A colleague and I were discussing our company's strategic marketing plan for the coming year. And then out of nowhere he asks me this question: "All Christians believe in a predetermined, Master Plan, don't they?" I replied, "Some do, yes." He responded by saying "if someone believes in a Master Plan, then why do they pray? What good does it do if the Plan has already been set?" I was startled at the stark contrast between this line of questioning and our conversation about marketing. My mind was reeling - I know all the things you're supposed to say: "free will" "God's sovereignty" "Jeremiah 29:11" - but in that moment my mind went blank. I froze. I started to stammer out some sort of lame response and he cut me off and said "we don't have time to discuss it right now" and went right back into our previous conversation. And just like that, the moment was gone. I can't help feeling like I really blew it. I look for those opportunities all the time. This one fell in my lap and I didn't know what to do.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
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5 comments:
Now you have your answer ready for when he "has the time." He will ask again and now you will be ready.
Billy
I wish I was one of those people who can speak their minds fluently, but unfortunately I fall under the tongue tied lot. Presented with that question (even twice) I would have the answer in my head, but I don't know how much sense it would make coming out of my mouth. Knowing you though, next time you'll deliver it perfectly with nary an "um" in the answer.
That little conversation might open up big doors for you in the future.
Those situations have a way of leaving you shaky, I know. (Been there, done that. Hate that "blank mind" feeling.)
Don't feel discouraged. Your friend pretty much broad-sided you with the question. (If he'd asked you that abruptly about your favorite recipe, you probably would have felt just as "blank.") The fact that you didn't have a cliche answer on the tip of your tongue probably gave you more credibility anyway. You were being real, not cookie-cutter Christian.
He just happened to ask one of the most difficult theological questions of all times. Ranks up there with "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
That happened to me once...on a plane. I got the "why would God let such terrible things happen?" question. I came off with some lame answer. At least you'll have the chance to give a better answer next time it comes up. My opportunity passed me by. :(
oh my gosh...we need to talk. (not because your mind went blank...but because i'm on that journey.)
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