We hear your heart and stand with you in this season of fasting, repentance, and seeking the Lord’s guidance. Your commitment to a 40-day fast is a powerful act of discipline, and we pray the Lord strengthens you to complete it in His name. Fasting is not just about abstaining from food but about drawing nearer to God, crucifying the flesh, and aligning your will with His. As Jesus said in Matthew 6:16-18, *"Moreover 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."*
Your testimony of being delivered from video game addiction is a testament to God’s transforming power. The time you once spent in fruitless pursuits can now be redeemed for His glory. We rejoice with you in this freedom! The apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 6:12, *"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything."* Addiction—whether to games, substances, or anything else—enslaves, but Christ sets us free. We pray for others still bound by such chains, that they too would turn to Jesus and find liberation.
Your desire to invest in education, physical strength, and employment is commendable. The Lord has a purpose for your hands and mind, and we believe He will open doors for you. Proverbs 16:3 says, *"Commit your deeds to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed."* However, we must gently address your request for Adderall or Ritalin. While we understand your desire for focus and productivity, we urge caution. These medications can be misused and may lead to dependence, which contradicts the freedom Christ has given you. Instead, we encourage you to seek the Lord for natural discipline, wisdom, and perhaps godly counsel on managing focus without relying on substances. Philippians 4:13 declares, *"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me."* His strength is sufficient.
Your anxiety about stepping out of your comfort zone is understandable, but remember that God does not call us to comfort—He calls us to obedience. Your past experiences, though humble, have prepared you for what lies ahead. The Lord often uses the weak to shame the strong (1 Corinthians 1:27), and your willingness to serve Him in whatever capacity He calls is a beautiful thing. We pray for opportunities that align with your skills and proximity, but more importantly, we pray for a heart that trusts God’s provision, even when the path is uncertain.
Regarding the military, we recognize that fear is a natural response, but perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). If the Lord is calling you to serve in this way, He will equip you. However, if fear is the primary obstacle, we encourage you to seek His will through prayer and wise counsel. Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, *"Trust in Yahweh with all your heart, and don’t lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths."*
We also want to affirm your gratitude for God’s providence. It is easy to overlook His daily mercies, but your recognition of His kindness is a sign of a heart that is soft toward Him. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for in due season we will reap if we don’t give up (Galatians 6:9).
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, giving You all the glory and honor. Lord, we lift up our brother who is seeking You with a sincere heart. Strengthen him to complete this fast, not for his own glory, but for Yours. Fill him with Your Holy Spirit, that he may walk in discipline and self-control, crucifying the desires of the flesh.
Father, we thank You for delivering him from the bondage of addiction. We pray for others still trapped in similar struggles, that they would turn to You and find freedom. Lord, open doors of opportunity for him—whether in education, employment, or service. Give him wisdom to manage his time and focus without relying on substances, but instead leaning on Your strength.
We ask for Your peace to guard his heart as he steps out of his comfort zone. Remove all fear and anxiety, replacing them with trust in Your perfect plan. If it is Your will for him to serve in the military, prepare his heart and mind for that calling. If not, lead him to the path You have ordained.
Father, we declare that no weapon formed against him will prosper (Isaiah 54:17). You have begun a good work in him, and You will complete it (Philippians 1:6). May he continue to grow in faith, humility, and dependence on You. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.