Chasing the donkeys?

2/14/2017

Chasing the donkeys?

Have you ever prayed and prayed about something but nothing seemed to change? I did. For two years. Then suddenly a breakthrough came – and on a day I didn’t even pray about it. I was so annoyed! What had happened? Why all that prayer for all that time? And why did things suddenly change that day? I was missing the cause /effect link I often find in prayer-based healing. Sometime later I learned what had happened.

I had been chasing the donkeys.

What’s that, you ask? Well, the Bible tells the story of Saul, sent by his father to go with a servant and look for some lost donkeys (see I Samuel, chapter 9). They searched in Ephraim (Heb. “fruitful”), then checked in the land of Shalim (Heb. “foxes”). They looked all over the land of Benjamin (Heb. “son of the right hand”) and after that tried Zuph (Heb. “honeycomb”).

Then Saul decided it was time to head back. Gone so long, he thought their families at home might be worried. But his companion suggested that while in Zuph they might pass by the house of the prophet Samuel, so they did. What Saul didn’t realize is that the day before, God told Samuel that Saul should be the new ruler of Israel (see I Samuel, chapter 8). The prophet reassured him that the donkeys were safe - already found - and then he anointed Saul for his new mission.

To me, chasing the donkeys means more than searching for something – be it better health, a good relationship, or actual donkeys. Prayer that opens one wholeheartedly to the power of divine Love is never offered in vain. The journey of prayer can sometimes be as important as what we conceive as the outcome that we hope for. Fidelity, discipline, commitment, focus, perspicacity and persistence in prayer prepare us to receive more good in our lives.

In my case, the character development and spiritual growth that came out of those two years of prayer were worth more in the long run than the simple solution I sought. For two years I was chasing the donkeys; but the spiritual discoveries made along the way have since outlasted the healing moment and formed a strong platform for my healing practice.

The Psalmist sang,"The steps of a good man are led by the Lord. And He is happy in his way," (37:7) a sentiment reflected in the following words of Christian Science founder Mary Baker Eddy: “When we wait patiently on God and seek Truth righteously, He directs our path.” (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, 254) "If the disciple is advancing spiritually, he is striving to enter in. He constantly turns away from material sense, and looks towards the imperishable things of Spirit. If honest, he will be in earnest from the start, and gain a little each day in the right direction, till at last he finishes his course with joy." (ibid 21:9)

Anne

2/14/2017 06:47:20 pm

Kind of discourages me to think that adjustments might take me two years!!

Michelle

2/14/2017 06:59:42 pm

I certainly get that, Anne. Here is another post that discusses the subject of time and healing in another way. Actually, I bring up the same case! http://www.michellenanouchecsb.com/my-blog/how-much-longer-will-this-healing-take

And here is another one about unblocking the path when healings are slow or not coming atlong at all. http://www.michellenanouchecsb.com/my-blog/failure-to-heal-what-say-you

Hope you find something in these to help move you along in a good direction. Also, feel free to do a word search of the blog. There is a search box somewhere on this page. Stick any term in that interests you and you can see where it leads.

Kathie

2/14/2017 07:09:07 pm

Thank you for this, Michelle! On a similar journey, I find your "the character development and spiritual growth that came out of those two years of prayer were worth more in the long run than the simple solution I sought" especially helpful. A great reminder, and boost to confidence, that our prayers are indeed progressive.

Michelle

2/15/2017 08:45:45 am

Thanks!

Frankie

2/14/2017 07:33:53 pm

Every word you say rings TRUE. Thank you.

Michelle

2/15/2017 08:46:22 am

Aw Frankie. Grateful you were touched.

Erin

2/14/2017 09:27:26 pm

This was the perfect thing for me to read today--so encouraging! Thank you! :D

And, incidentally, I just shared a healing with my CS students' association that hinged on the idea at the crux of your article "A kinder, gentler approach to your body." I love the thoughts you shared there, too. They've been a help to me since I read it a couple years ago, and in this recent case led to an instantaneous healing of a sudden pain. Much, much love to you, and thanks for your loving ministry. <3

Michelle

2/15/2017 08:53:45 am

So glad that article was a help, and so very glad to hear of your instantaneous healing, Erin.

Here is a link to the article Erin mentions. https://journal.christianscience.com/web-originals/2011/a-kinder-gentler-approach-to-your-body It is a subscription only site. If you aren't a subscriber and would like a direct link, please use the contact tab at the top of the page to send me a message, and I will send it.

Karen

2/15/2017 06:31:24 pm

I've waited almost 5 years for my answer. And yesterday, as clear as a bell, I heard the answer. I'm so excited to finally know what direction I should take! God does answer our prayers. It just takes awhile.

Michelle

2/16/2017 04:27:04 pm

Glad you see the answer!

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