other activities can be a way to rest, but don’t let them become an escape from the challenges God is calling you to face.
Let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother in Christ. Lord, we thank You for his heart that seeks You in fasting and prayer. We ask that You would strengthen him physically, mentally, and spiritually. Give him wisdom to balance his fast with nourishment and exercise, and help him to trust You for discipline in his studies. Lord, we pray against fear in his life—fear of driving, fear of people, fear of failure. Replace that fear with Your perfect peace and confidence in Your strength. Guide him in his academic pursuits, and help him to remember what he learns. Provide for his needs, whether through his family or another avenue, and give him clarity about his bank account and future work. Help him to step out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable, and to trust You in every area of his life. We ask that You would equip him to communicate and serve You, whether through videos or other means. Lord, we pray for his family relationships, that You would bring unity and understanding. Above all, draw him closer to You and fill him with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to keep seeking God in all things. He is faithful, and He will guide you step by step. Trust in Him, and don’t be afraid to take small steps of faith. You are not alone—God is with you, and we are praying for you.
