CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

This is my first prayer request, and hopefully my last on this subject.

I don't want to go into a whole lot of detail, but my brother needs some prayer in a bad way. My brother is making bad desicions one after the other, and he seems to be getting worse about it day by day. Whenever my parents try to talk to him about his problems, he gets mad (not just angry, but yelling and screaming mad) and tells them that he can't wait to turn 18 so he can move out. Whenever I try to talk to him, he tells me that it's none of my business what he does and that I should worry about my own problems before criticizing him of his own. And he may be right, but I believe that it's human nature not to give up. To me, it seems like my parents don't have the heart to do anything serious or drastic enough to bring about a change in him, and I don't have any authority over him whatsoever to do any such things. It's not that they don't care, but almost as if they care too much to subject him to something harsh enough. My parents and I have been praying for him to change for nearly a year now, and nothing has changed. And I can't help but wonder if it's because he has absolutely no problem with the way he lives. The phrase 'God helps those who help themselves' constantly comes to mind when I think about him, and I wonder if our prayers will ever be enough. I strongly believe that my brother has lost all his faith in God, and that has to be one of the worst things he has done.

So, basically, I'm asking that everyone keeps us in their prayers. For my parents to maybe have the strength to do something to help him, for me because I'd be lying if I said I haven't questioned my faith a few times during this ordeal (and I feel horrible because of it), and for my brother, who will hopefully find God again one day and change his ways for good.

Man, I'm sorry to hear that. I know what it's like, my whole extended family is going through the same thing with my cousin right now, and it's tough. There's nothing we can do unless they let us do something. But don't ever get to thinking that your prayers can't be enough. I mean, when you think about it, what exactly do you think that you're capable of doing that God couldn't do in a heartbeat? God's got perfect timing, and already knows how it's all going to turn out. Yeah, we always feel helpless, but that just proves our weakness when it comes to trusting God. SO! I'll pray that your brother will be turned around, and that you and your parents will be able to trust God no matter what happens.

Hang in there.

i will be praying as well

Yeah, don't give up!

James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Prayer is one of our most powerful weapons, but it often turns out to be our last resort. Like Yumie said, God can do it and He definately wants your brother to turn to Him.

Thanks, everyone. It's been tough, and I really appreciate all of your kind and uplifting words. I'm going to keep praying for him, too, and hope that a change will come soon.

I will be praying...

Hey man, Sorry to hear about that... I'll definatly keep your brother in my prayers. It reminds me a lot of my older brother a few years ago. I agree it can be quite stressful. I'm just grateful he's calmed down a bit since then. But I'll be sure to pray man. I really hope they can work out their problems. Let us know how things go bud.