Prayer Can Solve Problems

Developing a close relationship with Jehovah will help us to solve problems. Notice how this was so in each of the following circumstances.  They illustrate that those praying were able to strengthen their relationship with Jehovah. 

In Brazil a woman named Maria prayed to God for help. She had wanted to rebel against accepted standards of conduct partly because of the hypocrisy she saw in society. Maria had even left her husband, children, and home.  She also started to use drugs. But when she failed to find happiness, she opened her heart to God and prayed for help.

Soon, two of Jehovah's Witnesses called and left with Maria an issue of The Watchtower containing material on the value of accepting divine guidance. It touched her heart, and she began studying the Bible with the Witnesses that very day. This ultimately led to the restoration of her family life. As she learned about Jehovah, she wanted to express her love for him.  "I made changes for the better," said Maria.  "My husband and family at first objected to my study of the Bible.  But as they saw the changes I was making, the began to encourage me."  Later, Maria dedicated her life to the Hearer of Prayer in order to serve him.

Although Jose' had a beautiful wife and a thriving business in Bolivia, he was unhappy, An extramarital affair cause his wife to leave him.  He drank excessively  and felt useless. Says Jose':  "I began praying with all my heart, asking what I should do to please God. Soon Jehovah's Witnesses visited my business place offering me free home Bible studies, but I dismissed them.  This happened three times. Every time I prayed for help, there they were. Finally, I resolved that I would listen the next time. I had read the Bible through and had many questions, but they always had answers that satisfied me. Learning about Jehovah gave me a new purpose in life, and my friends among the Witnesses were such encouraging examples!  I left my girlfriend and my drinking companions. Before long, I was back with my wife and children. I was baptized early in 1999." 

In Italy, Tamara's marriage was in trouble, so she prayed for wisdom. She had developed an aggressive attitude, having been beaten and thrown out of the family at age 14.  Says Tamara: "I found a Bible and began to read it. One evening, I read that 'finding wisdom is like finding hidden treasures.' I prayed for that wisdom.  (Proverbs  2:1-6) The next morning, Jehovah's Witnesses called. I began studying the Bible with them, but it took me some time to put what I learned into practice. Finally, I decided to follow   the Christian way of life and was baptized. Now, along with my husband, I help others to benefit from God's wisdom."  

Beatriz had been part of high society in Caracas, Venezuela. Yet, she found herself divorced and distressed. Desperate, she once spent hours in prayer.  The next morning, the doorbell rang. Irritated , she looked through the peephole and saw two people with briefcase. She pretended not be at home, but before the couple left, they pushed a   handbill under the door.  "Know Your Bible." it said.  Could their visit be connected  with her prayers the night before? She called for them to come back. Soon she was studying the Bible, and she was later baptized. Happy at last, Beatriz now teaches others about how to find happiness.  

Carmen prayed concerning her struggle with poverty. She had ten children and a drunken husband, Rafael.  "I tried to earn money washing clothes," said Carmen.  But Rafael's drinking habit got worse.  "It wasn't until we began studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses  that my husband began to change.  We learned of the Kingdom promise-that Jehovah will soon rid the world of poverty and oppression.  My prayers to God were finally answered!"  Learning about Jehovah's  ways helped Rafael to stop drinking, and he put on "the new personality." (Ephesians 4:24) He and his family were able to improve  their standard of living.  Says Rafael:  "We may not be rich, and we do not own our own home, but we have the necessities of life, and we are happy." 

Next time: When All Prayers Will Be Answered

From the Watchtower magazine, 2ooo