A Wish is a Feeble Prayer

Sunday, December 11, 2005

Prayer for a change of scenery

Last year my husband spent 6 months overseas supervising a project for his company, a defense contractor. It was an immense sacrifice to be away from the family for such an extended period; and it was neither a safe nor pleasant environment. He joked that he was either going to come home a hero or a scapegoat if things didn't turn out as planned. As it happened, it was not a joke afterall--he was not a hero.

Without going into all the details, by the time he returned there were a number of personnel changes and a reorganization in his division of the company that left him working with a group of people who neither knew him nor liked him, and they certainly did not appreciate his skills and experience. He was assigned a position for which he had never been trained and one that did not capitalize on his expertise.

I'm sure there are a host of people in the world who have found themselves in similar situations. It is frustrating, painful, stressful. During the 10 months he has been going through this trial he has experienced the full gamut of emotions: anger, determination to succeed, depression, etc. It has seemed very unfair in so many ways. But as everyone knows: life is very often unfair. But that is not necessarily a bad thing.

In God's classroom there are often very difficult lessons to learn. A former pastor of ours once told us that when God intends to teach us something we may try to avoid the lesson by changing the classroom but the same lesson will show up elsewhere. I think this may be part of what is happening in my husband's situation. But oh how painful this has been.

So my prayer for this season in his life is this:

Let him learn what you are trying to teach him, Lord. Do a redemptive work in his life through this difficult time. Provide times of refreshing and encouragement along the way that he won't become so disheartened. Make him stronger through this trial, more determined to persevere in the things of God. Open up a door of new opportunity for him in Your perfect timing with a job that will use his unique skills; where he will be challenged and excited about his career. Help me to be understanding, affirming and supportive during this time. Protect him from the wiles of the enemy; give him discernment, grace, and courage. Thank you, gracious Father. Amen.

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