My last post was a call to arms. A call to recognize the evil surrounding us and to fight against it. We are all so busy trying to get through each day that we fail to absorb our surroundings. We are totally tuned out. It is because of our busy schedules that the powers of evil are able to move in and take over. If everyone stopped to meditate for a few minutes each day, our world would begin to open up and our mind would see what it has been missing.
Understanding the power of evil lurking around us becomes less frightening in the big picture, when we also open our eyes to the miracles around us. How many people can remember the last miracle that they themselves, witnessed? I am not talking of something that was shown on the news, but a true miracle, right before your very eyes.
The first, and most obvious miracle I witnessed came in 1994, when my VP at the the time, and I were preparing to install a new location in Jacksonville, Florida. Prior to our installation day, we looked through the building and decided to take measurements, just for the heck of it. After taking the measurement and thinking for a moment, my VP turned flush. He said he made a mistake when he took his original measurements. Just to be sure, we took measurements one more time and they went to where we had our equipment being prepared for the install. It was as clear as daylight, we were six inches short of space with only hours before the installation was scheduled to begin.
At dinner that night, we sweat over building floor plans to find alternative layouts for the equipment. We came up with some ideas, but they were not very good alternatives and may not be enough to save my VP from embarrassment and possibly, the loss of his job. This was a very important account and failure was not an option. Since Bill and I both were faithful Christians, we both prayed for guidance and help through this trial. Separately, I prayed that Bill would be helped and spared the embarrassment and stress of a failed operation.
The next morning, we arrive at the account, with the equipment, the movers and some very uneasy alternative plans. In the first area, we tried to place the machines using our alternate, but found it just would not work. In a moment, I was moved to place the machines as originally planned, though I was certain, based on facts, that this would not work.
As the movers began rearranging the machines, it was as if the walls moved as the machines eased cleanly into the space, without a hair to spare. There was no doubt in either of our minds that we were witnessing a miracle. We gave thanks on the spot. I remember it to this day because, while I had always been faithful, I had never seen a miracle occur before my eyes.
A couple years ago, as a red light turned green, I started into the intersection. It was truly a miracle that I slammed on my brakes in a moment. As I wondered to myself why I stopped, despite the green light, a car came racing at full throttle, through the intersection. This was the same care that would have broad sided me had I not stopped when I did. I knew again, that I had witnessed a miracle.
Three weeks ago, during the transition of business between my employer and the company we were purchasing, the deal had essentially stopped dead. I was given word by my Regional Vice President to stop all plans to move, to stop all orders which had been directed to our new location and to return to business as usual. Similar to my earlier example, my RVP was concerned about the failure of this deal as a lot of money had changed hands to this point, in preparation for the acquisition. Also, as in the past, I turned to prayer. I asked for God to help clear up any differences as this transaction would help both teams by providing greater support and increased opportunities. The deal closed less than 24 hours later. At the time, I was not aware of any possible promotion or pay increase. Since I am not motivated by money, it was not even a thought nor a goal.
These three examples are true miracles; gifts from God. The reason they stand out is because of the enormity of the reward. But these three examples are not the only miracles I have witnessed. When I keep my eyes and my mind open, I see many examples of God's work, not only in my life but in the lives of those around me. My challenge to everyone is to open your eyes and see the miracles in your life. Do this any you will see that miracles truly never cease!
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