The comedy Evan Almighty seems an unusual place to find profound wisdom, but, alas, it is there. If you haven’t seen this movie from 2007, it is a lighthearted family-friendly good time.
The movie follows a supporting character from the first film Bruce Almighty with Jim Carrey. Evan, played by Steve Carell, is a workaholic who gets tapped by God to become the next Noah, as in Noah’s ark. There is a scene where Morgan Freeman, who plays God, is speaking to Evan’s wife who had prayed to have her family be closer, but is now confused and frustrated by Evan’s seemingly odd behavior as he works on the ark.
The advice offered is, well, read for yourself…
“Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?” -Morgan Freeman’s as God in Evan Almighty
This quote has always struck me. How often do we expect all of our troubles to miraculously disappear? We ignore that we already have the ability to demonstrate the patience, courage and love we need.
In terms of illness and healing, we have the resilience and strength to meet the challenges that are presented to us. This is very different from “you are being tested and are strong enough to handle it.” I don’t think that illness is any sort of test or that we have challenges simply because we can handle them. I think everyone has the capacity to surprise themselves with the depth of resilience they have.
When we feel that we are missing patience, courage or love what’s really missing is the faith that those things are already there. Whatever quality it is that you need, you have the ability to demonstrate that in miraculous ways right now. We must step forward not knowing if we can handle it to see that we are able to. That is how prayer is answered.
I keep this idea close to my heart for when things get rougher than I would choose.
What are some unexpected quotes you love?