"Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time he said, 'My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.' So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me." 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 NLT
I prayed numerous times
daily, but nothing changed.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, a
life-changing situation had turned my world upside down. Because of the nature
of it-and the prevailing belief in the denomination I belonged to, I could no
longer serve in the profession I had been in for the past 14 years. I prayed for
God to open a door. Individual churches had the authority to overlook and
understand what had happened and call me anyway. Few did. Hundreds of resumes
pummeled the mail system. One church representative called to say having me as
pastor would split his church-a call I thought could have been avoided. Two
others called with salary offers no one could live on. Entering another
profession seemed my only option.
During this time in my life, disappointment,
discouragement, and depression were my occasional bedfellows. Like Paul, I
begged God to remove my thorn in my flesh. Though I didn't hear His answer, my
unchanging circumstances revealed it: "No." Would I learn to do what Paul
did-boast about his weakness, or continue wallowing in my self-pity? And, of
course, some reminded me prayer changes things.
My prayer seemed to change nothing. Over time, I
discovered it had. My prayer changed me. I let go of the bitterness over what
had happened and my bitterness toward those who wouldn't allow me to obey God's
call. Paul learned to glory in his weakness, and I did as well. Instead of
stewing over my circumstances, I allowed God to use them for His glory. Since
then, many have come to me for counsel because of what I've gone through-whereas
they wouldn't talk to others who couldn't comprehend their pain. And in time,
God put me back into full-time ministry.
Prayer might not change the course of a hurricane or
tornado, alter the mindset of a spouse who chooses to walk away, modify the
course of a rebellious child, or revise the boss' mind about a layoff, but it
will change my perspective on the circumstances which in turn will alter my
attitude. And when my attitude changes, so will my response.
Prayer will change things. If nothing else, you.
Martin Wiles
Hodges,
South Carolina, USA
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