The end of last month I had a real interesting week. Sunday the 27th, I faced the first day of a job I worked over two months to get into. Some friends from church had collected money to put me into lodging until my first paycheck–but the job started two weeks later than originally expected. So I secured the job, but faced a return to homelessness by Wednesday of my first week.

So I was dealing with the possibility of losing the job because of this challenge.  If I could not maintain my new temporary home, I would have to return to homelessness, forfeit the extra clothing, iron, dishes and other amenities that I acquired in this short time. I would also be yoked again with that feeling of hopelessness that accompanies ambitions and dreams lost. I have proven strong to survive in the past but after tirelessly working the last nine months to arrive to this modest point, loosing this would impact me with tremendous power.

That Sunday night, I gave a modest prayer.  I have not done such in the past, believing that simply enduring the process would provide sufficient spiritual insight–that Jesus would give lessons of enlightenment.  But that night I needed My Father as any child would, staring into the abyss of discouragement.

“Lord, you know I’m not one to ask, but I need you now like I never have before. All I need is to survive the week. I have no money and do not know how to get it, but I need a week’s rent. I need to last at least my first week at work.”

Let go and let God? I had no choice. I did not have the resources, so all I could do would be to wait for my Wednesday check out to come.  At least I’d still get a few days to work before I went down.

My first day at work went very well and my new employer was surprisingly comfortable. I was skeptical, considering my start date had already been bumped twice–their decision.

At the close of the work day, I took a two hour bus ride downtown to maintain a commitment to a volunteer effort that could use my help with graphics.  A friend said that she could help with 1/3 of what I would need towards rent for the upcoming week.  I supposed I could use this to eat, once I would no longer have a home.

But my arrival at home, later that evening, changed my plans to return the streets and homelessness.  My sister had sent an email saying that she could help with a loan for 2/3’s of what I needed.  I have always said that God is the master of mathematics, with all those details needed to keep the universe working.  This was so smooth; I would guess He was showing me how easy He could flex a muscle.

Wow! Thank you Lord!

Now, all I would need is to acquire money for another week of travel, so I could ride the bus until my first payday on the 9th.

I waited for the bus to work Tuesday morning and see a couple of shuttles headed for the college. I know they don’t pick up at bus stops on the way, so I jokingly put my hand up, like I’m waving for a cab. The second shuttle stops and picks me up.

I take this act of kindness as Jesus getting involved and offering me an opportunity.  I tell the driver that I accept her kindness as a “God thing” and that I want to return the favor using my graphics or web design skills.

“You do websites? I have a non-profit and need a website.”

Whoa.

We talk about what she would need and my abilities. She lets me out at a stop where I could intercept my next bus.  As I exit, I notice the time and realize that had she not picked me up, I would have been late (about 2 hours if I missed that next bus).

I look up to a fine sunny morning and whisper, “You’re good!”

I am convinced that with faith and a good heart, prayers are answered.