United Methodist Church of Wellsboro
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Witness

An Answer to a Prayer

2/20/2017

5 Comments

 
Last year I had prayed to God  to "give me a voice."  At that time I was feeling shut in, not able to communicate as I would like to.  I felt I had something to say but no way of saying it.  Also fear. . .the kind of fear you feel when you stand in front of a group of people to speak.  So I prayed to God to give me the voice that I needed.

A few days later at work, I was offered a promotion - general manager.  This would put me in charge of everyone in the office.  I really could not believe it.  I thought, "This is not the 'voice' that I had been thinking of, but perhaps this is God answering my prayer."  After all, to lead others you have to have a voice!

I dived into this new position with excitement and enthusiasm.  Excited for this new opportunity but also excited that God had answered my prayer.  My excitement and enthusiasm did not last long.  As the months passed, I realized that I did not have a voice after all.  Most decisions were not mine to make.  My co-workers did not take kindly to their peer now being the 'boss.'

At the same time I was struggling to find meaning and answers to what I was doing at work, I became more involved in church.  I always loved to sing, so I was invited to join the praise team.  In August, I was asked if I would like to assist Karen in teaching Sunday School for the upcoming year - I was thrilled!  I found the best days of my week were Sundays and Wednesday nights (praise team practice night).  In the fall, I helped to create a new website for the church.  Learning that we are called to be a witness to the works of the Lord, I added this blog to the site so that others can share their stories.

I decided in December that I was not equipped to be a general manager.  It was a hard request to make, but I asked to go back to my previous position and part time hours as the marketing director.  In all honesty, I should have declined the position when it was first offered. . .I knew in my heart then that it was not what I should be doing.  But I thought God was answering my prayer and I needed to follow Him.

Just this past Sunday, February 19th, in a discussion with the children about the parable of the lost sheep, I realized that God had answered my prayer after all.  When we are lost sometimes the path back is not a straight and easy one.  There may be lessons to learn along the way.  We can pray for the answer, but what we think is the answer is not necessarily so.  God does show us the way back in a way and time that is best for us. 

Here is the voice that God has given me:  I am a member of the praise team singing out praise to the Lord every Sunday (and every day), I teach Sunday School to children where I learn more myself each week, I was asked to co-chair the Witness Ministry which is called to share the good news to others - what an amazing voice to have!  Some prayers are answered over time.  I am quite confident that God is still at work on this one for me because I still have much to learn about having a voice.

God does answer prayers.

Jean.
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5 Comments
Pastor Rich
2/20/2017 10:03:44 am

Jean, it is a joy to be in ministry with you! I give thanks for the ways that God has given you a voice. It is encouraging to witness God working through you and others to share the message of how Jesus is alive and at work in and through community at our United Methodist Church of Wellsboro and beyond!

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Alison Welfling
2/20/2017 07:57:03 pm

And Jean has always had a beautiful voice.

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John Vogt link
2/22/2017 05:33:40 pm

Jean,
I thank God for the voice that He has given you. Most of all, I thank God for your heart. You have a heart that is seeking after God's heart. Thank you for influencing our community for good by sharing the love of Jesus and the truth of His word. Praise God from whom all blessing flow. You my dear sister are a blessings.

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Seth Rogers
2/23/2017 04:55:19 pm

Jean,
Thanks Jean. God is Great! Like Pastor Rich has said.... God makes good things happen out of the worst possible situation. We all need to step up and tell our story. I think this is the direction the Praise Team can go...relating the music to life experiences to develop a deeper experience in worship.

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Roger Springer link
12/28/2020 10:36:35 am

Great bblog you have here

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    WITNESS

    God's grace can be seen all around us.  He touches us and moves us in many ways.  Please share your experience as each of us are called to be a witness to His works. 
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PO Box 547
36 Main St
Wellsboro, PA 16901

Phone:  (570) 724-1968
Email: umcow@epix.net
On the corner of Queen & Main St., Wellsboro PA
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