Wednesday, January 22, 2025
Answered Prayer: A Semi-Fractured Fairy-Tale
Once upon a time, a foolish man got himself into a bad situation that was depriving him of his peace of mind, his happiness, and even his health. No matter how hard he tried to free himself from his troubles, nothing changed.
One night, just before retiring, he dropped to his knees by the side of his bed, looked upward to the heavens, and cried out loud to God.
“Oh Lord,” he pleaded, “I’m not a particularly good or pious man. But if you release me from my troubles, I promise to obey only Your Law. Thy Will be done.” The man kept repeating his prayer, over and over, and sobbed himself to sleep.
The following morning, the man awoke, anxious but hopeful. But alas, as he went through his day, he realized to his agony that the situation hadn’t changed; his prayer had gone unanswered.
More desperate than ever, that night, just before retiring, he dropped to his knees beside the bed and, turning his gaze downward, addressed himself to the Infernal One.
“Oh Satan,” he pleaded, “I’m not a particularly bad or impious man. But if you release me from my troubles, I promise to do Thy bidding.” Suddenly the little room was suffused by flash of light, a dark cloud of smoke, and the foul odor of sulfur. Inside the cloud was the Evil One Himself.
“Are you sure you want to make a deal with the likes of me?” the Devil asked slyly.
“Yes,” the man replied. “I’ll do anything you ask.”
“Okay,” said the Devil. “It is done.” And in a flash, Satan was gone.
The following morning, the man awoke, anxious but hopeful. But alas, as he went through his day, he realized to his agony that the situation hadn’t changed; his deal had been broken. He cried out in anguish: “Satan, you have betrayed me!”
Instantly, the Horned One appeared before the man, flashing his demonic grin. “No, I haven’t,” replied Satan. “I was the answer to your prayer.”