Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Appointment (02/09/12)
-
TITLE: "Be Careful What You Pray For..." | Previous Challenge Entry
By Jennifer Porter
02/12/12 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
I turned to the widow and she whispered, “I don’t believe that!” I agreed and our as our eyes met we smiled.
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.” Psalms 111:10
As I sat through the following lecture and listened to how we should strive to be mature Christians; more like Christ, I was distracted. The group leaders words came back to haunt me. “Be careful what you pray for…” Yet James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives to all generously without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” It does not say wisdom will only be given to him after a terrible trial!
I asked myself, “Do we follow a vindictive God who waits for our innocent prayers to so he can smite us with difficulties? When the multitudes crowded in on Jesus asking for healing, did he point out a road they must travel first? No! He healed everyone who came to him. While teaching, Jesus said, “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake?” Matthew 7:9-10
Those laughing words, “Be careful what you pray for…” brought fear into my heart for just a moment. I wondered, did I pray for wisdom just before my son had his spinal cord injury? Did a vengeful God trip up my son on that football field and gleefully bring suffering into our lives. Ridiculous! Truly, I never believed that lie for one second! Instead I looked for a quiet place where I could have a moment alone with God. I didn’t have to make an appointment; my Lord knew the fear and horror that filled my heart at Nathan’s transient quadriplegia. One minute he was strong, the next he couldn’t lift his arms or move his fingers and toes.
As I sat on the hospital’s bathroom floor crying desperately out to my Lord, I was given peace, that heavenly peace and the wisdom to care for my son. Why? Because through prayer I had entered into communion with Jesus, and it was my relationship with my God that brought comfort. A living Comforter, that strengthened us through the next two years of strife and turmoil.
I read recently that when we sow a kernel of corn, the ears of corn have the exact DNA as the seed. We are planted with the seed of Christ and have been given everything we need not only to grow strong, but also to bear a full crop of sweet fruit! Jesus paid the price with this own blood, and by his stripes we are healed. We do not have to ‘pay’ for the gifts of God with our own personal crucifixion! Jesus alone paid the price, to him be praised forever!
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Wisdom. Does this mean we should be afraid of him? In awe and fear of our magnificent LORD, we need to bow down and pray for the heavenly insight that only He can provide! Let us not fear the gifts of God; instead, let us with Holy reverence, remember to pray, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” Do not be afraid to seek the presence of God, but remember to fear him and his mighty name! To the world this sounds like doublespeak, but to a child of God, this is just the beginning of a long and beautiful relationship!
Word Count: 742
(New International Version)
Non-Fiction
The story within my ‘heart-search’ regarding my son is true. He is twenty-five now and made it through his injury able to walk and run!
I am truly thankful for God’s presence and his daily blessings in our lives while we traveled this long, painful road. “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31: 8
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be right now. CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
God is there for us, trials, tribulations and good times as well. He isn't a God who wants "to smite" all who "sin" - or "throw His childen into fires" to bring wisdom. He saves His children, like his three Hebrew children- and so many others in the Bible.
Thank you for this - and may the Lord continue to give you the strenght and insight concerning your son.
God Bless you and your family~
Make sure when using dialog that you start a new paragraph for every time the speaker changes, even if it is just one word.
The fact that this is a true story has even more impact. I can't imagine the struggles you went through. I so appreciate you sharing your story.