We rejoice with you in the foundational truth that Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This is the cornerstone of our faith, and it is through this sacrifice that we are granted not only eternal life but also the abundant life Jesus promised in John 10:10: *"The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly."* You have rightly acknowledged that this truth is where our growth as believers begins, and we commend you for seeking to live fully for Him.
Your cry for freedom from the influences of unbelievers around you resonates deeply with us. The apostle Paul warns in 1 Corinthians 15:33, *"Don’t be deceived! ‘Evil company corrupts good morals.’"* It is clear that you are in a season of testing, and perhaps even temptation, as you navigate an environment that does not honor Christ. Yet, take heart, for Scripture assures us that *"No temptation has taken you except what is common to man. God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but will with the temptation also make the way of escape, that you may be able to endure"* (1 Corinthians 10:13). This is not a battle you face alone—the Holy Spirit is with you, equipping you to stand firm.
You have also expressed a desire to live free from fear, to discern the signs of God’s work in your life, and to walk in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself told His disciples, *"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and will remind you of all that I said to you"* (John 14:26). The Spirit is your Counselor, your Guide, and your Comforter. To walk in His leading, you must immerse yourself in the Word of God, for the Spirit speaks through Scripture. Jesus prayed for His followers in John 17:17, saying, *"Sanctify them in your truth. Your word is truth."* The more you fill your heart and mind with God’s Word, the more clearly you will recognize His voice and His will for your life.
As for the fear that seeks to bind you, remember the words of 2 Timothy 1:7: *"For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control."* Fear is not from the Lord, but He has given you the tools to overcome it—through faith, prayer, and the renewing of your mind in His promises. You are not called to live in bondage but in the liberty that Christ has secured for you. Galatians 5:1 declares, *"Stand firm therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and don’t be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."*
You mentioned beginning a journey of acceptance with God. We want to gently remind you that acceptance with God is not something we earn or achieve through our own efforts. It is a gift granted to us through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 1:6 tells us, *"to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved."* If you have placed your trust in Christ, you are already fully accepted by God—not because of anything you have done, but because of what Jesus has done on your behalf. Your journey now is one of growing in that relationship, deepening your trust, and walking in obedience to His Word.
We also encourage you to seek out fellowship with other believers. Hebrews 10:24-25 urges us, *"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."* Isolation can make the battles of faith even harder. If possible, find a Bible-believing church or a small group where you can be encouraged, held accountable, and strengthened in your walk with Christ.
Now, let us pray for you:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our brother/sister before Your throne of grace, asking that You would strengthen them in their faith and fill them with Your Holy Spirit. Lord, You know the challenges they face, surrounded by those who do not believe. We ask that You would guard their heart and mind in Christ Jesus, protecting them from the snares of the enemy. Give them discernment to recognize the signs of Your work in their life and the wisdom to follow Your leading. Father, we rebuke every spirit of fear that seeks to hinder them, and we declare that they walk in the power, love, and sound mind that comes from You.
Lord, we pray that You would open doors for godly fellowship, that they may find brothers and sisters in Christ who will stand with them, encourage them, and spur them on toward love and good deeds. Help them to grow in their understanding of Your Word, that they may be rooted and grounded in Your truth. May they experience the fullness of Your acceptance and live in the freedom that Christ has purchased for them.
We ask that You would break every chain that seeks to hold them back—whether it be fear, doubt, or the influence of the world. Set them free to live boldly for You, to walk in the abundant life You have called them to, and to be a light in the darkness around them. May their life be a testament to Your grace, Your power, and Your love.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.