This is a little something I wrote last week... I had been having a lot on my mind and something I'll do periodically is write it out. My feelings, convictions, everything; I just sit down and start typing. I'm not sure how this forum is divided regarding religion, so for the non-believers, this post may be of little interest to you. Still, if this post reaches out to just one person, it's worth sharing. I shared it on Facebook the other day and received tons of feedback, many people relaying to me how it inspired and motivated them. So, I figured I'd share it with you guys, and I welcome any opinions, feedback, etc.

Without further ado...

Unanswered prayers, or unintended blessings?

How is your day? Is it an “up” day, or a “down” day? How about your week? Your month? Your life?

Happiness and effectiveness within our life can be paralleled to the stock market. Within any given day, there are high points and low points. The same goes for a monthly analysis. Same for years, even to the extent of the whole life of a company. Ups, downs -- truth is, it can be all over the place. The goal, however, is for a net gain over time.

No, this isn’t going to be a market analysis, so you can put down the Excedrin. The point of all of the above is to simply highlight how we perceive God’s work in our life. Good days, bad days… they’re going to happen. But when you trust that God is at work in ALL times, in ALL areas of your life; you begin to look at life through a different lens.

All throughout life, I’ve prayed. Often it’s the small prayer of thanks and blessings extended over a meal, or before slipping under the covers for a night’s rest. Other times, there is a substantial situation at hand: prayers for life in times of illness, prayers for companionship in times of loneliness, prayers for abundance in times of poverty, and prayer to be a useful tool in God’s kingdom. You know, the prayers that you don’t take lightly… the prayers over situations that normally keep you sleepless and keep your stomach in a knot.

Know this: God always responds. How he responds will dictate our mood, as selfish as that may be. Sometimes we put God in the same class as a Santa Claus, asking for things we hope to receive, so we can lead a life we hope to live, at the comfort level we expect. If these prayers go unanswered or unfulfilled, we get bitter. We get impatient. Sometimes, even angry. We try to cram God into a box to fit our image of what our needs are, ignoring that we are His creation designed to fulfill His will on Earth.

And speaking of His perfect plan, His perfect will on Earth; unanswered prayers… indeed they are some of God’s greatest gifts.

I look back at some of the more crucial moments in life… moments when I had white-knuckled my life into a given situation, and needed help. God’s help. And I prayed prayers for God to straighten things back up, and return them to normal. “Normal” being my state of happiness prior to my disastrous handling of the situation. At that moment, I wanted nothing more than for God to grant me results in the way I had imagined, and I would soon become disappointed. My heart underwent many times of anguish when “the one” failed to meet my standards of Faith. I became disappointed in God because I thought only of my immediate wants. Only later (years later) to become very, very thankful for Him remaining firm to His plan for me. How thankful I am now that I didn’t end up marrying ______, or selling myself out to ______, or getting trapped with _______.

My good friend and one of many role-models, Jim Wideman, said it brilliantly (and I’m paraphrasing slightly): “You pray for a relationship to work out, and it didn’t. Years later, you see that person at a reunion and discover that she’s one of those ‘four or five sandwich gals’ and then you thank your lucky stars for God blessing you with the beautiful woman HE had planned for you all along.” Hilarious, but accurate. That is merely one example in a sea of situations, but you get the idea. If God granted you everything your little heart desired, your life would be an absolute trainwreck. Instead, God in His perfect wisdom will allow certain things in your life, but will shield you from others. Only God knows the difference between what we want and what will actually bless our lives. We are His plan, His Creation, His glory.

Answered prayers eventually turn into another big Bible word -- testimony. Those are easy. Pray, get results, brag about God. He gets glory, you get blessed, and you tell many thirsty souls about the joy. Everyone wins. Those are the ‘sprinkles’ on the overall cupcake of Faith.

But what about those God events that blind-side you? The ones that most folks simply call “good luck” or “coincidences”. I’ve got news for ya, a coincidence is nothing more than when God chooses to remain anonymous… believe that. To remain consistent, I’ll pick on the companionship reference again. I spent many years dating, using only the tools I had acquired over the years; my game, my wisdom (all laughable in the grand scheme of things). Several months back, having just pulled myself from the burning wreckage of yet another failed attempt, I gave up. I quit. I became a recluse. I simply said to God, “it’s in your hands now”.

It wasn’t immediate… nowhere near it. I spent many nights wondering if God had forgotten. But months later, Hailey came into my life (suddenly, and boldly) and absolutely blessed me to no end. She is a woman after God’s heart, a true Proverbs-31 woman. She loves children, loves family, and miraculously loves each and every pastime I enjoy. Each and every cultural item (music, etc). To say we are equally yoked is an understatement. I KNEW she was from God, no other way to put it. Never before have I prayed daily with anyone else. Never before have I worked alongside my girlfriend in Children’s ministry. Never before have I been in a relationship that commits itself to honoring God the Father. On each and every front, we were designed for each other. THAT is a God event.

And even on another front: years ago, I was volunteered to help out with the children at my church. That’s right, I was signed up by someone else because they thought it would be good for me. I wanted no part of it because at that time, I was all about “me”. All about “self”. In a very short time, however, my feelings shifted. What used to be a daunting task of an obligation is now the very thing that brings me the most happiness. Seeing the children light up when they praise God, and knowing that I’m part of a child’s moldable walk with Christ… THAT is a blessing and an honor like no other. And it was completely unrequested. Now, it’s completely necessary for me to be happy in life. When I don’t serve the church and the children, my week suffers.

Knowing the difference between unintended blessings and unanswered prayers is crucial, but knowing that our Father in Heaven is always in charge – no matter what – is even more important. And finding joy in that revelation, finding peace in seeing His plan executed in your life… that’s the mortar holding the wall of Faith together. Praise God always, even in the storms. Especially in the storms. Know that He is in charge and has great plans for you.

When the clay is soft, it compliant. God is the potter, we are the clay. Bend for God, and He will turn your life into a masterpiece. His masterpiece.

Bless you all...

 

Nice write up, something we all need to remind ourselves of more than we do, and Garth Brooks sang this sentiment in a song of the same name in the early 90's.

In general, I pray for wisdom to let me see how to get myself out of situations that i've gotten myself into. if God's vision and plan is perfect, then it must have been perfect and foreseen that I'd get myself into the messes I created. Then, logically, if I am supposed to get out of them, as one of God's possibilities for me, then unless it would be a situation of miracle status, divine intervention, then I should be able to get myself out of them if I only knew how. Obviously, if I'd have known a better way I wouldn't have put myself there to begin with.

Anyway, so rather than just have God say yea or nay, then blame it on Him, I just ask for discernment, and being open to possibilities I hadn't seen before. Trust me, at times that would indeed be miracle status and divine intervention. Then if the answer is no, then I realize that this may have just been one of those learning opportunities for me, and thank S/He for that opportunity, and move on from there, no blames, no praise.

 

John, it takes a lot of courage to post something like that and I commend you for not being afraid to open your heart up like that. We have many choices to make in life, and one is to accept that the God of the Bible is in control or to settle for a belief that life is random and everything is based on chance or what we make of it. I too choose to accept that God has created this world and is concerned about our lives and is actually working in us and through us.

It's good to share a passion with others whether it be cars or personal beliefs.

 

Thanks for the feedback guys! I appreciate learning the perspectives of everyone here. You guys rock.

 

John,

Thanks for your thoughts! This is a very thought provoking message for all regardless of religious persuiasion. And I would also say that God never remains anonymous but rather we may often be blinded by our glee or excitement and miss Him during those "coincidences" that you mentioned.

Thanks for sharing and yes it is great to hear someone share their opinion on a positive side once in a while. We talk politics, social issues, and cars here but its rare to see an uplifiting post that just speaks from the heart as you did.

BTW - Do you work in the smyrna plant in Tenn? I visited there several years ago and got a tour. It was fun!

Later

Nate

 

John, what a nice piece of work. As I read it, it felt like something I should have written for myself. I agree totally with your perspective. Thank you for putting my feelings about God, prayer and our expectations of God into words for me. God always answers our prayers. We just don't always understand it initially. I believe in Angels. God just doesn't send them in white robes and wings.

Thank you, and God bless you.

 

Much agreed... I think some even call it 'science' in some instances

I was there for four and a half years, and in early 2008 I transferred over to the NPRC facility about three miles down the road. We handle all global dealership service parts needs. My slice of the pie is making sure our Mexican Counterpart (NMX) sends complete shipments, arrange any damage claims, and ensure that NNA pays NMX for the parts that we do receive in good condition. It's a great environment, I'm very happy.

FP -- I appreciate the kind words, and I'm honored that the message spoke to you in such a manner. I think it's important to spread the good news of Christ... if for no other reason than to provide an open door for people to know who to contact in the event of needing prayer. In today's land governed by political correctness, I think some folks are timid about requesting support. I wanna blow down those walls. I would love to be able to actually compile enough of this stuff to perhaps one day publish it... but that'll happen in due time. That would be a dream of mine.

So it goes without saying, that if you (or anyone else) ever needs prayer, never hesitate to hit me up. It DOES make a difference.

God bless you guys, and thanks again for chiming in. What a truly great forum this is.

 

John,

Continue to Huff and Puff and blow the PC house down. I also feel that these are two of the most misappropriated two words of the day in our society. The mere fact that the word political leads the pharase, already sends a bad tone. If we were to simply use the true laws of love and respect, PC would never have come into our language. Being political IMHO denotes an agenda. Well off the soap box

To further support your position on prayer, over 5 years ago I had an accident and ended up with a broken neck. My condition went from; you may be o.k. to requiring a med-flight to a trauma center with the concern for brain damage and possible paralysis. Once the news of my accident hit the airwaves, prayers ascended from all around the world in less than 12 hours. Upon arrival to the trauma center in a large city (of which I only live near to), my nurse was the son of my college professor many moons ago (that could have been coincidence right) but then my OR nurse was an old motor cycle riding buddy that I had not seen in years (coincidence again... ahh no...).

So after arriving in trauma on a Thursday night, attendants that God had put in place for my care, a safe and successful surgery, I was at home walking in my home that same Saturday afternoon.

Miracle? Maybe,
Is Prayer important? Yes,
Does God answer prayer? Absolutely!

 

This is GOLDEN. Absolutely golden. Thank you so much for sharing this. What a powerful testimony! And I couldn't agree more regarding the 'political correctness'.

Keep the Faith my friend

 

I'm sooooo tempted, John, to let the heathen out but this isn't the appropriate thread !
Besides, we may be worlds apart when it come to politics & religion but there's always beer & what a fine thing that is.

Best wishes!!

P.S.
To all of you who don't know John & I have one thing in common & it's a particular German brew that can only come from the world's oldest brewery, established in 1040.

 

Ahhh yes... Weihenstephaner Heiffe- Weiß... You are indeed a man of good taste.

And we actually have two things in common: we both love Crossfires.

Actually... I think I even agreed with you in a recent political thread. That makes three, ar ar ar

In all seriousness though I do appreciate the fact that you bit your tongue... it means a lot. Having said that, I would absolutely be honored if you wanted to shoot me a PM regarding my letter. I respect your opinions greatly and I'm not going to judge you based on religious differences. You're a good man, Charlie Brown.

Be well,

 

I am glad I slipped on my wellingtons when I waded into this thread. I will now scrape off the bottoms on the edge of the steps as I climb back out. No offense intended, and you did ask for feedback.

I see no reason to live in a world of ghosts and mystic superstition created by minds that cannot accept reality. And the reason I think that way is because noone ever has ever or will ever prove that the supernatural exists. The best validation of your faith is the warm fuzzy that comes over you when you find someone else who agrees with you. I do not use my feelings in that way. My feelings are a response to my values, not a proof of my values.

 

and both sides are represented...those who believe and those who don't ...it's not always easy in a world of temptations, fear, greed, etc. But, you have found peace, and a companion to share that grace with...so good for you, and there is always hope and prayers for the rest of us...even those who don't believe...

 

There are many, many more that reject the word than accept it. So you don't offend me by disagreeing.

Rather than give a three paragraph banter about what "John" thinks about it, I'll simply post scripture. After all, that is the handbook to the pursuit of Christ.

1 Corinthians 1:18-29 (New International Version)

Christ the Wisdom and Power of God

18For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19For it is written:

"I will destroy the wisdom of the wise;
the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate."

20Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. 22Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the foolishness of God is wiser than man's wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man's strength.
26Brothers, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28He chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29so that no one may boast before him.


I pray blessing onto you as well. We all need them, and we all appreciate them. Take care my friend.

 

FIRST, I found only one grammical error in the opening post (not that I am qualified to grade you - but I usually cant stand reading something someone tried to write as I am **** about grammer and spelling).

The point is, YOU can WRITE, and write very well given your age.

SECOND, your observations sound like those of, again, someone much older.

I, too, can attest to the "gift" of the unanswered prayer (or the prayer answered with 'no'). I intend to copy your post and place it on my other home on the internet: www.thespaceport.us this will result in a very interesting discussion over there!!!!

 

Well, PROVE? No. No one will ever prove it.
But some of us do live it.


I wanted to concentrate on JUST THIS statement, if I may.
See, if that was the case, religion-faith-whatever you call it, would have died long ago. Or, it would have died in each person who tried it, long ago.

Yesterday, (when I was young) my faith could be weakened by, well, most ANY trial or problem! But now, at 49, my faith is rock-steady. I have simply LIVED too thru too many blessings, trials, disappointments, good times, bad times, and above all answered prayers to doubt anymore.

But I know that you really do believe what you have said. Belief is a powerful thing, isnt' it?

-----

The idea here is to appeal to your logic, in order to convince you. See, I have become convinced that logic has a place in spiritual matters.

 

[quote=pizzaguy]Well, PROVE? No. No one will ever prove it.
But some of us do live it.

Yesterday, (when I was young) my faith could be weakened by, well, most ANY trial or problem! But now, at 49, my faith is rock-steady. I have simply LIVED too thru too many blessings, trials, disappointments, good times, bad times, and above all answered prayers to doubt anymore.
[quote]

Pizzaguy, great points!

I can never understand how the moot point of proof that God exists is an argument that is used when many that do not believe also cannot prove that He doesnt exist. It is really as waste of time to even debate those arguments because proof for many is relative. Some today believe that even what they see is not even real, so what is reality at the end of the day! Truth exists, that I am sure, but the real question is how good is our eyesight in both looking for and seeing the truth

Amazing what age and experience can do! They either harden us or strenghten us! I am glad to see how your faith has been strenghthened to a solid foundation!

In this forum I am sure that we have all types and plenty of opinions but it is also great to see that John had the courage to share his.

Thanks for your comments and his!

 

I have to say that this does seem to be a big difference between the UK and the US - people seem a lot more open about their beliefs and (on here at least!) less liable for criticism/ridicule...

let me also be one to add that I do like this thread, well written and heartfelt - I also like the fact that those who disagree have done so in the same manner... thank you to both

 

You PM'd me but I couldn't locate this piece John. Until it happened by me at one in the morning.

Glad I couldn't sleep and went poking around the forum. Such treasures one can find, ,,,,,,or possibly have presented anonymously


Tommorrow is Monday. Got a whole week ahead of me. Thanks for the bright start John.



May His peace be with you


franc

 

So, just curious. Of what is your purpose here? To live? To Live and die?
I am truly curious about a life that requires no planning for the future. What point is there in selflessness and charity? To feel good? Because it is moraly right? Why bother if it serves not ultimate purpose?

If there is no purpose in living, other than to do it and die, why not just be a hedonist, and enjoy the trip?

I do not ask this question in jest, or to ridicule. There was a time in my life when I denied Christ. I found it empty. So with what does one otherwise fill it?

roadster with a stick