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PROGRAM D-8415
Fran, our imaginary workplace woman who has practiced the presence of Jesus on her job, has found that by obeying him, she has made her boss angry and has lost a very promising new account.
But Jesus has helped her to understand that no matter if it seems to turn out wrong, when we obey him, we cannot lose.
Fran says to Jesus, “Well, I better try to find another prospect to take the place of the one I just lost. Please help me with this new prospect, Lord. You know how hard it is to get through to this person.” She picks up the phone and, amazingly, is able to get through to her. Even more amazing, she’s willing to listen. As a result, she has an appointment tomorrow afternoon.
“Great,” she says as she hangs up the phone. “I’ve been trying for two months to get through to that woman. Thanks, Lord.”
Even though the day has been a disaster, she feels a lightness of spirit and an underlying joy which she can’t even describe. It sure makes a difference to have Jesus there all day.
“Fran, do you remember what I said about the people who crucified me?” Jesus asks her.
Fran thought a moment. “Forgive them for they know not what they do. Is that what you mean, Lord?”
“Uh huh, that’s it. Can you forgive Marilyn and Tom since they don’t know what they’re doing? They don’t have me in their lives, you know, Fran. What can you expect from anyone who doesn’t have my power to help them? Just think of how you would have behaved if I hadn’t been there.”
Fran is always amazed at how Jesus puts everything into perspective. As soon as she thinks about it that way, Fran begins to feel sorry for Marilyn and Tom, and to actually forgive them. “Thanks, Lord, I needed that reminder.”
At quitting time, as Fran is putting on her coat, Marilyn walks in. “You know, you have one more chance to change your mind. We’ve redone the proposal the way I wanted it done. If you’ll go with that, I’ll tell Tom the account is yours.”
Fran smiles at Marilyn and finds it isn’t even difficult to say, “Thanks, Marilyn. I appreciate that offer, but my answer’s still the same. Good luck tomorrow. Hope Tom gets the business.”
Marilyn shakes her head. “I’ll never understand you, Fran. You’re strange.”
There’s no fairy-tale ending here; Fran did what Jesus wanted her to do and suffered some loss for it. That happens; but because Fran was constantly aware of the presence of Jesus in her life, she came out victorious.
What I sincerely hope and pray is that you will see the enormous blessing and benefit which comes to all of us when we practice the presence of the Lord in our lives.