[__ Prayer __] Pray for my friend

[Znex]

Over the past half year, I've been talking with an online friend of mine about my faith. I've known her for the past few years to be a Christian, but during that time she seems to have drifted away, and although isn't atheist is still opposed to her former faith.

From what I've come to learn about her, she had a troubled time as a Christian featuring many Christians at her church and generally who were hypocritical to say the least, rather bullying and unloving. Her parents and I are probably the few who aren't like this, though her father can be a bit inconsiderate.

Unfortunately, apart from the church she's known for most of her life, there aren't any within suitable distances that would be helpful for her. Even for her to go to her former church means she goes mostly ignored and she detests it.

At times we look in the Bible together, though at others she may voice that she's heard it all before and knows it all. At the moment, when we do, we are reading through Mark having recently looked at the beginning of Mark 2, although we have read other chapters before in a non-linear pattern.

There are times when I rejoice because I think I see God working in her, and others when I pray and despair because I think he is not.

My brothers and sisters, therefore I ask you pray that our God may work in her, and that his will may be done for her. May you too ask that for me, for I dearly need it.

 

[AirDancer]

Both you and your friend are in my prayers, Znex.

Please despair not, for our Lord doesn't abandon any of us; He's always involved in our lives. Whether we're each listening & following His guidance, well, that's another issue.

About her current church situation, remind her that she's not there because she follows man. Instead, she's there to seek further knowledge of our Lord. Man will fail at times in human relationships; our Lord never fails us. Advise her to smile at fellow congregationists, to give greetings of peace in our Lord's love, and then focus on Scripture & teaching offered during church service.

I know it is challenging, and sometimes downright uncomfortable, to attend where one doesn't feel welcome.

If she has internet at home, she could join us here. There are many members who consider CFnet as 'home church'.

In the meanwhile, you are both in my prayers.

 

[Eugene]

Praying for you and your friend Znex. Your work in her behalf is not in vain, and though you may never see the result as God works in her life, He knows your effort and love as the work accomplished in your life by Him taking hold. Growth cannot always be measured by great knowledge, but by the fruit of the Spirit in us, and by your testimony to the glory of God, that is occurring.
:waving

 

[Znex]

From what I've come to learn about her, she had a troubled time as a Christian featuring many Christians at her church and generally who were hypocritical to say the least, rather bullying and unloving. Her parents and I are probably the few who aren't like this, though her father can be a bit inconsiderate.

Unfortunately, I think I was understating this quite a lot.

Throughout her life, so far as I know, he has been mentally abusive to her: stuff like putting her down and swearing at her. Most recently, he went so far as to call her a b**** whilst he was wanting to know something from her. :chokedup

She seems to be his main target, although he has been like this towards the rest of their family. Her mum has said that he does not know what he's saying when he does, however even that he might get help is most worthy of prayer indeed.

My brothers and sisters, I ask you pray here that God may bring love and peace to their household, for it is very much needed. Indeed, pray that God works in each and every one of them and has his will done for each too.

On the bright side, the Lord is helping me quite a bit in my emotional trouble whilst being her friend and he is guiding me towards a better focus on him. Pray too that he will continue to work in me for his glory's sake, and that his will be done for me. :p

 

[AirDancer]

Wonderful news that you are listening when our Lord speaks, so you are able to allow our Lord to guide you. Amen!

Prayers continue for you, as well as for your friend and her family. Our Lord loves each of us, and never abandons us. And He listens, as well, when we pray.

Blessings!