NDP

Today is a National Day of Prayer.
To that end, here is a short story to emphasize that it does work, just maybe not always in the time frames and manner that WE choose.


Once, there were 3 trees on a hill in the woods.
The first tree shared a prayer. "Some day I hope to be a treasure chest, filled with gold and silver and precious gems. Everyone would see my beauty."
The second tree said, "Some day I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters. Everyone will feel safe in me."
The third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see how big I am and think of the heavens and God and how close I've grown to them. People will always remember me."


Years later, some woodsmen came and upon cutting down the first tree said, "This looks like a strong tree. I'll sell it to a carpenter." The tree was happy. He knew he'd become a treasure chest.
While chopping down the second tree, the woodsman spoke, "This is a big and sturdy tree. I will sell it to the shipyard." The tree was thrilled. He knew was going to be a mighty ship.
The third tree worried as the woodsmen approached. He knew he'd never be the biggest if he was cut down. The woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special. I'll keep this one for myself."


The first tree arrived at the carpenter. He was made into a feed box for animals, filled with hay and put in a barn. This was not at all what he had prayed for.
The second tree was cut into a small fishing boat. No king carrying for him.
The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. Dreams dashed.


Years later, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box made from the first tree. The man wished he had a crib, but this manger would have to do. The tree realized he held the greatest treasure ever.
Some years after that, a group of men were in the fishing boat of the second tree. One of them grew tired and fell asleep. A great storm arose and the tree was worried about keeping his cargo safe. The sleeper awoke, he stood and said "Peace!" and the storm stopped. The tree knew he had carried the King of Kings.


Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who carried it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree realized how close he was to God because Jesus was crucified on him.


We don't always get exactly what we pray for. That doesn't mean we don't get exactly what we prayed for.