The hunt for answers
In our evening services over the past couple of months, we have been looking at some pf the problems with praying. We have considered how prayer is unnatural, how easy it is to be distracted, and how much we need to learn about listening. For the most part, we have dealt with these topics interactively, talking to each other around tables and sharing our insights. This week we come to the topic of ‘spotting the answers’. It is not always easy to discern the answers to our prayers. In Luke 7 v. 18, we find John the Baptist in a terrible state. He has devoted his life to announcing the Messiah, but now he is uncertain as to whether he has missed the point. Even the unshakable enthusiasm of his disciples doesn’t seem to help. When they ask Jesus for clarification in v.21 of the same chapter – he puts the onus on them to make their own minds up. These are vexed questions.
I wonder whether you could ‘road test’ the little exercise below, and let me know how you get on? Your help is greatly appreciated.
Martha, John and Sally all live in the same block of flats, and all are Christians. Up until recently, they have had a lovely view from their second floor windows. Now that has all changed, and the spoil heap from nearby construction work has all but obscured it. Last night they held a prayer meeting in one of their flats, asking God to do something about the situation.Early the next morning Martha rushes to her window, throws open the curtains and sees that the spoil heap is still there. She puffs, and turns away. Sally looks out at the same view, sees the sun coming up over the ridge of the new spoil heap, and feels her spirits lift. John sees a digger moving into position at the foot of the heap, and nods with satisfaction.
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