35. Called to Pray

Recently I have been dealing with a woman who is, well, um, the poster child for eternal conscious torment.  I have hated bullies for as long as I can remember.  And this woman is a bully.  This woman works in one of the offices of the branch of Government that I do business with.

          She has taken a dislike for me, and the people who work with me.  No one, including those people who quite appreciate the work we do, understands why she does not like us.  If it stopped there I would be fine.  But we care for those who are vulnerable, and this woman uses them in her plotting against us.  And it is for that reason that I have rethought my belief of eternal punishment.

          Pick on me, and really I do not give a – yes this is a Christian blog. But pick on others, use others who are vulnerable, and well, I am of the opinion that your punishment should be long and torturous. 

          My God has a rather nasty reputation, afterall Hurricane Katrina was blamed on him.  As well as Tropical Storm Sandy.  The Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami was also attributed to him.  Now these supposedly were punishments for people being amoral.  So when it came time to pray for this woman I was rather hopeful.  One well placed lightening bolt.  Or, tree knocked over by a gust of wind.  Or, a rabid rabbit that managed to get into her home.  Something nasty could be done.

Matt 5:43 & 44 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

          It is with some disappointment that this verse came to mind.  I really would like God to cause calamity to befall her.  I would really like to see a serving of the wrath of God with a side of fire and brimstone delivered to her.  But, I am asked to love her, and pray for her.

          Jesus and I, or maybe it is just I, are working out the details of this.  I will pray but I do not promise about not vomiting.  Sometimes I do better than others.  This week has not been a good week.  The decisions that she is making in regards to a young man we care for will leave him vulnerable to exploitation by others, and open to serious if not life altering consequences. 

          In times previous I have prayed for her.  Albeit in a back handed show of compassion.  I would certainly not want to be her.  I have thanked God that I landed in the body that I am in.  To be that petty, that unethical, must – I hope – lead to a miserable existence.  But alas I am the one who is miserable.

Philp 4:4 - 7 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

          It is one of those times when I am frustratingly human.  I know that to forgive her, even as she is committing this act, and to pray for her, offers me release.  Yet, I just cannot bring myself to do that. But I am told how to pray – numerous times – but I like this verse.

          For on the same day that I found out that this woman planned to deny service to one of our guys, we managed to get one who had been homeless settled in one of our homes.  There are also those who we care for who live lives that are much less traumatic. For many of them we are the only agency willing to take them on.

          I also am privileged to lead a group of men and women who are dedicated, compassionate and loving.  Women and men who have experienced grace in the recovery from their own drug addictions, imprisonment, and homelessness and express their gratitude by giving back.

          I am grateful and rejoice that these people are celebrated by other workers in other offices.  When I write that we take on the clients most other agencies won’t touch I am not engaging in hyperbole or exaggeration.  These other people like us, want us to succeed, and work with us to develop further business.

          So tonight I will pray for the young man that this woman wants to set out on his own.  I will pray that he will be kept safe.  I will thank God for all that I am grateful for.  I am not sure that I will pray for this woman. 

          I would ask you to pray for me – that I find peace with this situation, that I mature in my walk.  I would ask you pray for her as well,

Philip 1:3 - 6 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.