11th Hour Miracle
I was driving to work that morning as usual, radio off and my many thoughts filling the stillness. I usually pray while driving to work but not that day. My mind was too busy. I was making plans in my head, calculating the amount of overtime I will need to work in order to achieve the things I wanted. I felt comforted in knowing I came up with what I thought was a “fool proof” plan…or so I thought. I remember quickly praying to God for the strength to get through yet another day and exhaled. Little did I know what test and trial awaited me upon my arrival.
We often strategize and come up with plans and create safety nets when we are faced with a challenge, thinking it will bring us comfort and ease our minds from stresses and worries. Don’t get me wrong, preparation is good and also wise but no amount of preparation can give you enough peace during a storm as placing your trust in God and His promises that will never fail.
Shortly after my arrival to work I found myself in my supervisor’s office hearing the words, “We’ll have to let you go”, she said. Go? I thought to myself, Go where? I can’t…not now. This can’t be real. My heart was pounding. I’m just not ready, I thought to myself. I’m not prepared for this. I pleaded with her for more time, another chance…just a few more months so I could sort things out. The answer was no. Minds were made up. Faced with an unsettling reality I felt my chest get tight. Her words were like a fast traveling curve ball aimed directly at my heart. I managed to gather myself and walk out. That day the hallways seemed particularly long as I passed colleagues with my belongings in hand, a wounded heart and my head hung low. When I finally reached my car I balled my eyes out. This is not the way it was supposed to end I thought to myself. For once I was speechless, I had no plans, no strategies…uneasy with the day and unsure of my tomorrow.
After a much needed pep talk with a family member, I pulled myself together enough to drive home. I prayed…more like cried out to God until I slept off. When I woke, I had an incredible sense of peace come over me. Almost indescribable… I was fully aware of my circumstances but for some reason that awareness didn’t matter. It had no influence on my peace. I recalled all the good words God has spoken over my life, His promises and the past times he had come through for me. The more I remembered the more I was encouraged. God’s Words were overriding every negative word spoken to me in that office. The more I focused on Him there was simply no room for anything else.
Though I had peace and was sure that everything would ultimately work out I was quite uncomfortable to be honest. Uncomfortable because I had never been in such a situation. A situation where I was completely dependent upon God for my next move, unsure of what the next day would bring. I was so uncomfortable that I began to think…not worry but think. I didn’t sleep that night. I was completely out of my comfort zone and it forced me to think outside of the box and fast. I prayed for grace and asked God to open my eyes to something only my faith could see. I remembered that I had been applying for a new job or a job transfer for a year and a half before all this happened with no avail but instead of allowing that to discourage me I considered that perhaps it’s time to see and move with faith and not with what I could see or with what I had previously experienced. I came upon a job posting that night that was quite appealing but I didn’t think I was qualified for it. I really loved the title of the posting, it caught my eye….”Director of…” I smiled to myself and thought, “Wouldn’t that be amazing if I had a job like this, awesome hours, great salary, just a few miles away from home and “Director” after my name.” I shook my head thinking it was almost dream-like and went on applying for other jobs I felt I was more qualified for after reading the required qualifications on each posting. After some time I felt bothered in my spirit so I went back to the posting I thought I wasn’t qualified for and decided to read about it. Wow, the more I read the more appealing it looked! This is my ideal job I thought to myself. So what if I apply and they say no? It wouldn’t hurt to try. So I revamped my resume and sent it out. When I woke up the next day I had three missed calls. Three different places wanted me to come in for an interview, one of those places was my “dream” job. The first two places said what I was so tired of hearing, ”we’ll keep your resume on file but there is a more qualified candidate we have chosen at this time”. I hated the atmosphere of the two places anyway I thought, unsafe neighborhoods, dirty workplaces and unhappy faces…maybe it was better they said no.
Every day of unemployment felt longer than the previous. Drawn out days and even longer nights. Bills starred me in my face. Every day I prayed, I worshiped, I praised, I trusted, I wrestled with doubts, I gave, I encouraged others, I spoke in faith but most importantly…I believed. It was a conscious and deliberate effort. I believed in God and what he said, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
Well, I’m overjoyed to share that the third place said yes. I was hired merely a few weeks after doors were shut in front of me and the rug was pulled from under my feet. The same office I was interviewed in became my own office. I don’t just mean the room but I mean the entire office…I was put in charge. I’ll never forget my first day. I walked in to a celebration of my arrival….balloons, food, welcome cards and genuine smiles. As I sat for the first time in my office I saw a name placard on my desk. It read, “Faith…Director/Administrator of…” I knelt on my knees right there and cried the sweetest tears of joy and began to praise God. A true 11th hour miracle. Though it tarried it was not late. It was right on time.
“The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22
Sometimes, we need to be made uncomfortable for God to get our attention, for us to think outside the box and for us to remember our movement and success is not determined by our own strength but by the grace and favor of God alone. Truthfully I would have never thought to apply for this job on my own if I had not been thrown into this situation. God loved me enough to set me up…for greatness. He’s setting you up too. You just need eyes full of faith to see it. How many blessing are we missing because we don’t have enough courage to step out and claim great things reserved for us because of a lack of faith? The journey to greatness has never been comfortable but is always worth it.
Dear friends, let me tell you…you may be experiencing rejection now but it is impossible for anything or anyone to interrupt the Word God has spoken concerning you. It is coming to pass…
The word of God spoken over your life is never governed by time, circumstances, or trials in your life. Not even by what people say or try and do to you. God’s Word is governed by God himself. Men may shut doors on you but God is the owner of every door. Which door is He unable to open?
There is a time for everything… though it tarries it will never be late. God is faithful and will see you through. He knows your name. “He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out…” Be encouraged. Thank you for taking the time to read… I’ll leave you will this verse and prayer:
“No one who hopes in you will ever be put to shame, but shame will come on those who are treacherous without cause.” Psalm 25:3
With love,
Faith ‘Biela
faithbiela 
8 Responses to “11th Hour Miracle”
Very nice and inspiring too 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Wow! Praise God for Your Testimony. He came right through… God is Faithful. A Present Help in times of Need. My Faith just got few steps Higher. Thanks for sharing. I Celebrate You Sister.
Thank you!
Amazing blog Faith. I was really encouraged reading what God has done in your life. It’s a joy seeing reminders of God working and His faithfulness. Wow.
Thank you! I’m so glad that it encouraged you. God is always working and is truly faithful. 🙂
I love the way you have expressed yourself and glorified God in this post. It’s awesome. Reminds me of the few occasions when I’ve been through something similar and had that certain feeling of calmness and surety about everything being in God’s hand and not having to worry. It’s one of the most wonderful feelings in the world. Keep sharing such encouraging stories. Thank you & God bless.
Thank you! God bless you too.