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
