Originally Posted by
NickiJay Why does God decide to help some of us instantly and not others? Why are my prayers, said with the utmost sincerity, either ignored or discarded?
I remember way back, when I was just realizing the extent of my drinking problem, praying to God to make me sober. My prayers went unheard, as I continued to drink. But I kept praying, "God, make me sober."
Then one day I decided to pray to St. Joseph, the father of our Lord. My own father wouldn't want me to be a drunk, maybe Jesus' father doesn't want me to be a drunk either. So in the quiet of the church one afternoon after confession I prayed, "St. Joseph, make me sober."
And I swear I heard, "I can't make you sober, Carl, that's your job."
A little while later I quit drinking, HP by my side. The tenor of my prayers changed. I prayed that the veils of denial would be lifted. I prayed for understanding about my affliction. I prayed for strength. I prayed for the wisdom to identify my faults and correct them. And as I got and stayed sober...lots of prayers of thanks.
I hope you too have much to give thanks for when you achieve sobriety.