The Forty-Five Days

 On October 23, 2019, I was released from prison on parole.

During the short time I was home, I worked every day on my business plans and continued

writing the book. I prayed often for God to open doors for the business I was trying to build.

Looking back now, I realize nothing happened with that business because God had a different

plan.

On December 7, 2019, I was unexpectedly pulled over while driving to pick up Carlee from

work. The officer stopped me because I didn’t have a license plate on the front of my car.

Because I was on parole, they searched the vehicle. In the back seat was Carlee’s purse, which

contained prescription medication. Since I was driving the car, I was held responsible.

Suddenly I was back in jail.

I couldn’t understand why this was happening. I had been doing everything I could to move

forward.

While sitting there feeling frustrated and confused, I heard the Spirit ask a simple question:

“Have you looked for a sign?”

I looked around the room.

Sitting next to me was a man I recognized immediately—a friend from prison camp.

Months earlier, before he had been released, I had given him a pair of shoes.

Now he was sitting beside me again.

At that moment I understood something: even this situation was not outside of God’s plan.

During the next forty-five days something unexpected happened between Carlee and me. Every

day we began having devotions together over the phone. I would study scripture, then call her

and share what I had learned.

During that same time she helped type the manuscript of the book I was writing.

What first appeared to be another setback had actually become a season of spiritual growth for

both of us.

Sometimes when we pray for something, we do not realize how God intends to answer that

prayer.