Does God answer technical questions about work-related problems? Would He actually take the time to tell us how to fix something when we can’t figure it out? This is Ed’s true story.
What on earth is wrong with this thing? Ed was having one of those frustrating days at work. As a computer technician in the early years of his career, he often had to repair various kinds of equipment. This particular printer was proving to be a real challenge.
Finally, in desperation, Ed asked God to help him fix the obstinate machine.
At that moment, he dropped a small screw. The inner components of the printer were protected by a cover plate with a tiny hole in it. Of course, the screw found its way to that exact spot and dropped down out of sight.
This isn’t the kind of help I needed, Ed sighed. Now he would have to take the cover off and search for that screw down in the sub-assembly.
When he got the cover off, Ed peered in among the maze of wires and connectors. Sure enough, there was the renegade screw, hiding among the wires. As he picked up the screw, he noticed something else. A cable had come loose and was partly disconnected. Ed tightened the cable and put the cover plate back in place.
Presto! The printer was working!
Ed realized that God had answered his prayer after all, precisely when he asked for help. If the screw hadn’t fallen into the hole, he never would have taken the cover off to discover the real problem. He was amazed at how God had used a supposed setback to reveal the solution to his problem.
Then Ed remembered his off-handed remark to God about the kind of help he “didn’t need.” Oops! Why do I question You? he wondered. This incident taught him to be more careful in the way he talked to God. Obviously God has a reason for everything He does.
Since that day, Ed has made a habit over the years of praying about his problems at work. When a solution evades him and frustration rises, he realizes he can’t fix it on his own. With a whispered prayer and renewed efforts, he usually has his answer within ten to fifteen minutes. Again and again, God reveals His wisdom is available to us in our times of inadequacy.
Ed has no idea how he could have made it this far in his career without Someone to guide him. When it comes to computers, it’s definitely an advantage to have God on your “tech team.”
God says, “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).
This true story is from my book God With Us – 50 True Stories of God’s Faithfulness. To receive a new, discounted copy shipping free, contact me. Also available online.