Today, we start a week of devotionals from the early weeks of Lent. If you started following along after the beginning of Lent, we hope you enjoy this opportunity to see a story you missed. If you have been following since the beginning, we hope that these devotionals reach you in a new way on a second time of reading, reflection, and prayer.
Read Jeremiah 29:11 and Matthew 7:7-8
Graduation from the university meant interviewing for prospective employment. A visit with the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Delaware increased my excitement regarding possibilities. After four years of preparation, paucity of material goods, and pining for financial independence, it seemed a bright future might be on the horizon. At this time a request came from my local church that seniors receiving degrees in chemistry consider filling an urgent teaching need in Nigeria. I was not interested; my course was set. The pastor advised that I at least pray about the matter. That was not an unreasonable request, so I agreed to do that much. However, my prayer lacked sincerity for my mind was closed.
No one responded to the opportunity to initiate science courses in a boys’ high school in Nigeria. Since I could not completely escape the matter, I was delighted to learn that my ROTC military obligation would come due during the requested time. Uncle Sam gave me a comfortable way to dismiss the unwelcomed interruption to my plans. If it had only stopped there! A U.S. Senator became aware of the situation and offered to get a congressional deferment for the student who would answer the need in Africa.
One night, outside and alone, I prayed sincerely that the Lord’s will be done in my life. That evening it became clear to me that I must answer this need. Yet, I think I still hedged somewhat by adding: “if the many logistical, organizational, and personal hurdles can be surmounted.” All things did work for good. I never looked back; the forward look was and has been exciting, challenging, rewarding in the best sense of the word, and not without difficulties to prompt attention to the Source of Abundant Life.
Prayer: Lord, you give great things to us, help us find the way, and open doors for us, and all you ask of us is to ask, seek, and knock. We give thanks for the plans you've made for us. Amen.
Prayer Concern: those pondering a call to serve.
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