Monday, July 09, 2007
A Surprise Answer to a Secret Prayer
“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” Matthew 6:6There are a great number of Christians who pray for things but never have a clear sense that God heard and answered. What a sad commentary on a life that should be abundant and filled with excitement over the power of prayer and faith in a God who not only hears but answers. One reason for uncertainty is the lack of specific prayer and the habit we have of seeking help from human sources rather than meeting with our Heavenly Father in secret. Years ago at the starting line of my missionary career I was challenged to meet with God in the secret place and petition Him for things that only He could do, then while telling no other person watch God work. Oh how He showed Himself real to me in those days and in the years to follow! It was an exciting lesson learned. The neat thing is that now, 26 years later, God is still in the business of meeting me in secret and rewarding me openly.
Such has been the case in recent months. There are some yearnings of the heart that can only be voiced to God alone, things much too personal to trust to another human. I have come to recognize God as my source of strength, my hiding place, and my great provider. Knowing God in such an intimate way gave me the courage to pray a secret prayer from the heart. I asked God to either make me content to serve Him alone, or bring someone into my life who had a passion for God with whom I could serve. I got real specific and made a long list of character traits and attributes that I would want in a future mate. Honestly, I didn’t think there was a man alive who fit my criteria.
Imagine my surprise when God proved me wrong and answered my secret prayer by bringing Jerry Burton into my life. Jerry, a pastor in Ohio, was widowed 2 years ago. He was Malcom’s friend who was a source of strength and encouragement during his year battle with cancer. He became my friend during that time as well and was one of my encouragers through this past year. When I had at last submitted to God’s perfect way, it was as if God said, “Now…here is the answer to your prayer.” Soon I will be Mrs. Jerry Burton and I am excited to embark on this new phase of life, serving a wonderful God who answers prayers!
16 Comments:
Oh Carol - I already knew, but seeing it in print like that just took my breath away once again... What an AWESOME God we serve!!! How He works 'behind the scenes' and orchestrates even the little, seemingly insignificant details of our lives, such as bringing others across our path - whom, if we were left to our own selves, we would NEVER meet...!
You know how overwhelmed and pleased I am for you both...
Love you!
Ruth
Who knew how soon. Hope things work out for you. Al
Dear Friends,
I am so happy for you both. No doubt Jerry was praying and trusting the very same way. I am so thankful for HIS answer to you both. God bless you and give you many wonderful years together.
Lovingly,
M
Carol,
I think it is wonderful for you and MY pastor. Pam & I are truely happy for you two and pray God´s blessings on you both.
Steve & Pam Thornton
ARGENTINA
You do not know me, but I have been reading your blog and have found SO very much encouragement from it. I have felt your hurt from your losses and now I feel your joy! I am so encouraged to once again hear how God can and does answer prayer. It seems I have been praying for so very, very long about a specific area and it is often so discouraging to wonder if an answer will ever come. Thanks for once again boosting my faith. God IS still good. Even if He never answers another prayer of mine,HE HAS DONE ENOUGH!!
My congratulations and best wishes are to you and your future husband. (Make sure you post some pictures!)
Another Carol
Carol, as usual the message on your blog is awesome. I can't tell you how happy Jerry and I are for you. May God bless you both. BTW, another similarity is that they both have while hair. :) Love ya so much,
CB
Laoshe Burton -
What a beautiful church and bride! Congratulations and may God bless beyond what could be asked or dreamed of!
Amy
P.S. God must truly love you, because now you are a living breathing Buckeye! GO Bucks!
Carol,
I can't begin to tell you how happy I am for you and Jerry. What a beautiful answer to prayer for both of you.
sf
What a beautiful bride! Congratulations to you both. We are so surprised & excited for you. God bless your service together for Him.
Lots of Love,
Diane & Mike Haley
DEAR CAROL-I WISH YOU ALL THE HAPPINESS IN THIS WORLD. I TOO LOST MY HUSBAND ALMOST A YEAR AGO. UNFORTUNATELY I CAN NEVER SEE MYSELF WITH SOMEONE ELSE, ALTHOUGH AT TIMES THE LONLINESS IS ALMOST MORE THAN I CAN BARE. BUT I HAVE NOT BEEN PRAYING FOR MY VOID TO BE FILLED. I'M AFRAID NO ONE COULD EVER COME CLOSE TO THE MAN I WAS SO IN LOVE WITH FOR ALMOST 25 YEARS. BUT YOU HAVE A MISSION TO FULLFILL AND GOD HAS GRANTED YOU A HELPMATE. YOU ARE TRULY BLESSED. BE HAPPY.
SM
Hi Carol-I hopped over from the CWO blog ring and I am so inspired by your story and fascinated by the ministry you shared with Malcom. What an awesome calling and what a blessing to be able to share it with someone once again. God is faithful!
people thank you did things fast. but i am not suprised, it's a pattern!! I am so happy for you and your husband and i can't wait to meet him. post pictures so we can all see what a beautiful bride you are. Love bruce and jo petty
God is so good...all the time! Blessings to you both!
Love,
Krista & my guys
Congratulations, Carol, on your engagement! Thanks for sharing on this blog - I treasure your bravery, thoughts and wise insight. Love, Joan
The two of you were soooo happy at the reception. We were glad to be a part of this glorious celebration. We wish you many years of joy as God works through you to do HIS mighty will. We will miss you Carol!!!!!! Visit whenever you are in town!
Charlie and Christine
Congratulations! I heard about it all the way in Shanghai. I am so happy for you.
I shared your "Secret Prayer" idea with a lady in our church. She wants to try because of the loneliness in her own life. We had already been praying and I intend to get others to do the same.
Love you!
Caroline T.
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