When God Shows Up in the Middle of the Deadline
Many times, we feel overwhelmed because we are trying to accomplish God’s assignment with human effort. That’s a burden we were never meant to carry.
This past weekend, “Superwoman Rachel” had to make an extended appearance.
I had two research papers due at midnight… and still had ten pages left to write. The catch? They had to be squeezed into one of the busiest ministry weekends imaginable:
- Friday night Black History program
- Women’s International Day of Prayer on Saturday
- Family & Friends Day on Sunday
Somewhere between all of that, I had to finish writing, editing, researching, and submitting graduate-level theology papers. I honestly wasn’t sure I would make the deadline.
During a break in the afternoon’s activities, I tucked myself into one of the church offices and started typing nonstop. No distractions. No overthinking. Just writing.
At 12:04 a.m.,, both papers were submitted.
Four minutes late according to the clock… but right on time according to grace.
By then, I was so exhausted I wasn’t even confident the papers made sense. I handed them over to God and kept moving. Ministry didn’t stop, and neither did life. I decided not to obsess over it.
The Moment of Truth
Days passed before I even checked the grade for the class that challenged me the most - Systematic Theology.
When I finally logged in and clicked “Grades,” I froze.
100
A perfect score.
I stared at the screen, blinked, refreshed, and looked again. Still 100.
I jumped up praising God because I knew there was no way that result came from my strength alone.
And in that quiet moment, I felt a reminder settle into my spirit:
“Take care of what I’ve called you to do, and I will take care of you.”
God reminded me that the calling He places on our lives is never meant to be carried by our own ability.
When He led me to pursue theology studies while still serving, leading, and building ministry, I had a thousand questions:
How will this work?
How will I manage it all?
Why now?
But He has proven again and again that obedience comes first—and provision follows.
Many times, we feel overwhelmed because we are trying to accomplish God’s assignment with human effort. That’s a burden we were never meant to carry.
We cannot lead, serve, grow, or fulfill purpose apart from Him.
If you feel stretched, tired, or unsure how everything will come together, pause and ask yourself:
Am I trying to do this alone?
Because the truth is:
You can’t do God’s work without God’s power.
But when you rely on Him, He sustains what He calls.
“Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,” says the Lord Almighty.
Zechariah 4:6
Prayer
Lord,
Thank You for reminding me that I cannot do this without You.
Teach me to trust Your strength over my own effort.
Help me walk under Your covering and fulfill what You have called me to do.
Amen.