Elle and Rose were neighbors in the same apartment complex of nearly 300 dwellings. Management announced that every resident would be going through a mandatory renovation that would take one, possibly two days per unit. Both women were initially upset because of the inconvenience of having to pack up their belongings. However, rather than having to move out, residents could stay…

except during the hours when workers were doing their job. They would update all appliances, light fixtures, switch plates and outlet covers, wet space flooring, door and baseboard trim, interior doors, all window coverings, all cabinets and countertops in kitchen and bath, new plumbing fixtures, ceiling fan, mirror, and medicine cabinet.

Elle spoke positively about “The Reno” as they dubbed it. She prayed for the workers, that their work and all installations would be completed on time, better than expected and sooner than expected. Rather than focus on the inconvenience of packing, she chose to look at the separation from her belongings as an opportunity to reset and reconsider her space. She decided it was a good time to rearrange to add to the feeling and look of having a new place.

Although Rose said she was excited about the upgrade, she vocalized her doubt that it could be completed in a day. Her conversations were peppered with I hope so… I don’t see how… I can’t believe… Rose stated that the workers were getting finished later and later each day. She opted to stay with family for several days, revealing her deep doubts that it could be finished on time.

Elle often stated that they would accomplish all they set out to do with excellence, and not only finish on time (which was usually between 6 or 7PM) but early. She even sent Rose a message.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if they were finished by 5:30?

Yes it would, but I don’t see how…

Elle continued to pray and believe not because the renovation was Friday, but because her religious observance was to begin at sundown—and she wanted time to prepare. She sought divine intervention, calling upon God to help the laborers and their process, and multiply all their efforts, strength and ability. And that all would go smoothly, and they would be in unity throughout the day.

On Friday morning, Elle vocalized her concerns and hopes to YHVH. “I trust you and know you are sovereign over all things. Whatever happens will be for my good, and I will deal with it. But I would be happy to get home earlier than expected, and you know why. If I have found favor in your eyes, please bring this to pass.” Then she took her backpack and left her apartment in the hands of the renovation team, trusting God and imagining the best possible outcome.

Elle spent the morning in a coffee shop, as a treat for doing all they had asked. She kept busy by reading, journaling and praying about other things. After lunch, she watched short documentaries on her laptop. At 4:30, she heard the faintest, internal whisper, “Pack up your things.” Although it was early, Elle gathered all her few belongings into her bag and continued watching the video. Then her phone rang.

“Your apartment is ready!” It was 5:00.

Rose’s apartment was also finished. Initially, it looked like both ladies got the same outcome despite their words and beliefs. However, as each woman went into their respective apartments, there were startling differences.

Rose discovered the brand-new microwave oven didn’t work. Not only that, but her stove also didn’t work. Her dishwasher didn’t start. Her refrigerator was not up to temperature. One of the track lights was out. The cable for TV wouldn’t come on. And the vertical blinds opened only partially. Unhappy, Rose went back to stay with family.

Elle stepped into her apartment in awe of the transformation. All the lights worked, the appliances were functional, and the cabinetry installed as promised. And it looked beautiful! She thanked the renovation team and hugged the foreman for completing all the work ahead of schedule. Then she went on to thank God for all that He had done.

I may not have believed that two places side by side could have had such different outcomes, had I not witnessed this with my own eyes. What are your thoughts? Do words and beliefs have power, or is it all coincidence?

Share your thoughts and comments below!