Heaven's No!

Several years ago, I was deeply troubled with some issues at the church. Problems overwhelmed me.  Perplexities piled up. Life was hard, anxiety abounded, and everywhere I looked, misunderstandings multiplied.

In a discouraged moment, I decided to call my mentor, Loring Peterson. He'd know just what to do. Loring had preceeded me at the church, and I always could count on him for a good word of wisdom and encouragement.

"Hey, Mark!" he answered the phone cheerfully, "How are you doing up there in the frozen tundra?" (He'd retired to Florida.)

"Don't ask, Loring! It's just terrible! I have more troubles than I can count. Every time I turn around, new problems pop up. Loring, would you please pray for God to take away my problems?"

I was astonished when my esteemed mentor shouted, "NO! Heavens, No!"

"What? No? I thought you cared! I thought you understood! Why won't you pray for me?"

"I'll pray for you alright -- but I'm sure NOT going to ask the good Lord to take your problems!"

"W-w-why not?" I muttered.

Because, all those problems have to do with people -- right?  And if I asked God to take away all your problems, He'd take away all your people! Now, you don't want THAT do you?"

I gulped, "Well, I suppose not."

"So, Instead of praying that God will take away your problems, I'm going to pray that God will help you face 'em head on. I'm going to pray that you will endure the problems like a good soldier, that you will learn something valuable from 'em and that you will come through them all shining like gold!"

"I'll pray that God will help you love people, the way Jesus loves them, and that you will stay sweet, no matter what happens or anybody says or does against you."

"Now, if you'd be satisfied with that kind of prayer, I'd be happy to send one up on your behalf."

I accepted.