Enjoy this Mysterious Ways story from the latest GuidePosts Magazine (April/May 2022), submitted by Andrea Washington, Piscataway, NJ.
Gas. Brake. Gas. Brake. My foot was starting to cramp from switching between the pedals. Typical for prime rush hour.
My office was 30 miles from home. Before my first day, I discovered that no matter when I left or which route I took, my commute ended up the same – a total nightmare. Aggressive drivers, bumper-to-bumper traffic, construction delays. Evenings were the worst. After a long day at work, I wanted to relax, not inch along the highway while car horns blared.
I’d taken to praying during my drive. I asked God for traveling mercies – the tranquility to stay calm and alert on the road, and safe passage both ways. Still, month after month of the horrendous commute was wearing me down. I was stressed, having trouble sleeping and quick to anger. I couldn’t go on like this.
Traffic was picking up…finally. Seeing signs for the mall, I let out a sigh of relief. The mall meant I was halfway home. It was a high-end mall, with designer boutiques and specialty stores. Though I couldn’t afford to shop there, it had become a landmark I looked forward to.
As I passed it today, I said another prayer, different from my usual. More specific and fervent. “Please. God,” I whispered, “I want a shorter commute. I don’t want to have to drive farther than this mall ever again.”
A few days later, my supervisor pulled me aside. The company was dissolving my department. I was being let go, effective immediately. I cleared out my desk, trying not to feel bitter. If this was God’s way of answering my prayer, I didn’t like it. But the horrible commute was over.
While I looked for a new permanent position, I gave my resume to a temp agency. The recruiter had no idea when there would be an opening for someone with my skill set. “I’ll call you if something comes up,” he said. It felt like a brush-off to me.
Imagine my surprise when the recruiter called the next Monday. He had a 12-week position. Good pay. Good company. Of course, I accepted. I had just one question. “I don’t know where the company is located,” I said. “Can you give me directions?”
“It’s easy to find,” he said. “You know the mall? The high-end one right off the highway?”
“Yes.”
“The office is just across the street.”
RW Comments: I used to have a long and arduous work-week commute from Weslaco to McAllen – a few years ago before I started at FBCW about six years ago. I had to leave my house by 7:00 am in order to avoid the rush hour traffic which nearly every week would produce an accident of some kind (cringe face here!). It was stop and go traffic for miles – every morning, and every afternoon for the commute which I did for about two years. I would occasionally daydream/pray out loud in the car to God about having a job where my commute would be less than 10 minutes. I have always had horrendous commutes in my life and have never had a job that was just down the street or near my neighborhood – until our good and faithful Lord made it happen for me and answered my prayers. My commute now to FBC is less than 10 minutes – love it!! So I will tell you – pray for it, boldly ask God for what it is you want and see His hand work in your life!
Prayer:
Father God –Thank you for answering my prayers in the way that is best for my life. Your perfect plan and purpose for each of us is played out in where we live, where we go to school, or where we work. Let me see that plan and purpose and how I can be a shining light in your kingdom always. In Christ Alone – Amen!