Expectations vs. Understanding

This past week I ran into a difficult customer. After working with the fellow for over a year and a half (not personally, but I have been part of the car deal all along) there was a misunderstanding. We finally found the last vehicle in the country that met his needs, flew a great distance to pick it up, and made literally nothing on the car deal. We were in fact, just trying to get another number on the board towards our objective. After all that, as the customer came out to see the vehicle, something happened. We still aren't sure what happened exactly. But after all that effort, he felt that we weren't trusting of him and he decided that this wasn't going to be his car. I've been there before. In fact I know we all have. So I just pleaded with him, and begged him to reconsider. It was to no avail. HE said that we were just done. I told him that I would earnestly pray about the situation. I prayed that the situation would be resolved, either way. And that I would understand the overall plan.

The next day, his old truck would not start. He was stranded at home. HE called the salesman, and asked if we could come pick him up. We gladly obliged.

Today, a vendor came in that normally shares her faith with us. I began to tell her the story about what happened. She really enjoyed the story, and told me about the prayer of Jabez. I did in fact already know about that prayer, but I told her that I disagreed with her. I don't want to step on any toes, but I know a few people that pray that prayer. I'm not saying that it is wrong to pray that, but I have seen it take a somewhat mutated existence. In the context of what happened to me, I wasn't praying that the customer would in fact take the vehicle in question, thereby "increasing my territory." I prayed that I would understand why the decision was made, either way. The prayer of Jabez speaks of enlarging one's territory. And that's where the mix up often occurs. Many people that I speak with refer to the prayer as a way to gain favor for material gain. By "enlarging one's territory," it means make them more spirtitually responsible, not to get more stuff. If I pray for material gain, I feel that I am wasting my time with the Lord. I should spend that time praising him, and asking for help with more important matters. Material gain, to me, is a byproduct of doing what is expected of me as a Christian. I asked for understanding, as opposed to the sale. Because I could have forced the sale, and lost so much more. Who knows, maybe we would have sold the vehicle to a family in need. It just so happens that the vehicle in question was intended for the fellow in the story. Maybe I had to do some maturing over night. Maybe he had a tough decision to make that evening. Or maybe this is the whole reason I'm writing this little blurb. The point I am trying to make is that the prayer of Jabez is a good prayer. Just be careful, and think about what you're praying for. Instead, try to pray for understanding, that way, you will never be let down.