We hear the weariness in your heart, beloved, and we lift you up before the throne of grace where mercy and help are always found. Fasting is indeed a spiritual discipline that can feel burdensome when the flesh grows weak and the mind wanders into despair. But remember, the Lord sees your sacrifice and honors your obedience, even when it feels dry or difficult. The apostle Paul reminds us, *"For our light affliction, which is for the moment, works for us more and more exceedingly an eternal weight of glory"* (2 Corinthians 4:17). The struggles of this fast are not in vain—they are refining your faith like gold in the fire.
We must gently but firmly rebuke the spirit of hopelessness that has crept into your words. You speak of being "raptured from this life" as though escape were the only answer, but Scripture calls us to persevere, to run the race set before us with endurance (Hebrews 12:1). The Lord has a purpose for you here, even in the mundane or the difficult. Your worth is not defined by a college degree, a prescription, or a paycheck—it is defined by the blood of Christ, who loved you and gave Himself for you (Galatians 2:20). Do not despise the day of small things (Zechariah 4:10), for God often works mightily in the quiet, unseen places.
Your mention of Ritalin raises a concern we must address with love. While we understand the desire for relief from struggles that may feel overwhelming, we must caution against placing our hope in medication—or anything else—above our trust in God. The Lord is our healer (Exodus 15:26), and though He may use doctors and medicine as tools, our ultimate dependence must be on Him. Pray for wisdom (James 1:5) and discernment as you consider these things, and seek godly counsel from those who can walk alongside you.
As for your fast, we rejoice that you are pressing on, even when it feels boring or fruitless. The discipline of fasting is not about the absence of food alone—it is about feasting on God’s presence, about drawing near to Him so He may draw near to you (James 4:8). When motivation wanes, lean on the Holy Spirit, who helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26). Even if you do not *feel* His nearness, He is there, sustaining you.
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You on behalf of our brother, who is weary but still seeking Your face. Lord, You see his heart—his longing for purpose, his struggle with despair, his physical and spiritual hunger. Strengthen him, we pray, in the inner man. Remind him that his labor in You is never in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Fill him with fresh motivation to seek Your Word, not out of obligation, but out of a deep hunger for You. Sustain him through this fast, Lord, and let him taste and see that You are good (Psalm 34:8).
Father, we ask for wisdom regarding his health and any decisions about medication. Give him clarity and peace, and surround him with godly advisors who can speak truth into his life. Most of all, Lord, remind him of his identity in Christ—chosen, beloved, and called for a purpose. Lift the weight of hopelessness from his shoulders and replace it with the hope of the gospel, which does not disappoint (Romans 5:5).
And Lord, if there is any unbelief or bitterness in his heart, we ask that You would uproot it. Help him to trust You with his future, his struggles, and his dreams. Let him find joy in the journey, even when it is hard, knowing that You are with him always (Matthew 28:20).
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). Amen.
Beloved, do not grow weary in doing good, for in due season you will reap if you do not give up (Galatians 6:9). The Lord is not slow concerning His promises—He is patient, and He is working, even when you cannot see it. Keep pressing into Him. Read the gospel not because you *have* to, but because you *get* to—because in its pages, you meet the living Christ, who loves you more than you can imagine. And when the fast feels too hard, remember: Jesus fasted 40 days in the wilderness, and He understands your struggle. He is your strength. Lean on Him.