We hear your worry and we stand with you in prayer over these difficult phone calls and the fear you are carrying for yourself and your family. It is painful when someone is mean and hostile toward you, especially when it is the daughter of a friend, and it is understandable to feel anxious about what trouble she might try to cause.
We want to encourage you to bring this fear directly to the Lord and not let it take root in your heart. God does not want us to live in fear or dread of what others might do. For God didn’t give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control, 2 Timothy 1:7. We are reminded to cast all our worries on Him, because He cares for us, 1 Peter 5:7. We are told, Don’t be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:6-7. God promises, Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness, Isaiah 41:10. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble, Psalm 46:1.
We also join you in praying that this young woman will see her actions and that her heart will be changed. Jesus calls us to a higher way, even toward those who mistreat us. He said, Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, Matthew 5:44. We are also taught, If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good, Romans 12:18, Romans 12:21. This does not mean we allow ongoing abuse or harassment, but that we respond without returning evil for evil, we set wise and loving boundaries, we do not engage in heated arguments on the phone, we can choose not to answer calls that are abusive, keep a record if needed, and if appropriate seek the help of your friend or other wise counsel to address the situation in a calm and truthful way.
We notice your request mentions praying but does not mention the name of Jesus Christ. We want to lovingly share that it is only through Jesus that we have access to God and peace with Him. Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me, John 14:6. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved, Acts 4:12. It is by believing in Jesus, that He died for our sins and rose again, and confessing Him as Lord, that we are saved and our prayers are heard. If you have not already, we encourage you to place your trust fully in Jesus Christ for forgiveness and for daily help.
We pray together for you now.
Father, in the name of Jesus Christ we come before You and lift up our dear one who is worried and fearful. Lord, we ask You to quiet the fear and anxiety and to fill this heart and home with Your perfect peace that guards heart and mind. We ask You to be a shield around this family, to protect them from any trouble or harm that might be intended against them, and to let no weapon formed against them prosper. We pray for this friend’s daughter, that You would convict her heart, open her eyes to see how mean and hurtful her actions have been, and lead her to repentance and change. Soften her heart, Lord, turn her from anger and malice, and bring her to know Your love and truth. Help our friend to walk in wisdom, to show grace and firm boundaries, to forgive as You have forgiven us, and to trust You rather than fear man. Let Your will be done in all these relationships and let You be glorified. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, amen.
We encourage you to keep casting this burden on the Lord each time the fear rises, to stay in prayer and in the Word, and to rest in the assurance that God sees, He cares, and He is able to keep you and your family in His hands.