God Alone

"This is the second time you’ve been written up for missing work this month. Nelson, you need this job. Get your priorities in line.”

Watching this scene, one might assume Nelson was shirking responsibilities, was lazy, or apathetic. But nothing was further from the truth. Nelson and his wife Marie had a very sick child and indeed their priorities were perfectly in line with God’s leading. But that didn’t align with corporate America.

“Nelson, how is your son?” The innocent question by a colleague jerked Nelson’s mind back.

“Not good. He’s not responding to the new medication and hasn’t slept in four days. God alone is keeping Marie and me going right now.”

“Sorry to hear that. But aren’t you worried about your job?”

“No. God alone is sovereign over my life and that includes my career. God has given me the skills to do my job and provided for us over the past five years. He’s more than capable to see us through whatever occurs.” With that declaration Nelson went into his office, much to the amazement of everyone who’d been listening to the chastisement from the boss and the gentle response of a young father.

“Look, February is traditionally our worst month,” the boss began the next day. “No leave time will be granted and even one day of sick leave will require a doctor’s letter.”

“He’s obviously under pressure from corporate to make goal,” remarked a woman.

“Yeah, but we’ve never made February’s mark during the seven years I’ve worked here. It’s a short month, no adjustments, two holidays, and no overtime allowed. What do you think, Nelson?”

“Speculation accomplishes nothing. God alone can make this goal, so that’s who I’m counting on.”

Nelson’s comments were ones heard before; but this time no one knew the depth of faith, even Nelson.

From day one Nelson and Marie realized little Charles was going to require a full-time parent at home, so Marie left her highly successful career. In truth, she hadn’t wanted to return to work after their son was born but not because of his illnesses.

Cutting their budget, giving up a car, moving to a smaller home, and wiping outside activities from their lives was hard but worth it. Charles required special, expensive treatments, surgeries, and countless doctors. Half the income and four times the financial demands didn’t equate; yet there was never a month when they were in the red or had to borrow to be solvent. 

“I’ve no idea how we’re paying our bills,” Nelson spoke to his men’s group. “I see my income, write out what we owe, and we’re always in debt. However, every pay period ends with a surplus of money. God alone is providing for us. Never more was this powerfully demonstrated to me than this past February.”

“Charles had just finished his first full week of school without missing a day from being sick. Marie and I were praising God for His merciful hand and answering our specific prayer about Charles attending school consistently. We thought we were turning a corner. But then the detour signs emerged.” The men all laughed and nodded their agreement.

“Waking at 3:00 a.m. early one morning, Charles was violently ill, requiring a familiar ER visit. Our response was the same – call the family and get the prayer team on alert. God alone is able and there is nothing we have to offer. After a most challenging diagnosis I called work to say I’d not be in for a few days. My boss was livid. Despite constant days off to help with Charles, I remained the company’s number one salesman. God alone allowed this to happen in response to over 60 prayer warriors who daily lifted my family and me to the throne. There’s NO other rationale for this.”

“When I returned to work three days later, my boss handed me a formal notice that I’d been written up for unexcused absences.”

“Nelson, this is the second time since the new year you’ve been written up. One more occurrence and you’ll fall under a mandatory release. Also, your pay is being docked. Yes, you have sick leave – but that’s for you, not your kid. Yes, you have vacation time – but as you knew, no leaves are permitted in February.”

With that the boss left.

“He’s just upset at how corporate sees us not making goal.” Nelson heard his colleague.

“I understand,” Nelson calmly said.

“Aren’t you concerned? You could lose your job.”

“God alone controls where I work and what comes into my life. I’m pretty sure He’s aware of the situation, so I’ll just let Him sort things out.” 

With that Nelson took his formal reprimand and went to his desk. As usual, he pulled out his Bible, opened it to the Proverb he was on and read the familiar, comforting words in 30:7-9. He knew without a doubt God was promising him His provision, despite the odds man had stacked against him. He called his wife and mom to let them know what had transpired and simply asked that he would not doubt God alone could bring success in the dismal situation before him.

For the remaining three business days in February Nelson consistently had the highest sales ever recorded in any month by any representative. His boss even asked if others were contributing to his numbers. God alone was impacting Nelson’s sales in response to the sixty men and women who’d joined in covenant prayer and fasting for his success.

“I’ll admit, when I look back and realize I missed one-sixth of my scheduled work days, and still managed to sell more than anyone in the company, that the prayers of the righteous are heard and answered in ways that truly make the proud foolish and the humble wise. My only need is God alone. My only prayer is God alone. My only hope is God alone.”

Never doubt He’s listening!