Sometimes God answers prayers through other people

Lorraine Murray

Lorraine Murray

There’s a story about a man perched on his rooftop during a flood, praying God will save him. Soon folks in a rowboat offer to rescue him, but he refuses, saying, “I’m waiting for God to save me.”

After the same scenario repeats itself with a motorboat and a helicopter, the fellow drowns and goes to heaven, where he meets God and complains, “I had faith in you and you didn’t save me.”

“I sent you a rowboat, a motorboat and a helicopter,” God replies. “What more did you want?”

How true that when we’re sinking in life, God often answers our prayers through other people.

Take the man who struggles with an alcohol addiction and starts craving a cold beer when he’s just finished breakfast. The image haunts him throughout the work day and that evening he downs an entire six-pack or more.

His wife dreads dealing with him when he’s drunk, because he becomes angry and irrational, and often mistreats the children, so she’s praying God will help them.

But God probably won’t shout to the man from a cloud, “It’s time to own up to your drinking!”

God may, however, help the man realize his drinking is harming the family — which could prompt him to speak with a pastor or rabbi, who hopefully would encourage him to attend an Alcoholic Anonymous meeting.

Some people battle overeating, with images of hot fudge sundaes and platters of fried chicken preying on them. They may be carrying an extra 100 pounds, which can cause diabetes and heart disease —but continue overeating.

Tragically, one of my relatives died of morbid obesity in her early 50s after battling compulsive eating for decades. Unfortunately, she refused to admit there was a problem and she wouldn’t seek help.

Most churches have pamphlets about upcoming retreats, speakers, church picnics and potluck suppers, but it’s rare to see a notice about local meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, Overeaters Anonymous, and support groups for drug addicts and pornography addicts.

I hope this will change, since sometimes we need someone to point us toward a rescue team. For example, when my husband died, I prayed so hard that God would give me the courage to live without him.

I posted a note on the refrigerator, “Have hope that it won’t always be this bad,” while the psalmist’s words became my mantra: “God is close to the brokenhearted.”

One day I recalled reading an article in the archdiocesan newspaper about the Holy Family Counseling Center, a group of therapists who provide counseling based on Catholic Christian values.

I made an appointment with a counselor, who became a source of refuge in my storm of grief. You see, just knowing I had an hour each week of her compassionate attention and advice kept me from sinking.

It’s tragic when people overlook the boats and helicopters in their lives, which are filled with folks eager to help them.

Sometimes they need a nudge from a friend, relative, pastor or rabbi who can provide information about getting professional assistance. Ideally, they’ll take to heart well-meaning advice about seeking support —but not always.

For example, I prayed for my relative for years and introduced her to a counselor, but nothing changed because she wouldn’t make the deep-down decision to get into the lifeboat and turn her life around, despite her suffering.

Let’s pray we’ll recognize the boats and helicopters circling us — and ask God for the wisdom to accept help for our problems. Most of all, let’s realize prayers typically aren’t answered by lightning bolts, but by people standing right beside us.