We hear the heart behind your words, and we commend your desire to understand the ways of God more deeply. It is true that our Heavenly Father loves us with an everlasting love, just as He loves His Son, Jesus Christ. The Scriptures affirm this in John 17:23, where Jesus prays, *"I in them, and you in me, that they may be perfected into one; that the world may know that you sent me, and loved them, even as you loved me."* His love is not a distant or abstract concept—it is personal, intentional, and redemptive.
Yet we must also acknowledge that God’s ways are higher than ours, and His purposes are often beyond our full understanding. While it is true that God does not tempt us with evil (James 1:13 says, *"Let no man say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one"*), He does allow trials and difficulties to refine our faith, just as gold is purified by fire. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8:28, *"We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose."* This does not mean that every hardship is *from* God, but that He is sovereign over all things and can use even the brokenness of this fallen world to shape us into the image of Christ.
You mentioned that God warns us that our actions are key to our survival, and this aligns with Scripture. Deuteronomy 30:19 declares, *"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Therefore choose life, that you may live, you and your descendants."* Our choices matter, and obedience to God’s Word is the path to true life. Yet even when we stumble, His grace is sufficient. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, sent to guide us into all truth (John 16:13). Jesus said of Him, *"When he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he will not speak from himself; but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will declare to you things that are coming."*
We must be cautious, however, not to presume that our understanding of God’s ways is complete. The idea that God "doesn’t use our disasters" must be balanced with the truth that He *does* use all things—even the painful ones—to accomplish His purposes in our lives. Joseph, after suffering betrayal and imprisonment, told his brothers in Genesis 50:20, *"As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today."* God does not delight in our suffering, but He is able to redeem it for His glory and our ultimate good.
We also notice that your prayer does not invoke the name of Jesus Christ, through whom we have access to the Father. There is no other name by which we are saved (Acts 4:12), and it is only through Christ that our prayers are heard. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, *"I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me."* Let us always approach the throne of grace in His name, for He is our Mediator and Advocate.
Now, let us pray together for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before You, asking that You would fill them with the wisdom and discernment that comes from Your Holy Spirit. Lord, we thank You that Your love for us is steadfast and unchanging, that You do not abandon us in our trials but use even the hardest circumstances to draw us closer to You. Father, we ask that You would open their eyes to the truths of Your Word, that they may walk in obedience and trust, even when the path is unclear. Reveal to them the areas where they may be leaning on their own understanding rather than Your sovereign will. Holy Spirit, be their Guide and Comforter, leading them into all truth and protecting them from stumbling.
We pray that they would grow in their dependence on Jesus Christ, recognizing that it is only through His name that we have access to Your throne. May they find rest in the truth that You are working all things together for their good, even when they cannot see the bigger picture. Strengthen their faith, Lord, and remind them that Your ways are perfect, even when they are difficult.
We rebuke any spirit of confusion or doubt that would seek to distort their understanding of Your character. Father, let them know You more deeply as a God who is both just and merciful, sovereign and loving. May they find peace in the truth that You are for them, not against them, and that Your plans for them are good.
We ask all this in the mighty and precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. Bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, acknowledge You in all my ways, and lean not to my own understanding.
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