Give It To God!

By Jason Ahrens

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”  (Luke 11:9-10)

I was working for a third party logistics firm specializing in transporting large construction equipment. My workplace was not known for its outstanding interpersonal relationships. I experienced a well-established combative and adversarial relationship with management which produced high levels of personal anxiety.

On short notice, I flew to Texas to survey a multi-million dollar project. I was in charge of the logistics for loading and transporting millions of pounds of equipment from there to the midwest. The responsibility was daunting. Moreover, the rigging company proved difficult to work with and altered the project in such a manner that it precluded our ability to make a profit.

I was in a dark place and I found myself pleading with the Lord to help me. I remembered a phrase used in my Challenge Group gatherings, “Give it to God!” In the midst of mounting anxiety and stress, I got on my knees and prayed often and intensely.

Christ showed up in the kindness of a soulful woman working the guard shack. She greeted me each morning with a smile and kind word. Over the weeks, we began sharing our stories in Christ and, in the end, I was able to tearfully express my gratitude to her for the grace-filled interactions we had had.

Christ showed up in the friendship extended by a forklift operator named Francisco. He had my back when transport problems happened. Moreover, he shared with me that on weekends he ministered at a prison and was a Spanish radio pastor. We prayed together and shared Scripture passages as we worked to untangle the complications of the project. I was working alongside the Lord.

God’s presence was surrounding me and lifting me up. Walking daily into the industrial park was at times lonely and discouraging. One morning, when my feet were dragging, I asked God, “Where are you, Lord?” At that moment, my phone started playing a song, “Have a Little Faith in Me” and as the sun broke through the darkness, I knew the Holy Spirit was strengthening me to be strong, resolute and to finish the project.

The first project was not a financial success and I was not applauded at the home office, but months later, we began Phase Two with the same company. I went into that challenge armed with greater confidence and faith that in truth, God is with me always! The “Jesus Loves You” billboard across from my hotel room, was a constant mantra and I experienced the Lord’s grace and success by “giving it to God!”

One thought on “Give It To God!

  1. Jason,
    Great story, well told!
    To me,
    It’s an encouragement of no matter the circumstance God’s love and grace are here for us.
    Peace,

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