Sunday, July 19, 2020
A Prayer for Those Sent Ahead
They shackled his feet with chains; collared his neck in iron, until his prediction came to pass, and the word of God proved him true.
There are times when we foresee events and predict outcomes well beyond the horizon of our friends and colleagues. At those times we are tagged with various labels: over-reacting, anxious, conspiratorial, hysterical, and fantastical. When we find this branding difficult to manage we might turn to the story of Joseph and consider that we also have been sent ahead, and that we too must wait endlessly and patiently until God proves us true.
God says: You have special eyes that see me in the marginalized and down-trodden. You have a heart that finds me in all creatures and in all parts of my creation. You have a mind that understands cause and effect, action – or lack of action – and consequence. Be patient with those who fail to see you as one of my prophets. Show mercy to those whose fear overcomes their sense of my presence within. Come to me with your worries and remember that I see and know all. And pray with me as you travel beyond the narrow minds of those who do not see as well as you do.
There is nothing more difficult than being maligned unjustly and wrongly yet this is often the work of those who are sent ahead. It is essential for us to remain in constant contact with God. And it is essential that we pray . . .
Dear God, I see the work before me and still I falter. I see the slender path that leads me safely to you and still I feel blind. I see the light of your truth and still I doubt. Support me when I am weak. Call me when I lose my way. Keep me always in your loving heart as I struggle with being sent ahead for you. Amen.
A re-post from July 19, 2013.
Image from: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Konstantin_Flavitsky_001.jpg
For a reflection about Joseph and his service to God, enter word the word willingness in to the blog search bar and explore.
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