I had to quit my day job. After three surgeries on my left eye and a major surgery for torn tendons and a shredded ligament in my left wrist, all within a year, working while recovering from all of it became extremely taxing on my mental and physical health. That, along with a toxic workplace atmosphere, took its toll. Indigestion, lack of sleep, and a growing inability to cope overshadowed my attempts to stay positive and thankful.
When I learned I was facing yet another eye surgery and even worse, another reconstructive surgery on the same wrist (with no guarantee there would be full use, plus the possibility that nerve damage may occur), I prayed long and hard. Always believing in Philippians 4:13– that I could do anything with the help of Christ, I had to confess that this time, I just couldn’t. “Lord,” I sobbed. “I’m sorry. I just can’t do it all one more time. I’m not that strong.”
A peace fell over my shoulders as I heard a whisper, not from inside my head but through my soul. “There is another saying you love, remember? Let go, let God? Then let Me handle it. “
Right. But the reality was I couldn’t make ends meet with just my part-time, second, virtual job. I spoke with my son, who told me how much he could help out for the next three months, so I could take a health hiatus. Bless him! But I was still several hundred dollars short. Again, I went to my knees. “Okay, then, Lord. You have always provided. I trust in You. I am letting go.” I typed up my resignation letter, giving a month’s notice, and scheduled my surgeries. Still, my stomach practiced sailors’ knots.
Then, two days later, after Bible study, I stopped at the mail center in my apartment complex for the weekly check of my mailbox, fully expecting it to be stuffed with junk advertising. But, edged amongst all the ads was an envelope the size of a greeting card. I recognized the city of origin but not the address. Curious, I opened it to find a note from a person I had not heard from in many years. And a check… for the exact amount of what I would be short for two months. The note stated that God had put it on this person’s heart to send me this exact amount. They did not know why, but acted in obedience. Any thanks should be directed to God, not them. The check was dated two days before I had put a pencil to my finances. Before I realized my need, God was busy providing.
The next week, I discovered I was to be paid for the vacation time I never took–almost to the penny of the amount I’d be short the third month I needed for my hiatus.
Now, by being frugal in my spending, I can take this needed time off. I have no idea what doors will open after this, but 2026 looks to be a year of unexpected blessings and surprises. One thing I do know, each one will have God’s nail-pierced handprints all over them.
How about you? If God has blessed you in unexpected ways, I would love to hear about it.
Where Did You Find God Today? 