BE ALERT TO GOD’S SOLUTIONS
In the words of Albert Einstein, "You can never solve a problem from the same level of consciousness that created it." Life's challenges often require us to transcend our current state of mind and embrace a higher state of awareness. This shift can be facilitated through the practice of Meditation, which not only connects us to the source but also opens the door to receiving solutions that might elude us otherwise. This passage takes you on a transformative journey that illustrates the remarkable impact of faith, prayer, and divine guidance, exemplified by the story of S. James Mattar and his family's miraculous journey from despair to hope.
A Glimpse of Desperation:
The late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale shares the story of S. James Mattar, an Arab resident of Jerusalem, Jordan, during a tumultuous time. Mr. Mattar had experienced significant losses due to the hostilities in the region, which left him, his wife, and their children with nothing but hope for survival. Escaping across the border to Bethany in Jordan, the family found themselves destitute and uncertain about the future. This dire situation is one that many of us can relate to the feeling of being lost and overwhelmed, with no clear path ahead.
Prayer and Divine Impression:
In the face of adversity, Mr. Mattar turned to prayer a timeless practice that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Gathering his family, he invited them to enter a state of stillness and connection with the divine. As he prayed, he received a distinct impression of an intuitive nudge to take empty baskets to the market, accompanied by his eldest son, Samuel. This act of trusting the subtle voice within, the whisper of divine guidance, demonstrates the power of surrendering to a higher intelligence that transcends our limited understanding.
Divine Synchronicity:
Arriving at the bustling market, Mr. Mattar and Samuel sat down, uncertain of what lay ahead. Then, a chance encounter occurred. A familiar face emerged from the crowd a former colleague and friend from the days when Mr. Mattar worked at Barclays Bank. This friend expressed his delight at seeing Mr. Mattar and revealed that he had been searching for him, carrying him in his thoughts. The universe, it seemed, had orchestrated this meeting.
A Gift from the Spirit:
During their conversation, the friend displayed genuine concern for Mr. Mattar's well-being. Sensing his friend's hesitance, he withdrew a five-pound note from his pocket and offered it to Mr. Mattar, suggesting that it might help alleviate any difficulties he was facing. The gesture was one of friendship and compassion, a gift that spoke volumes beyond its monetary value. Mr. Mattar's faith had led him to this very moment a demonstration of divine providence, where needs were met through unexpected channels.
Guidance and Faith in Action:
Samuel, curious about the encounter, asked his father whether he knew the man would pass by. Mr. Mattar's response encapsulates the essence of faith and divine guidance: "No, Sammy, I did not. We are in God's hands, and He is good. You have just seen a demonstration of His providence." This poignant moment underscores the importance of stillness, prayer, alertness, and action in the face of challenges. Mr. Mattar's story illustrates that when we align ourselves with divine guidance and trust the process, miracles can unfold in the most unexpected ways.
Embracing the Miraculous Journey:
The journey of S. James Mattar and his family is a testament to the incredible power of faith, prayer, and divine guidance. When faced with adversity, we are called to rise above our circumstances, seek inner stillness, and open ourselves to the wisdom that flows from the universe. This story encourages us to move beyond our fears, listen to the whispers of the Spirit, and act upon the guidance we receive. Just as Mr. Mattar and his son Samuel bore witness to the manifestation of divine providence, we too can experience miraculous transformations in our lives by cultivating faith and aligning ourselves with the greater forces that guide our paths.
