In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.
Proverbs 3:6
As reported by Daniel Whittle, we see how a minister’s prayer for health was answered – so that God could answer someone else’s prayer!
The Rev. J.B. Waterbury relates several incidents which prove the power of Prayer.
“In the year 1832 he was compelled by pulmonary symptoms, to leave his field of ministerial labor in one of the eastern cities, and travel south, hoping that a milder climate might be favorable.
“He had not proceeded far, before the cholera, that fearful scourge, made its appearance in the States, and obliged him to rejoin his family in the city of Brooklyn.
“Whilst many were dying around him, his health continued to improve; so that with the disappearance of the epidemic he found himself sufficiently restored to venture, if Providence should open the door, to resume his ministerial work.
“But where should he go? The future, to human view, was shrouded in uncertainty. In so important a matter, affecting his usefulness and happiness, there was nothing left, but to give himself to prayer. His faith in that promise, ‘In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy Paths,’ led him to pray without ceasing, ‘Lord, what wilt thou have me to do.’”
On a certain day, when the burden lay heavily upon his heart, he retired as usual, to implore light and guidance. He read on that occasion, the chapter of Acts where, by divine direction, Cornelius the Centurion sent messengers to Peter at Joppa, to come to him with the Gospel. The apostle, meanwhile; is instructed by a vision to go to Cornelius.
The case was so applicable to the circumstances that the writer was led to cry mightily to God for light to be shed also upon his path.
While thus praying the door-bell rang, and the servant announced two men who wished to see me.
This was somewhat startling. After introducing themselves, they remarked that they had come on a very important errand, viz: to ask my services for a vacant church in which they were officers.
“But how is this,” I inquired, “How did you know of me?”
They did not until that very day. But inquiring at the Bible House in Nassau street if any of the officers of that Society knew of a minister who could be recommended to fill their pulpit, now vacant for some months.
Dr. B., the Secretary, answered, “Yes, I know a young minister in Brooklyn, whom I can recommend, provided his health, which has been delicate, is adequate.”
So the messenger came inadvertently over to B—-, and I was called from my knees to receive their invitation. I promptly responded, “Yes, I will go?” for what was I that I could withstand God. A successful and happy ministry of fourteen years, attests the good results of that decision.
