Chronicles in the Life of Peter Blank, Part 14

Episode 14: Theology For Peter
Peter had been married almost a year, had ceased employment, and was attending a church camp, uncertain of the direction for his future. He had a number of options, one of which was returning to study, perhaps obtaining a degree in theology. However to seek that option would require perhaps a further $1000 more than he had saved. He considered completing an earlier interrupted teaching diploma. These and other possibilities were discussed often with his wife, Mary, but still a definite direction was illusive. The local Church Conference President was a close friend and, on Christmas Eve Peter sought an opportunity to share prayer with him and seek counsel. The wise pastor listened patiently as Peter shared the possibilities he and his wife had discussed. Then his counsellor suggested something rather strange. He asked what was preventing Peter doing what he believed God wanted him to do. Assuming it to be obtaining a theology degree, he mentioned the need of a further $1000. The pastor immediately suggested that if that was all he needed then he could determine God's will by testing out the Lord.  With them praying about it together, yet neither mentioning it to any-one else, Peter would challenge God to show him how he could raise $1000 within the following week IF God wanted him to pursue that option.
Peter didn't have long to wait for an answer, for the very next day, a Godly relative was sharing Christmas Dinner with them in their caravan. "What are you doing next year, Peter?" she asked as the meal concluded. "I'm not sure yet," he replied, "perhaps I'll do some further study."
"That'll be expensive with a family to care for as well." she mused. "I've put aside some money I'm willing to contribute if you choose theology;" she ventured, and then quickly added, "One thousand dollars!"
Needless to say, Peter considered it an answer to prayer and a little more than a month later was attending his first theology lecture.
Although God was moving his life, the lesson for Peter is not finished yet.


-- Lionel Hartley, Not Finished Yet -- Chronicles in the Life of Peter Blank
"This serial saga, although novel, is not a novel. It is merely a series of true-life episodes highlighting the extraordinary working of an extraordinary God in a very ordinary life. Each episode contained a lesson for Peter Blank, a lesson we can all learn, from a lesson-book life that is not finished yet."
As first appeared in FreEzine Magazine July 2000 ff