PRAY, PAUSE AND LISTEN-Does GOD talk to Men?
How come when we talk to GOD they said that we are praying but when we say that GOD talks to us, we're schizophrenic?--The Friars Club
Do you pray, pause and listen? God must be talking to you.
When I was about to graduate in high school, I was included among the candidates for valedictorian. The teacher-in-charge of the school's organ required us to submit a black and white photo for publication in case we're selected. I was positive that I will be selected-- I got the highest average.
But I still went to Baclaran to pray. I liked to get a scholarship so I could pursue college. It's the only way I can get to College without spending so much for the tuition fees and miscellaneous. Without this, College was impossible. We're fatherless and my older siblings were also working students.
After my prayer request, I paused and sat down. This was the time, I heard the voice.
I will not become the valedictorian. But I can finish college no matter what happens.
I simply dismissed the "voice" that as my own self talking to me.
The following day, I got the bad news. I did not qualify to become the valedictorian. Not even honorable mention. I lacked the residence required for honor students.
For months, I was angry to God. How can I go to College. Even with my passing UPCAT, I still need money for allowance and for books. Besides, that time, we were residing in Sampaloc area where getting to UP would make me take three jeepney rides.
Before graduation, my favorite teacher informed me that I passed the entrance exam at PLM,the city university which provides free college education for bright but financially challenged Manila High School graduates. I was ecstatic. This must be the answer to my prayer.
Despite the many trials that I faced pursuing college, as promised I got the diploma Then I pursued postgraduate courses. Never, I ignore the little voices that I hear after praying. It must be God responding to my prayer. Am I schizophrenic? I don't care.
I could not help but recall the story I read about Mother Teresa.
It is about a family with eight children who have not eaten for days. The faces of the little children were disfigured due to lack of nourishment. There were no sorrows in their faces. Only pain of hunger.
When they were given food, the mother divided the rice into two halves. The first half was apportioned to the children. Carrying the other half, the mother disappeared momentarily. When she came back, she said that she shared the food with the neighbors who were also hungry.
This was about a mother, an adult who despite being poor can be generous.
What I witnessed was a little girl. She lives in the depressed area where contestants from that noontime show were recruited. She was lucky to have been chosen as one of the winners. When she was made to choose for the prize she wanted, she pointed the package of toys. I thought she was stupid to select the package among the more expensive and useful home appliances.
Asked why she chose the toys , she said that they were not for her but for her siblings who never had new toys in their lives.
There were times in the past that I whined. " Why Lord. Why do you allow these things to happen? What more prayers do you need?"
A non-Christian sent this to me when I was in deep depression. Did the Lord use him as an instrument when I already refused to pray?
Copy pasted from Touched by a Miracle
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