Scripture Reflection for the 3rd Sunday of Advent
December 12, 2004
Be Careful What You Pray For!
A lady was looking for the perfect Birthday Card for her husband and when she found it -- on the outside it said "Sweetheart you are the answer to my prayers". On the inside it read, "You are not exactly what I prayed for -- but you are a great answer."
St. John the Baptist had been praying for the Messiah.
I guess Jesus wasn't what John expected. Perhaps he was expecting the fire-and-brimstone type leader. Perhaps he was looking for a person spouting the laws and the rules of faith. But Jesus was a man who healed, loved the oppressed, and preached the love of God. Jesus connected with all people regardless of their past, occupation, or sins. He ate, prayed, and was with them in all of their happy and sad times.
Isn't this good news for us?
If John had doubts, then what does that say about the doubts we may struggle with? If the cousin of the Messiah can hold such doubts, doesn't that say it is okay for us to ask our questions? The truth is this doesn't bother Jesus; in fact, it is these questions that help us search and find more truth and greater understanding.
The way that John dealt with his doubts is by being open to what Jesus had to say. He listened to Jesus, prayed to God, and then allowed the Spirit to change him. This is the way that our doubts or a faith crisis can help us to become closer to Christ. But the important thing here is to continue to search. It is important to keep listening to Jesus, praying to God and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us -- it will allow us to understand.
If we are open to God we will change.
A change of the heart can be a great thing. We see what happened when John's questions were answered. He spent his life and his death preparing the way of the Lord.
John had doubts, we have doubts, and even the most faithful people have had doubt. It is how we respond to such doubt. If we listen, and pray and are open to change, then we will be the person God is calling us to be.
Remember the lady who bought the card for her husband? Sometimes when we pray to God -- even in our wonder and doubt -- and ask for God to respond to us, our prayers will be answered. We may not receive what we prayer for, but God will give us a great answer -- we simply have to continue to look for it.
Just be careful what you pray for!
Life Applications:
What doubts or questions do you have about God?
How do you feel about your doubts and questions?
How has God answered your prayer?
Copyright 2004 by Jim Corder
All rights reserved.
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