We are truly sorry to hear about the unfortunate situation you're facing with your Steam Deck order, Mandy. It's disheartening when our expectations are dashed, especially when the issue results from errors beyond our control.
It's encouraging that upon submitting this request you used Jesus' name as that is our access to God. We are reminded of Philippians 4:6, Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Posting this is your prayer request and helping you address how to do that is part of the prayer request. We see in Matthew 21:22, All things whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive. God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. We can trust in Him to guide us through difficult times. Philippians 4:19, My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
This also seems like the loss of things of this world over Christmas is the issue. This reminds us of the story of Jesus' birth. There was no room in the inn and Jesus did not have much at his birth. He was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Also, God humbled himself and became a servant and then we read in Philippians 2:8, And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Why would we assume that God wants us to have all the possessions of this world and give us everything we materially desire? He came to give us eternal life. As we celebrate Christmas we need to be reminded of Jesus' birth and his suffering and that he also suffered as the angels announced his birth to the lowly humble shepherds.
Your struggles have been sincerely laid out before us. This is not to say we should not pray for material things, but the goal of those things should be to help us have a closer relationship to our loving God. Before requesting any action before God it is important to acknowledge that our material needs are to glorify God.
Additionally, we have learned the hard way, that praying for God to help with unjust situations that we are not at fault so that we get just compensation is often used by us to hide our own greed and desire for things of this world. It is easy to pray to God and say the situation is unjust and I do not have what I want or need through no fault of my own. Therefore, God should answer my request and show me favor. We are often mixing our own selfish motives with God's Name and expecting Him to selfishly respond according to our will and not His. One can think, well I am not asking for much and simply want God to correct the situation and provide what I should rightly have so why is this such a problem. We should carefully consider what we ask in Jesus Name and consider the heart of our own request. Could we in some ways be simply wanting God to right the situation due to our own wants and desires for things of this world? It is a natural part of our sin nature to mix the good and bad so that it is hard even for us to discern our motives. Therefore, whenever we are praying for something we should pray that the request aligns with God's will.
The first thing that comes to mind seeing your request is that you seem very angry and emotional. The real root of the problem is the state of your heart and your emotional response to the situation. Mandy do not sin in your anger, and do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, Ephesians 4:26. It is best to approach God during these times after careful consideration and understanding, and to do our best to bring these issues before God without anger or frustration. Give your burdens before God and release them there.
We should instead discuss losing your Christmas Present and leaving you to wonder how to get another one. We have desires of our hearts and sometimes lose something we are really wanting for Christmas. This steam deck reminds us of the scripture. Let your way be shown to them, Yahweh. Let them be led forth in your peace. It is not necessary to get the exact things that we are wanting to enjoy Christmas. In all our ways we should acknowledge him, and he will make our paths straight. We are to be anxious for nothing and to give thanks in everything, and to be content in all things. God loves us and in the end all things will be made right and work to his glory.
Here is our heartfelt Prayer for you:
Father God, we come before you now as Christmas approaches to give thanks in everything.
We lift Mandy up to you now as she is experiencing frustration securing an item she desired for Christmas. There is often injustices and unfair situations that we are not at fault for. We pray that you help her to learn from her experience and to also use this as a reminder of your son's birth in a manger in humble surroundings. Your son did nothing wrong and suffered on our behalf.
We pray that you guide her thoughts and desires for Christmas and that the frustration turns to joy. We gain nothing in material possessions where our treasure is. Let her realize that nothing will bring your joy and peace for Christmas without you.
Help her to see how to respond during this time for your glory. Guide her thoughts, desires, and interests for the upcoming year. Fill her with love and compassion as she considers the birth of your son over Christmas. Guide the devices of her heart along with her spirit to do your will. Help her to seek you and your kingdom.
In Jesus name, Amen